Buckner Advances Measure Creating Digital Drivers’ Licenses, Modernizing Illinois Transportation

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, recently passed a measure to allow the creation of digital drivers’ licenses and state IDs in Illinois, utilizing modern technology to streamline transportation.

“Creating digital drivers’ licenses is an important step in streamlining Illinois transportation,” Buckner said. “We have the necessary technology to give people new options for showing identification, and it’s time that we start to use it.”

Buckner’s House Bill 4592, written in conjunction with the Secretary of State’s office, authorizes the Secretary of State to create Mobile Identification Cards and Drivers’ Licenses. A number of other states already engage in this practice, including Maryland, Arizona, Delaware, Colorado, Louisiana and Utah. The bill passed the House with strong bipartisan support and will soon be heard in the Senate.

“As we move into an increasingly digital world, the option of digital drivers’ licenses and state IDs is the clear next step,” Buckner said. “Of course, standard IDs will continue to be available, and there is no reason to change that. However, for many people, digitizing is a welcome convenience.”