New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signs law creating digital ID program

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday signed a bill into law that charges the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission with creating a state digital ID program.

Once the $1.5 million ID program goes live, the law will make New Jersey the 16th state to allow its residents to use mobile driver’s licenses and ID cards. Murphy said the IDs will “make life easier for drivers across New Jersey” and put the state at the forefront of innovation.

The news release said the law also contains several measures that aim to protect user security and privacy, including protections against the collection, use, retention, sharing, sale or disclosure of any information obtained in the creation or access of digital licenses or non-driver IDs. Those are controls that privacy advocates have called for digital ID programs to include in a recent campaign called No Phone Home.

It also outlines protections to digital license holders, such as one that prohibits requiring ID holders to turn over their electronic devices to verify identity, including to law enforcement.

The law also states that displaying a digital ID does not imply consent for law enforcement or others to search or access other phone data. It also holds that information seen while verifying identity cannot be used as probable cause for a search warrant.

Using a digital ID is voluntary, according to the legislation, ensuring those without access or interest can continue using physical licenses.

“Delivering a first-rate customer experience has been a top priority for this administration, and with the support of our partners in the legislature, MVC is now poised to make it easier and more convenient to do business in the state,” New Jersey State Chief Innovation Officer Dave Cole said in a news release. “This is an exciting opportunity to improve services for New Jerseyans while strengthening the privacy and security of their digital identities.”