HARRISBURG, April 29 \u2013\u00a0 This week, the PA House of Representatives passed two bills with overwhelming bipartisan support designed to keep Pennsylvania up to date in an increasingly technology-driven world, according to state Rep. Ed Neilson, chair of the House Transportation Committee.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver 90% of people have smartphones now, and with programs such as Apple Wallet and Google Pay, more Pennsylvanians want the convenient and secure option of a digital ID and digital registration card on their smartphone,\u201d Neilson said.<\/p>\n
On Monday, H.B. 2210 passed by a vote of 197\u20133. The bill, authored by state Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, would allow for digital vehicle registration cards, as PennDOT no longer mails the cards to residents when they renew their registrations online and fewer households today have printers.<\/p>\n
“As our world continues to go digital, it is only fair that Pennsylvania drivers have the option to carry their vehicle registration on their device, just as they do with so many other important documents,” Guzman said.<\/p>\n
“In 2013, Pennsylvania allowed drivers to carry digital insurance cards \u2014 this bill extends that same commonsense convenience to registration cards,” he added. “I look forward to seeing this bill cross the finish line. This is a practical, commonsense measure that will make life easier for Pennsylvania drivers across the Commonwealth.”<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, H.B. 1970, authored by Neilson, passed by a vote of 186\u201315 and would give Pennsylvanians the option to obtain a digital driver\u2019s license or ID card.<\/p>\n
A digital ID would be optional, and individuals who choose to obtain one would still be issued a physical copy of their driver\u2019s license or state ID. A physical driver\u2019s license would still be required during traffic stops.<\/p>\n
\u201cDigital IDs will come with strict security and verification standards to avoid fraud and identity theft. If a person loses their physical driver\u2019s license or state ID, they immediately are at a higher risk of identity theft, but smartphones can be tracked and the information can be erased remotely to protect users,\u201d Neilson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTwenty-one other states already offer digital ID, all of which are accepted at airports when boarding a plane,\u201d Neilson said. \u201cIt is time for Pennsylvania to join the 21st century.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both bills now head to the state Senate for consideration.<\/p>\n
Information provided to TVL by:
\nMegan Westwood<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
HARRISBURG, April 29 \u2013\u00a0 This week, the PA House of Representatives passed two bills with overwhelming bipartisan support designed to keep Pennsylvania up to date in an increasingly technology-driven world, … Continue reading House ok\u2019s bills to allow for digital driver\u2019s licenses and vehicle registrations<\/span>