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Legislation to allow for mobile driver’s licenses is making its way through the legislative process
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This is Jason Espinoza with today’s capitol report.
Legislation being considered by the New Mexico Legislature during the 30-day legislative session, would enable the State of New Mexico to issue electronic credentials for driver’s licenses and identification cards in addition to physical driver’s license cards or physical identification cards.
Eight states currently offer electronic drivers licenses: Arizona, Maryland, Colorado, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Delaware. Ten additional states are in the process of adopting mobile drivers’ licenses.
The New Mexico Taxation & Revenue Department notes that digital IDs will streamline some processes and improve accessibility, simplifying daily interactions “while safeguarding personal information.”
The agency also reports electronic driver’s license and identification cards are already being accepted at specific Transportation Security Administration (TSA) facilities and by businesses that have invested in reader devices. TSA is expected to widely adopt scanning technology to allow use of mobile driver’s licenses at airports in coming years.
The bill, Senate Bill 88, sponsored by Senator Bobby Gonzales unanimously passed its first two committees and now awaits consideration by the Full senate. The 2024 Legislative ends at noon on February 15th.
For the New Mexico News Network, I’m Jason Espinoza
