Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is pushing new legislation to allow state residents to use digital versions of their driver's licenses and IDs. If the bipartisan legislation passes, implementation could begin next year.
Giannoulias says, "With technological advancements and additional safeguards to make it the most secure and state-of-the-art system in the nation, we're confident Illinoisans will soon have the option to 'carry' a digital version of their driver's license or state ID."
If the General Assembly approves it, Illinois will join 12 other states that already allow digital forms of identification. The legislation will not eliminate physical driver's licenses and IDs, as digital cards will act as companions.
Digital IDs will also offer privacy control options that allow people to verify their age while hiding personal information like addresses when purchasing alcohol, cannabis, or renting a car. The digital platform lets users change details on their cards without having to wait in line at DMVs.
