LANSING, Mich., Oct. 27, 2021 — Last week, state Rep. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) introduced House Bills 5470 and 5471, which would allow state IDs to be issued in digital formats with scannable QR codes. The digital versions would include the same information currently mandated for physical ID cards and could be used for identification while driving and passing through TSA checkpoints.
“Digital forms of identification are clearly the future,” Anthony said. “This legislation is about making the lives of our constituents easier and more efficient. There’s no question that the shift to a complete digital wallet is coming. Other states are racing ahead of us on this issue. The question is, will Michigan be left behind?”
Apple recently announced a new software update that would enable users to add a digital version of their driver’s license or state ID to their device. So far, the software is available for use in Arizona and Georgia, and will be rolling out soon in Connecticut, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma and Utah. The software update includes several security and encryption measures to protect against tampering and theft. Apple has promised to maintain rigorous privacy measures that will prevent both Apple itself and the state from knowing when or where an ID has been presented. They also allow data, including an ID or driver’s license, to be wiped from the phone if it is stolen or lost.