Iowa developing iPhone-based driver's licenses
Iowa is developing the first smartphone-based driver's license that would work on iOS and Android devices, reports the Wall Street Journal. Under this system, drivers would be able to open a specialized smartphone app that would display their operator's license to authorities and other necessary parties for identification purposes.
The program faces several hurdles with concerns about privacy and security slowing the rollout of the program, said DOT spokeswoman Andrea Henry.
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? 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.
Iowa is working with long-time driver's license technology firm MorphoTrust on the system. The company reportedly is in talks with more than 20 states about its smartphone licensing program.
