Will Idaho Move to an All Digital Drivers License?

Idaho’s Digital Driver’s License Bill: What You Need to Know

Idaho is considering making your wallet a little lighter—at least when it comes to your driver’s license. House Bill 78, introduced in the state legislature, aims to bring digital driver’s licenses (eDLs) to Idaho. If passed, it would allow residents to carry a digital version of their license on their phone while still keeping their physical one handy.

How Would It Work?

The bill proposes an electronic driver’s license system managed by the Idaho Transportation Department. But before you start imagining a fully digital future, here’s the catch: having an eDL wouldn’t replace the physical license. You’d still be required to carry the traditional plastic card with you.

Do You Have to Use It?

If House Bill 78 passes, the digital license would be completely optional. If you like the idea of flashing your phone instead of digging through your wallet, that's perfectly fine. If not, you can stick with your current license, no problem.

The Upsides and Downsides of eDLs

Like most new technology, digital licenses come with pros and cons. Here are just a few of them to consider:

Pros:
Convenience – No more panicking when you leave your wallet at home. If you’ve got your phone, you’ve got your ID.
Better Security – Digital licenses can have encryption and biometric security, making them harder to fake or steal.
More Privacy – Some states let you choose what information to share. For example, if a bar only needs to verify your age, they wouldn’t have to see your full address.

Cons:
Tech Barriers – Not everyone has a smartphone or is comfortable using digital IDs.
Privacy Concerns – If you tend to worry about government agencies or businesses tracking digital license use, you might not be a fan.
Not Always Accepted – If the program isn’t widely adopted immediately, you may still need to pull out your physical ID.  If you're traveling, you'll want to keep your physical ID on you. TSA will accept a digital ID in participating states, but if you fly out of a location that doesn't accept digital IDs, you're out of luck.

I spoke to representatives of some Idaho city and county law enforcement officers and none of them had any objections to the proposal other than noting the growing pains that may come with integrating the new eDLs into existing systems.

How’s This Working in Other States?

Idaho wouldn’t be the first to roll out digital licenses. Utah, for example, has already implemented a Mobile Driver’s License (mDL) program. Their system is optional, works alongside the physical ID, and allows users to share only necessary details when asked for ID.

The Bottom Line on Idaho's eDL Proposal

If House Bill 78 moves forward, digital licenses could offer Idaho drivers a convenient new option. But they won’t be replacing physical licenses anytime soon. The key questions now are whether residents will embrace the tech and how well the system will be adopted by law enforcement and businesses.

Would you use a digital driver’s license, or do you prefer to keep things old-school?

If you want to read the entire bill, you can find it on the Idaho Legislature website here.