Digital Driver's Licenses Coming To NJ: What You Need to Know

New Jersey drivers will soon have the option to drive without a traditional license in their pockets.

On Wednesday, Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill (A3518/S1297) into law that requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to manufacture digital driver's licenses and digital non-driver identification to make for a more convenient system. New Jersey joins 15 states and Puerto Rico who have already implemented a similar type of program.

These mobile driver's licenses (mDLs) also offer advantages for security and compatibility in the digital age. Documents can be updated electronically by drivers, and the bill includes a host of security provisions, such as protections against the collection, use, retention, sharing, sale, or disclosure of any information gathered during their creation.

There are also privacy methods being put in place to prevent tampering, duplication and unauthorized access to New Jerseyans' sensitive information. In addition, individuals, businesses and law enforcement will be prohibited from requiring someone to hand over their device when verifying identification. It also does not comply consent for any party to search or access other data on a phone, or use that as probable cause for a search warrant.

Those who wish to still use a physical ID may do so, as participation in the program is voluntary.

"Digital driver's licenses give people another way of providing identification, whether it be it to a police officer when they cannot locate their regular license or in any other situation where you need to show your identification, such as in a pharmacy or at a doctor's office," says Senator Patrick Diegnan, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee and a prime sponsor of A3518/S1297.

Governor Murphy says his administration is continuing to look to the future and that, “Innovation has always been at the core of who we are as a state, and my administration has embraced that spirit to deliver practical solutions that improve everyday life for our people. By bringing government services into the digital age, we’re setting a new standard for how the public interacts with State agencies.”

Murphy alloted $1.5 million towards the implementation of mDLs in his Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations Act budget, with any remaining resources being available for Fiscal Year 2026. Another 10 states, along with Washington, DC, are planning to follow in these same footsteps towards innovation.

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There is no word yet on when these mDLs will be available to New Jersey residents. Stay with Patch for the latest developments.

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