Illinois to Launch Digital Driver’s Licenses and State IDs in 2025

Illinois is joining a growing wave of U.S. states implementing mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs), as part of a comprehensive package of new laws taking effect in 2025. The digital identification program, established through House Bill 4592, will allow residents to display state credentials through secure mobile applications, making Illinois the 12th state to formally adopt mDL technology.

The digital IDs will contain standard identification information, including name, photograph, and signature. The system will comply with American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators guidelines and the ISO/IEC 18013-5 standard for mobile ID security and interoperability, which was recently updated to enable remote identity verification capabilities. While residents will still be required to obtain physical IDs, and organizations are not mandated to accept digital versions, the initiative represents a significant modernization of state identification systems.

The legislation includes important privacy protections, specifically stating that showing a digital ID to law enforcement does not constitute consent to search the individual’s mobile device. The provision addresses widespread concerns about digital privacy and law enforcement access to mobile devices. The Secretary of State’s office will oversee the implementation of the digital credential system, following similar successful deployments in states like Hawaii and West Virginia.

Recent market research by iProov indicates strong public interest in digital driver’s license services, suggesting that government agencies may be missing opportunities by not offering these services online. The Illinois implementation comes as major technology providers like Google and Apple have begun supporting digital IDs in their respective wallet applications across multiple states.

The change comes alongside numerous other legislative updates taking effect in 2025. The state’s minimum wage will reach $15 per hour for workers 18 and older, completing Illinois’ planned wage increase schedule. New health insurance regulations will require detailed explanations for vehicle total loss determinations and mandate coverage for clinical genetic testing and cancer imaging.

Additional consumer protection measures include a requirement for businesses to provide three-day advance notice before automatic renewals for products or services with trial periods exceeding 15 days. The state is also implementing new artificial intelligence regulations, including provisions addressing AI-generated imagery in child exploitation cases.

Other notable changes include allowing NCAA student athletes to receive direct name, image, and likeness compensation from their universities, expanded hearing aid coverage requirements for insurance providers, and new regulations requiring fitness centers to offer multiple membership cancellation methods, including email and online options.

Sources: ID Tech Wire, Muddy River News, St. Louis Public Radio

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January 01, 2025 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team