Iowa Developing the First Ever Smartphone Driver’s License in the U.S.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Iowa is developing the first ever smartphone driver’s license in the U.S. with an app that can co-exist with the traditional plastic card. Terry Branstad, the director of the state’s Department of Transportation, has revealed that the app is currently under development for iOS and Android platforms and is expected to be a free download.

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Andrea Henry, a spokeswoman for the DOT, said that despite news reports about a 2015 release, the “department isn’t sure on timing in part because of concerns about privacy and security”. She also said that one concern is how a police officer would interact with someone’s smartphone. “For instance, what would happen if someone who was pulled over received an incriminating text while the officer was checking the license on the app?”, she added. Henry believes the app will work in a way so that “the phone never leaves your hands”.

“Users could hold up the phone so that police or Transportation Security Administration officers can scan the license electronically, rather than handling the phone. Another issue Iowa is looking to address is finding a way to hide smartphone notifications so that an officer doesn’t see them while checking a license. Iowa is also working on ways to prevent fakes. One feature might have the photo on the license move slightly so that it is distinguishable from a screenshot.”

The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators believe the new app will be another convenience for drivers in the same way that Department of Motor Vehicle websites have become.

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