Illinois Bill Would Let You Dump Your License For A Digital One

Think about the number of times over the years that you've been asked to show identification, and how many times you've then had to root around in your wallet or purse to find it. Or, you knew exactly where it was, but you had to pry it out of that little plastic window you keep in behind.

Well, if an Illinois House Bill ends up being signed into law, the days of having to carry a physical copy of your license plate (for certain situations, anyway) might be behind us (unless you really, really like being old-school about your driver's license)

So, What's A Digital Driver's License, And How Does It Work?

Even though I typed it myself, I've got to say that's a great question. I've never had many problems with the old-timey analog driver's licenses, and other than wear and tear (along with a stack of yearly stickers in the upper corner), I don't have much to complain about with our plates, either.

According to an explanation at UpgradedPoints.com, the digital driver’s license (DDL) is a secure​ version of your physical driver’s license or ID card that can be stored on your cell phone.

A DDL isn’t just a digital copy or screenshot of your driver’s license; the technology works with your state’s government to set up and verify your identity digitally through an app or your smartphone. Both iPhone and Android users can already store things like credit cards, plane tickets, hotel keys, and event tickets in digital wallets. In the same way, a DDL grants you easy access to your license or ID on your device.

Digital Driver's Licenses Are In Place In Multiple States, And 3 States Are Also Moving Toward Digital Plates

The states currently offering the option of a DDL, or are in the testing phase, include

• Arizona
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• New York
• Oklahoma
• Utah

Illinois State Representative Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) introduced HB1110 back in January of this year as an option to the driver's licenses we've all come to know over the years.

WGNTV.com:

“Pull up their phone and have all their information right there,” Rep. Buckner said. “(I) embraced this idea that Illinois can come once again to the 21st century and our ability to use technological tools at our disposable to make things easier.”

If passed, an individual would not be issued a citation for driving without a physical driver’s license if they present a digitized driver’s license.