SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5105
As of January 22, 2023
Title: An act relating to authorizing digital driver's licenses through a mobile application.
Brief Description: Authorizing digital driver's licenses through a mobile application.
Sponsors: Senators Mullet, Fortunato, Gildon, Liias, Nguyen, Pedersen and Wilson, C..
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/23/23.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires the Department of Licensing (DOL) to establish a program that allows every qualifying applicant for a driver's license the ability to acquire a digital version of the applicant's driver's license in addition to the physical version by September 1, 2024.
  • Requires DOL to adopt rules related to the program by August 1, 2024.
  • Directs DOL to complete an implementation plan for issuing digital driver's licenses through a mobile application by December 1, 2023.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Staff: Bryon Moore (786-7726)
Background:

To drive a motor vehicle upon a highway, a person must first obtain a driver's license issued by the Department of Licensing (DOL).  Some exceptions to this requirement include:

  • certain non-resident drivers and armed forces members;
  • a person operating special highway construction equipment;
  • a person driving or operating any farm tractor or implement of husbandry that is only incidentally operated or moved over a highway; or
  • an operator of a locomotive upon rails.

 
Driver's licenses are valid for eight years, though DOL must offer the option to issue or renew driver licenses for six years.  The fee for an 8-year driver's license is $72 and the fee for a 6-year driver's license is $54.

 
Every licensee must have their driver's license in their immediate possession when operating a motor vehicle and must display the driver's license to a police officer or other person, if required by law to do so.
Summary of Bill:

By September 1, 2024, DOL must establish a program that allows every qualifying applicant for a driver's license the ability to acquire a digital version of the applicant's driver's license in addition to the physical version. 
 
By August 1, 2024, DOL must adopt rules to which address issuance requirements, specifications, security and privacy protections, and the use requirements associated with the digital driver's license.

 

By December 1, 2023, DOL is required to submit an implementation plan for issuing digital driver's licenses through a mobile application. The plan must include:

  • reviewing the adoption actions in other states, including successes and lessons learned;
  • examining existing technical infrastructure and potential changes needed to maximize interoperability, utility, and privacy protection;
  • identifying the technical investments and other costs associated with issuing digital driver's licenses through a mobile application;
  • identifying how the technology may impact and can be used by external stakeholders, such as law enforcement;
  • recommending any process changes required to implement the program successfully and ensure customer satisfaction; and
  • recommending any statutory changes required to allow for the usage of digital driver's licenses, including recognition of interstate travelers.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 19, 2023.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.