Tennessee Senate Bill 1297 was introduced this year proposing to allow Tennesseans to use Digital Driver’s Licenses (DDLs) as a valid form of identification wherever an ID is legally required, except for voting. The DDLs would allow Tennesseans to download an electronic copy of their drivers’ licenses.
These could then be stored in applications such as the Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet, ensuring access to one’s identification even without internet coverage. If this legislation becomes law, the Tennessee Department of Safety hopes to implement the program by the end of the year.
According to a statement from Tennessee Senator Becky Duncan Massey’s office, “[t]he use of DDLs would be completely voluntary, and no public or private entity could require individuals to use a digital license instead of a physical one. The legislation also maintains the current use of physical driver’s licenses.”
This proposed law would make things a lot more convenient for those drivers who are comfortable using their electronic devices for this purpose.
