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HB 78OHIOSession 136State Billin committee

High Impact

Ohio authorizes digital driver's licenses and state IDs for mobile devices

Original title: Authorize use of a digital driver's license or state ID card

Last action · February 12, 2025: Referred to Technology and InnovationSponsors: Joseph A. Miller, III and 8 others

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

Law

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What This Bill Would Do

The Ohio General Assembly directs the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to create a program allowing residents to use a digital version of their driver's license or state ID card on a mobile device as valid proof of identity.

Why it matters

Residents gain the option to store and present their official state identification on a smartphone or other wireless device wherever proof of identity is requested.

Background

House Bill 78 was introduced during the 136th General Assembly regular session in Ohio. context
Ohio election law requires specific forms of photo identification, which lawmakers periodically update to incorporate modern technological formats such as mobile credentials. context

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Ohio residents

Residents are given the option to obtain, store, and present a digital driver's license or state identification card on a mobile device.

Directly affected

Peace officers

Peace officers are authorized to accept and view digital proof of identity on electronic devices under specific viewing restrictions.

Directly affected

Registrar of Motor Vehicles

The registrar is mandated to develop, implement, administer the digital ID program, and adopt necessary administrative rules.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a physical driver's license to get a digital ID in Ohio?

Yes. The bill requires that a person must hold a valid physical driver's license or identification card in order to qualify for a digital license or identification.

Can a police officer search through other parts of my phone when I show my digital ID?

No. When an is used to present proof of identity, only the evidence of that person's proof of identity displayed on the device may be viewed, and no other content of the device can be accessed.

Who is responsible if my phone is damaged while I hand it to a requestor?

The person presenting the device assumes the risk of any resulting damage, unless the requestor purposely, knowingly, or recklessly commits an action that results in damage to the device.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

2 actions

Feb 12, 2025HouseCommittee
Referred to Technology and Innovation
Feb 10, 2025HouseIntroduced
Introduced

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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