SPRINGFIELD, Ill. � Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias supports House Bill 4592, which would allow residents to use digital driver's licenses and state IDs alongside their physical cards.
The legislation, sponsored by State Representative Kam Buckner (26th District) and State Senator Michael Hastings (19th District), aims to modernize the Secretary of State's office and provide residents with greater convenience.
If passed, Illinois would join 12 other states (including bordering states of Iowa and Missouri) offering digital identification options.
“Innovation serves as the underpinning of our work to make lives better through better technology. A digital ID is a logical next step when it comes to providing proof that you’re qualified to drive and identifying yourself at stores, banks and doctor’s offices,� Buckner said. “I’m confident this legislation will ensure that the implementation of digital IDs is done in the right way to protect the privacy of all Illinoisans.�
“This initiative marks a major milestone, providing Illinois residents with touchless convenience, and businesses and law enforcement with the tools and information they require,� Hastings said. “The move to digitals IDs represents a growing trend across the country as the technology has become even more fraud-resistant than physical cards. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic sped up the widespread adoption of contactless identification methods significantly � including digital IDs.�
Supporters argue that digital IDs offer improved security, privacy control, and convenience for users, law enforcement, and businesses.
The bill proposes granting the Secretary of State's office authority to implement digital IDs through a secure and competitive bidding process.
Critics of digital IDs may raise concerns regarding potential risks, privacy issues, and accessibility for certain populations.
These considerations would likely be debated during the legislative process.
Giannoulias says that the initiative will help to reduce in-office wait times and lines at the DMVs because a digital platform will allow users to make changes remotely.
The legislation would not entirely eliminate physical driver's licenses, but use digital IDs as a companion to the physical card.
