The future is now. This July, NC residents will have the option to go mobile via digital driver’s licenses thanks to a new law in effect approving the study and eventual use of mobile IDs.
Backed by nearly unanimous bipartisan support, the law dictates these mobile driver’s licenses will be the “legal equivalent” of the traditional, polycarbonate hard copy licenses. Translation: The digital card *should* allow you to make a run to the ABC store, exercise the right to vote and simply pull out a phone when flashing lights pull up behind you on the interstate.
Following the bill’s passage, the DMV was directed in the legislation to study and provide a plan for implementation—including anticipated rollout, additional costs, involvement of a third-party vendor, security and protection of privacy rights. All the details were due back to the General Assembly on the first of this year for the July rollout (the report’s findings have not been shared publicly as of press time).
Despite the futuristic notion of a digital ID, NC is nowhere near the first to take licenses online—at least 15 states have active mobile driver’s license programs, and 10+ more are considering legalizing them or developing apps.
In states such as New Mexico, residents can store their driver’s license in their Apple Wallet and/or Google Wallet, plus the technology also allows for immediate updates to license information and status changes. While it’s unclear whether NC residents will have this luxury, we can only cross our fingers this means less trips to the DMV regardless.
JUST THE FACTS
The DMV report on the NC-specific details has yet to be released or reviewed by the General Assembly, so we took a look at how other states are operating.
Does it count as a real ID?
Yes. The REAL ID Modernization Act states that the REAL ID Act applies to state-issued mobile driver’s licenses and mobile identification cards.
Will all states accept it?
No. Not all states have digital IDs, and even ones that do use them don’t accept it everywhere—especially alcohol, tobacco and other age-restricted product vendors.
Can you use it to fly?
Eventually, it’s likely—but, as of now, it’s unclear. Currently, only digital IDs issued by 12 states are accepted by ~25 participating airports—and RDU is not one of them. That said, NC-issued digital IDs and state airports may be added to the respective lists when mobile licenses are officially available.
How are privacy concerns being addressed?
If you think giving a cop your unlocked phone is unsettling, don’t worry, you aren’t alone. We’ve all been told to never hand a cop your phone, and Riley v. California ruled that police generally need a warrant to go through a mobile device. But the court added that it didn’t necessarily apply to “all instances where a biometric is used to unlock an electronic device.” If you unlock your phone and pull up your ID in your mobile wallet, there may be a gray area that could lead to handing an officer your phone as giving consent to search. And this may not be the worst of the security concerns—it will be far easier to upload information to the internet, possibly giving the web more access to your personal info.
Will I need to download an app?
Some states, including Louisiana, Maryland and Colorado, have distinct apps users must download; other states utilize the third-party Mobile ID app; and still others can verify your ID from your Apple or Google wallet.