Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation Wednesday that requires the Motor Vehicle Commission to develop digital driver’s licenses accessible on mobile devices.
The law lets residents store driver’s licenses and non-driver IDs on smartphones. The state will continue issuing physical cards. Participation remains voluntary.
“Digital driver’s licenses will make life easier for drivers across New Jersey,” Murphy said in a press release. “By bringing government services into the digital age, we’re setting a new standard for how the public interacts with state agencies.”
The legislation prohibits businesses, law enforcement or any other entity from demanding access to a person’s phone during identity verification. Displaying a digital ID does not give consent to search the device or access other data.
The Motor Vehicle Commission must protect the system from tampering, duplication and unauthorized access. It must also prevent the collection, sale or retention of personal information related to digital ID use.
At least 15 states and Puerto Rico offer digital IDs. Several others plan to follow. New Jersey allocated $1.5 million in its 2025 budget for the program and secured additional funding for 2026.
Acting MVC Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd said the agency will build a secure and user-friendly system. “Our team looks forward to giving New Jerseyans greater flexibility in verifying their identity,” she said.
Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese called the legislation “common-sense innovation,” saying it will reduce wait times, improve safety and protect personal information.
The Motor Vehicle Commission has not announced a launch date for New Jersey’s digital driver’s licenses.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.