Your Utah Driver License Could Be Moving To Your Phone

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Your Utah driver license could soon be on your phone.

The Utah Department of Public Safety and the Utah Driver License Division on Tuesday announced they are taking steps to implement mobile driver licenses for Utahns.

The mobile driver license, or mDL, and identification card program would “(move) Utahns’ identities out of their wallets and into the 21st century,” according to DPS.

The mDL program would allow Utahns to use their mobile devices as identification for banking, travel, traffic stops and purchasing liquor.

DPS noted it’s not a photo or digital representation of a person’s driver license. An mDL is accessed through a downloadable app. Entities such as banks or grocery stores will utilize a reader that requests, receives and verifies the integrity and authenticity of the mDL by accessing the Driver License Division’s information infrastructure.

It will also reportedly allow residents to choose what information is shareable.

“In addition to the convenience aspect of adding the primary form of identification to Utahns’ mobile phones, the primary benefit the mDL will offer Utahns is enhanced privacy by minimizing the amount of personal data they share, in contrast to what they now share when handing over a physical card,” according to media release from the state.

DPS used age verification as an example.

With a physical driver license, the resident has to show a card with all of his or her information printed on it. With the mDL, though, that person can make only the portion that verifies age available to view.

“This privacy aspect is a primary benefit to Utahns who utilize the mDL,” according to DPS.

“Our Driver License Division is committed to working with residents and stakeholders to implement a solution which provides the highest value to Utahns: one which is accepted anywhere, provides enhanced privacy, security and personal control,” said DPS Commissioner Jess L. Anderson. “Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us. The mDL gives you control over your data. You choose what information to share when your identification is requested.”

A pilot program is beginning soon, and the Utah Legislature will have the final say on whether it is implemented or not.