By Bob Katzen

The Transportation Committee will hold a public hearing on March 3 on legislation that would require the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to issue a mobile ID—compliant with American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators standards—to any individual eligible for a physical driver’s license, learner’s permit or state ID. The mobile ID would not replace the physical version, and individuals would still be required to carry their physical ID while driving.

Supporters say that the bill authorizes the RMV to contract with third parties for development and maintenance of the mobile ID system, charge fees for issuance and determine the ID’s validity period. They argue the measure includes strong privacy protections, requiring data use to mirror that of physical IDs, prohibiting tracking without consent and mandating compliance with data security laws.

“We are living in a digital world, and our public systems should evolve responsibly to meet people where they are,” said sponsor Sen. Julian Cyr (D-Truro). “This bill modernizes identification in Massachusetts while maintaining strong privacy protections and civil liberties safeguards. A mobile ID offers convenience and security without replacing physical IDs when they are actually necessary or required.”