Utah is the latest state to take a shot at creating a mobile Driver’s License for citizens and purports to be the first mobile license to incorporate privacy and security standards, the pilot program announcement states.
The pilot program will include 100 participants, the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced. A key benefit of the Utah program is the ability to selectively share information, such as just a picture and proof of age, rather than all the information available on a physical card.
“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,” DPS Commissioner Jess L. Anderson said in the announcement.
“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,” Anderson added.
In green-lighting the pilot program, Utah joins nearly a dozen states that have piloted such programs. Colorado and Delaware currently have official mobile license applications available to the public.
While the Utah mobile license is currently very limited in its pilot, Utah DPS says it is looking to broaden the release to 10,000 Utahns, which includes the broader public, later in 2021.
