The State of Utah began requiring driver’s licenses in 1933. Since that time, the look of driver’s licenses has changed been added to, and improved upon. However, there have not been significant innovations to a driver’s license. As of 2022 that is about to change as by using an app created by the GET Group, citizens of Utah can share or show their driver’s license digitally from their phones. Ryan Williams with the Utah Safety Driver’s License Division, quality control manager, supports digital driver’s licenses for convenience, information transfer is done without contact, and safety. For instance, a cashier selling alcohol to you can simply scan in a QR code that verifies who you are as well as your age, and does not disclose any other personal information such as a home address. The app is encrypted for added security. Additionally, each time your driver’s license is scanned, a new bar code is created so it cannot be copied or duplicated.
If you are interested in getting a digital driver’s license, right now the only way to do so is through the Department of Public Safety events held at Utah Community Credit Union and some Harmon’s. Both Utah Community Credit Union and Harmon’s have agreed to accept digital driver’s licenses. The Utah Highway Patrol is said to be looking into this technology and the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is intending to utilize the technology.
It is reported that the whole process to obtain a digital driver’s license only takes a couple of minutes. Individuals with valid driver’s licenses can go to an event, scan a QR code and download the app. Once the app has been downloaded, employees with the Utah State Driver’s License Division input that individual’s personal information and then corroborate the information with a QR code. Once you are enrolled, you simply can tap on the app and a QR code or scan bar pops open on your phone for a cashier, teller, or other person needing your identification to scan.
How efficient and effective would it be to simply scan a QR code to verify identity rather than having to pull out your wallet and show your driver’s license which contains personal information? You also don’t have to hand over your phone, rather it is simply scanned. Technological advances certainly can and do enhance our lives