Existing law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue to a person a drivers license as applied for when the department determines that the applicant is lawfully entitled to a license. Existing law requires the license to state specified information, including the true full name, age, and mailing address of the licensee and a brief description and engraved picture or photograph of the licensee for the purpose of identification.

Existing law authorizes the department to issue an identification card to any person attesting to his or her true full name, correct age, and other identifying data as certified by the applicant for the identification card.

This bill would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to study the feasibility of creating a digital mobile drivers license application for smartphone use. The bill would require the study to consider the security of personal information, compliance with federal standards, and the limitations of available technology. The bill would require the department to report the results of the study to the Legislature on or before December 1, 2016.

Existing law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue to a person a drivers license as applied for when the department determines that the applicant is lawfully entitled to a license. Existing law requires the license to state specified information, including the true full name, age, and mailing address of the licensee and a brief description and engraved picture or photograph of the licensee for the purpose of identification.

Existing law authorizes the department to issue an identification card to any person attesting to his or her true full name, correct age, and other identifying data as certified by the applicant for the identification card.

This bill would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to study the feasibility of creating a digital mobile drivers license application for smartphone use. The bill would require the study to consider the security of personal information, compliance with federal standards, and the limitations of available technology. The bill would require the department to report the results of the study to the Legislature on or before December 1, 2016.

Existing law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue to a person a drivers license as applied for when the department determines that the applicant is lawfully entitled to a license. Existing law requires the license to state specified information, including the true full name, age, and mailing address of the licensee and a brief description and engraved picture or photograph of the licensee for the purpose of identification.

Existing law authorizes the department to issue an identification card to any person attesting to his or her true full name, correct age, and other identifying data as certified by the applicant for the identification card.

This bill would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to conduct a pilot project to test the effectiveness of utilizing best practice standards for the assessment study the feasibility of creating a digital mobile drivers license application for smartphone use. The bill would require the pilot project to use an assessment protocol or process developed by the Department of Motor Vehicles in collaboration with other stakeholders to execute the pilot project. The bill would require the department to solicit participation in the pilot project by Department of Motor Vehicles and Department of Transportation employees on or before April 1, 2016, and would require that those employees be selected and begin operation of the pilot project on or before July 1, 2016. The bill would require the department to make a preliminary report on the status of the project to the California State Assembly report the results of the study to the Legislature on or before April 1, 2017, a full report on the status by December 1, 2017, and to have full implementation of the application on or before July 1, 2018. December 1, 2016.

Existing law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue to a person a drivers license as applied for when the department determines that the applicant is lawfully entitled to a license. Existing law requires the license to state specified information, including the true full name, age, and mailing address of the licensee and a brief description and engraved picture or photograph of the licensee for the purpose of identification.

Existing law authorizes the department to issue an identification card to any person attesting to his or her true full name, correct age, and other identifying data as certified by the applicant for the identification card.

This bill would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to conduct a pilot project to test the effectiveness of utilizing best practice standards for the assessment of creating a digital mobile drivers license application for smartphone use. The bill would require the pilot project to use an assessment protocol or process developed by the Department of Motor Vehicles in collaboration with other stakeholders to execute the pilot project. The bill would require the department to solicit participation in the pilot project by Department of Motor Vehicles and Department of Transportation employees on or before April 1, 2016, and would require that those employees be selected and begin operation of the pilot project on or before July 1, 2016. The bill would require the department to make a preliminary report on the status of the project to the California State Assembly on or before July 1, April 1, 2017, a full report on the status by December 1, 2017, and to have full implementation of the application on or before July 1, 2018.

Existing law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue to a person a drivers license as applied for when the department determines that the applicant is lawfully entitled to a license. Existing law requires the license to state specified information, including the true full name, age, and mailing address of the licensee and a brief description and engraved picture or photograph of the licensee for the purpose of identification.

Existing law authorizes the department to issue an identification card to any person attesting to his or her true full name, correct age, and other identifying data as certified by the applicant for the identification card.

Existing law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue to a person a drivers license as applied for when the department determines that the applicant is lawfully entitled to a license. Existing law requires the license to state specified information, including the true full name, age, and mailing address of the licensee and a brief description and engraved picture or photograph of the licensee for the purpose of identification.

Existing law authorizes the department to issue an identification card to any person attesting to his or her true full name, correct age, and other identifying data as certified by the applicant for the identification card.

This bill would authorize the department to develop a mobile application whereby a person may access a digital copy of his or her drivers license or identification card issued by the department. The bill would state that a person is required to apply to the department for a secure personal identification number (PIN) in order to obtain access to his or her digital drivers license or identification card. The bill would require that a digital drivers license or identification card presented on the mobile application developed pursuant to these provisions be accepted as a valid government-issued identification.

GOVERNOR'S VETO

GV Bill Id:AB 221

Author:(Dababneh)

As Enrolled Ver:September 11, 2015

2/3 vote

Original Committee Reference: TRANS.

SUMMARY: Directs the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to study the feasibility of developing a digital mobile driver's license (DDL) application for smartphone use, as specified.

The Senate amendments specify that the feasibility study is required to consider, at a minimum, the security of personal information, compliance with federal standards, and the limitations of available technology.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Authorizes DMV to issue a driver's license and/or an identification card to a person, if certain requirements are satisfied.

2. Requires a driver's license to provide specific information including the licensee's true full name, age, mailing address, a brief description, and an engraved picture of the licensee for identification purposes.

3. Specifies an identification card is required to include an engraved picture of the applicant and provide information to adequately describe the applicant.

4. At the federal level, the Real ID Act of 2005 includes provisions to improve the security or driver’s licenses and identification cards.

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Appropriations Committee:

1. DMV estimates one-time costs of approximately $300,000 for the feasibility study and report to the Legislature. (Motor Vehicle Account)

2. Major cost pressures, in the millions of dollars, to develop and implement a DDL application, to the extent DMV finds that it would be feasible. (Motor Vehicle Account)

COMMENTS: In December of 2014, the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced they would be developing an in-house pilot program (program) to test a smart phone application that could display a person's driver's license in digital form. The DDL program is designed to be carried out in three phases including the application design phase, the IDOT in-house testing phase, and ultimately, if feasible, full implementation. IDOT is currently operating under the first phase working with application developers, the Federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and local law enforcement to develop an application that can be effectively used but also meet stringent security standards. IDOT representatives have indicated phase two is anticipated to roll out in late 2015 and will encompass a test group of in-house IDOT staff being provided a smartphone with the DDL application. This test group will then use the DDL for approximately six months as a supplement to their original driver's license for specific program purposes.

While several other states are considering the idea of a DDL pilot program, Iowa is the only state that is presently in the development phase of a mobile DDL application. As the first state to experiment with this technology, the IDOT established the program with an extended timeline to ensure that the development and testing of the DDL application incorporates the proper security features and to also address several implementation concerns that have arisen since IDOT's DDL announcement. These concerns surround how a mobile device will be handled by law enforcement during a traffic stop, how information will be stored on the application, and how the DDL will comply with federal Real ID requirements. Being that IDOT established the DDL pilot program under existing authority and not through legislation, IDOT will have the flexibility to extend the pilot program's timeline or cancel testing if the abovementioned implementation issues remain unresolved.

This bill will require DMV to conduct a study on the feasibility of developing a DDL. This bill further requires DMV to report their findings to the Legislature by December 1, 2016. The author notes, "people use their smart phones every day to read the news, shop online, and check their bank accounts. Using a tool that people are familiar with, like a mobile application, to store their primary means of identification will be a useful option for Californians."

GOVERNOR'S VETO MESSAGE:

This bill requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to study the feasibility of creating a "digital driver license" for smartphones and report the results to the Legislature no later than December 1, 2016.

While the idea of a digital license sounds innovative, it poses numerous technical difficulties. Given the many new responsibilities that the Department of Motor Vehicles is already dealing with, I don't believe this bill is advisable.

Analysis Prepared by: Manny Leon / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093 FN: 0002511

CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS

CSA1 Bill Id:AB 221

Author:(Dababneh)

As Amended Ver:July 2, 2015

Majority vote

Original Committee Reference: TRANS.

SUMMARY: Directs the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to study the feasibility of developing a digital mobile driver's license (DDL) application for smartphone use, as specified.

The Senate amendments specify that the feasibility study is required to consider, at a minimum, the security of personal information, compliance with federal standards, and the limitations of available technology.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Authorizes DMV to issue a driver's license and/or an identification card to a person, if certain requirements are satisfied.

2. Requires a driver's license to provide specific information including the licensee's true full name, age, mailing address, a brief description, and an engraved picture of the licensee for identification purposes.

3. Specifies an identification card is required to include an engraved picture of the applicant and provide information to adequately describe the applicant.

4. At the federal level, the Real ID Act of 2005 includes provisions to improve the security or driver’s licenses and identification cards.

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Appropriations Committee:

1. DMV estimates one-time costs of approximately $300,000 for the feasibility study and report to the Legislature. (Motor Vehicle Account)

2. Major cost pressures, in the millions of dollars, to develop and implement a DDL application, to the extent DMV finds that it would be feasible. (Motor Vehicle Account)

COMMENTS: In December of 2014, the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced they would be developing an in-house pilot program (program) to test a smart phone application that could display a person's driver's license in digital form. The DDL program is designed to be carried out in three phases including the application design phase, the IDOT in-house testing phase, and ultimately, if feasible, full implementation. IDOT is currently operating under the first phase working with application developers, the Federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and local law enforcement to develop an application that can be effectively used but also meet stringent security standards. IDOT representatives have indicated phase two is anticipated to roll out in late 2015 and will encompass a test group of in-house IDOT staff being provided a smartphone with the DDL application. This test group will then use the DDL for approximately six months as a supplement to their original driver's license for specific program purposes.

While several other states are considering the idea of a DDL pilot program, Iowa is the only state that is presently in the development phase of a mobile DDL application. As the first state to experiment with this technology, the IDOT established the program with an extended timeline to ensure that the development and testing of the DDL application incorporates the proper security features and to also address several implementation concerns that have arisen since IDOT's DDL announcement. These concerns surround how a mobile device will be handled by law enforcement during a traffic stop, how information will be stored on the application, and how the DDL will comply with federal Real ID requirements. Being that IDOT established the DDL pilot program under existing authority and not through legislation, IDOT will have the flexibility to extend the pilot program's timeline or cancel testing if the abovementioned implementation issues remain unresolved.

This bill will require DMV to conduct a study on the feasibility of developing a DDL. This bill further requires DMV to report their findings to the Legislature by December 1, 2016. The author notes, "people use their smart phones every day to read the news, shop online, and check their bank accounts. Using a tool that people are familiar with, like a mobile application, to store their primary means of identification will be a useful option for Californians."

Analysis Prepared by: Manny Leon / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093 FN: 0001785

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: AB 221

Author: Dababneh (D)

Amended: 7/2/15 in Senate

Vote: 21

SENATE TRANS. & HOUSING COMMITTEE: 9-2, 6/30/15

AYES: Beall, Cannella, Allen, Galgiani, Leyva, McGuire, Mendoza, Roth, Wieckowski

NOES: Bates, Gaines

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 5-2, 8/27/15

AYES: Lara, Beall, Hill, Leyva, Mendoza

NOES: Bates, Nielsen

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 74-5, 6/3/15 - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: Mobile application: driver’s licenses and identification cards

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST: This bill requires the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to study, and report on, the feasibility of creating a digital driver’s license (DDL) application (app) for smartphone use.

ANALYSIS: Existing federal law, the REAL ID Act of 2005, establishes minimum standards for the production and issuance of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards (IDs).

Existing state law:

1. Requires a driver to carry their valid driver’s license at all times when driving a motor vehicle upon a highway.

2. Requires a motorist to present their license for examination upon demand of a peace officer enforcing the Vehicle Code.

3. Authorizes DMV to issue IDs and/or driver’s licenses to individuals provided they can satisfy certain requirements. The IDs and driver’s licenses must display a full-face engraved picture or photograph of the person to whom it was issued.

This bill requires DMV to study the feasibility of creating a DDL app for smartphone use and to report the results of the study to the Legislature on or before December 1, 2016. The study shall consider, at a minimum, information security, compliance with federal standards, and the limitations of available technology.

Comments

Purpose. This bill, as originally introduced, authorized DMV to develop a mobile app where a person could access a digital copy of their driver’s license or ID. The cardholder would have been required to apply to the DMV for a personal identification number in order to obtain access to their DDL or ID on the mobile app. Subsequent amendments required DMV to conduct a pilot project to test the effectiveness of utilizing best-practice standards for the assessment of creating a digital mobile driver’s license app for smart phone use. This bill has since been tailored to its current version, which requires the DMV to study and report the feasibility of a DDL app. The author believes that this study will help to determine the right path forward for future DDL legislation.

DDLs. California is not the first state to consider going digital for driver’s licenses. In January 2015, the Delaware Legislature adopted a resolution directing the Division of Motor Vehicles to study and consider issuing optional DDLs for Delaware motorists. The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) began working on a smart phone app last December, and they will soon begin a small-scale pilot program for IDOT employees using state-issued smart phones to test a prototype app.

Is it feasible? Circle yes or no. There are many considerations in determining the feasibility of creating a DDL app. How will privacy and security issues be handled? Who owns the data? Who will be liable in the event of a security breach? How will a DDL be handled when presented for identification purposes? Will a DDL be in compliance with federal REAL ID Act requirements? Which vendors should be considered to develop the app? Many of these questions may be hard to answer in great depth given that the current market for DDL app technology is limited to one prototype from one major company. For these reasons, this bill directs the DMV to make considerations of security, federal compliance, and available technologies in their feasibility study.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, the DMV estimates one-time costs of approximately $300,000 for the feasibility study and report to the Legislature (Motor Vehicle Account), as well as major cost pressures, in the millions of dollars, to develop and implement a DDL app, to the extent DMV finds that it would be feasible (Motor Vehicle Account).

SUPPORT: (Verified 8/26/15)

California Police Chiefs Association Inc.

HID Global

PayPal

OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/26/15)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: Supporters tout recent innovations in technology as the most practical solution to making agencies and departments function more effectively and cost-efficiently. They claim the development of mobile identification will be easier, more convenient, and less time-consuming for the consumer. They also contend that the digitization of one’s driver’s license will help mitigate fraud and reign in identity theft by providing additional protections not available with a static, physical license.

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 74-5, 6/3/15

AYES: Achadjian, Alejo, Travis Allen, Baker, Bloom, Bonilla, Bonta, Brown, Burke, Calderon, Campos, Chang, Chau, Chávez, Chiu, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Dababneh, Dahle, Daly, Dodd, Eggman, Frazier, Gallagher, Cristina Garcia, Eduardo Garcia, Gatto, Gipson, Gomez, Gonzalez, Gordon, Gray, Grove, Hadley, Roger Hernández, Holden, Irwin, Jones, Jones-Sawyer, Lackey, Levine, Linder, Lopez, Low, Mathis, Mayes, McCarty, Medina, Melendez, Mullin, Nazarian, Obernolte, O'Donnell, Olsen, Patterson, Perea, Quirk, Rendon, Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Wagner, Waldron, Weber, Wilk, Williams, Wood, Atkins

NOES: Bigelow, Beth Gaines, Harper, Kim, Maienschein

NO VOTE RECORDED: Brough

Prepared by: Randy Chinn / T. & H. / (916) 651-4121

8/31/15 8:32:22

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Senator Ricardo Lara, Chair

2015 - 2016 Regular Session

AB 221 (Dababneh) - Mobile application: driver’s licenses and identification cards

This bill meets the criteria for referral to the Suspense File.

Bill Summary:

AB 221 would require the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to study the feasibility of creating a digital mobile driver’s license application (DDL app) for smartphone use, and submit a report to the Legislature by December 1, 2016.

Fiscal Impact:

• DMV estimates one-time costs of approximately $300,000 for the feasibility study and report to the Legislature. (Motor Vehicle Account)
  
  

• Major cost pressures, in the millions of dollars, to develop and implement a DDL app, to the extent DMV finds that it would be feasible. (Motor Vehicle Account)

Background:

Existing law requires DMV to issue a driver’s license to an applicant that meets specified requirements, and authorizes DMV to issue an identification card to any person, containing specified identifying data certified by the applicant. A driver’s license must contain the full name, age, mailing address, digitized signature, and a full-face engraved picture or photograph of the licensee. Existing law requires a driver to have a valid license in his/her immediate possession when operating a motor vehicle on a highway, and requires a driver to present his/her license upon demand of a peace officer, as specified.

Currently no other states have implemented a DDL app, although the Delaware Legislature adopted a resolution directing their Division of Motor Vehicles to study and consider issuing optional DDLs and the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) has administratively developed an in-house pilot program to test a prototype DDL app. IDOT has worked with application developers, the Federal Department of Homeland Security, and local law enforcement to develop a DDL app that is practical, but also meets appropriate security standards. To date, IDOT has identified several implementation concerns, including how a mobile device will be handled by law enforcement during a traffic stop, how information will be stored on the DDL app, and how a DDL will comply with federal REAL ID requirements. They are currently in a limited testing phase.

Proposed Law:

AB 221 would require DMV to study the feasibility of creating a DDL app for smartphone use. At a minimum, the study must consider the security of personal information, compliance with federal standards, and limitations of available technology. The bill also requires DMV to report the results from the study to the Legislature by December 1, 2016.

Staff Comments:

DMV anticipates it would incur costs of approximately $300,000 to perform the feasibility study, including an assessment of relevant issues pertaining to privacy, security, and compliance with federal standards, and report results to the Legislature. Staff notes that these costs would be borne by the Motor Vehicle Account, which currently has a structural imbalance and will be insolvent sometime during the 2017-18 fiscal year, absent corrective action. To the extent that DMV finds that the development and implementation of a DDL app is feasible, the bill would create cost pressures in the millions of dollars. Actual costs would be attributable to future legislation that would direct state action to implement a DDL app.

-- END --

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING

Senator Jim Beall, Chair

2015 - 2016 Regular

Bill No: AB 221 Hearing Date: 6/30/2015

SUBJECT: Mobile application: driver’s licenses and identification cards

DIGEST: This bill requires the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to study, and report on, the feasibility of creating a digital driver’s license (DDL) application (app) for smartphone use.

ANALYSIS:

Existing state law:

1. Requires a driver to carry their valid driver’s license at all times when driving a motor vehicle upon a highway.

2. Requires a motorist to present their license for examination upon demand of a peace officer enforcing the Vehicle Code.

3. Authorizes DMV to issue identification cards (ID) and/or driver’s licenses to individuals provided they can satisfy certain requirements. The IDs and driver’s licenses must display a full-face engraved picture or photograph of the person to whom it was issued.

Existing federal law, the REAL ID Act of 2005, establishes minimum standards for the production and issuance of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.

This bill:

Requires DMV to study the feasibility of creating a DDL app for smartphone use and to report the results of the study to the Legislature on or before December 1, 2016.

COMMENTS:

Purpose. This bill, as originally introduced, authorized DMV to develop a mobile app where a person could access a digital copy of their driver’s license or ID. The cardholder would have been required to apply to the DMV for a PIN in order to obtain access to their digital driver’s license or ID on the mobile app. Subsequent amendments required DMV to conduct a pilot project to test the effectiveness of utilizing best-practice standards for the assessment of creating a digital mobile driver’s license app for smart phone use. The bill has since been tailored to its current version, which requires the DMV to study and report the feasibility of a DDL app. The author believes that this study will help to determine the right path forward for future DDL legislation.

DDLs. California is not the first state to consider going digital for driver’s licenses. In January 2015, the Delaware Legislature adopted a resolution directing the Division of Motor Vehicles to study and consider issuing optional DDLs for Delaware motorists. The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) began working on a smart phone app last December, and they will soon begin a small scale pilot program for IDOT employees using state-issued smart phones to test a prototype app.

Is it feasible? Circle yes or no. There are many considerations in determining the feasibility of creating a DDL app. How will privacy and security issues be handled? Who owns the data? Who will be liable in the event of a security breach? How will a DDL be handled when presented for identification purposes? Will a DDL be in compliance with federal REAL ID Act requirements? Which vendors should be considered to develop the app? Many of these questions may be hard to answer in great depth given that the current market for DDL app technology is limited to one prototype from one major company. The directive for DMV to report on the feasibility is vague; therefore, the resulting report may be uninformative for directing future policy.

The authors will accept amendments to specify minimum requirements that the report should contain.

“The study shall include, at a minimum, considerations of 1) privacy; 2) compliance with federal standards; and 3) existing technologies.”

Support. Supporters tout recent innovations in technology as the most practical solution to making agencies and departments function more effectively and cost-efficiently. They claim the development of mobile identification will be easier, more convenient, and less time-consuming for the consumer. They also contend that the digitization of one’s driver’s license will help mitigate fraud and reign in identity theft by providing additional protections not available with a static, physical license.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

POSITIONS: (Communicated to the committee before noon on Wednesday,

June 24, 2015.)

SUPPORT:

California Police Chiefs Association Inc.

HID Global

PayPal

OPPOSITION:

None received

-- END --

ASSEMBLY THIRD READING

ATR Bill Id:AB 221

Author:(Dababneh)

As Amended Ver:June 1, 2015

Majority vote

SUMMARY: Directs the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to study the feasibility of developing a digital mobile driver's license (DDL) application for smartphone use, as specified.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Authorizes DMV to issue a driver's license and/or an identification card to a person, if certain requirements are satisfied.

2. Requires a driver's license to provide specific information including the licensee's true full name, age, mailing address, a brief description, and an engraved picture of the licensee for identification purposes.

3. Specifies an identification card is required to include an engraved picture of the applicant and provide information to adequately describe the applicant.

4. At the federal level, the Real ID Act of 2005 includes provisions to improve the security or driver’s licenses and identification cards.

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, one-time special fund costs of $250,000 for the study.

COMMENTS: In December of 2014, the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced they would be developing an in-house pilot program (program) to test a smart phone application that could display a person's driver's license in digital form. The DDL program is designed to be carried out in three phases including the application design phase, the IDOT in-house testing phase, and ultimately, if feasible, full implementation. IDOT is currently operating under the first phase working with application developers, the Federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and local law enforcement to develop an application that can be effectively used but also meet stringent security standards. IDOT representatives have indicated phase two is anticipated to roll out in late 2015 and will encompass a test group of in-house IDOT staff being provided a smart phone with the DDL application. This test group will then use the DDL for approximately six months as a supplement to their original driver's license for specific program purposes.

While several other states are considering the idea of a DDL pilot program, Iowa is the only state that is presently in the development phase of a mobile DDL application. As the first state to experiment with this technology, the IDOT established the program with an extended timeline to ensure that the development and testing of the DDL application incorporates the proper security features and to also address several implementation concerns that have arisen since IDOT's DDL announcement. These concerns surround how a mobile device will be handled by law enforcement during a traffic stop, how information will be stored on the application, and how the DDL will comply with federal Real ID requirements. Being that IDOT established the DDL pilot program under existing authority and not through legislation, IDOT will have the flexibility to extend the pilot program's timeline or cancel testing if the abovementioned implementation issues remain unresolved.

This bill will require DMV to conduct a study on the feasibility of developing a DDL. This bill further requires DMV to report their findings to the Legislature by December 1, 2016. The author notes, "people use their smart phones every day to read the news, shop online, and check their bank accounts. Using a tool that people are familiar with, like a mobile application, to store their primary means of identification will be a useful option for Californians."

Analysis Prepared by: Manny Leon / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093 FN: 0000698

Date of Hearing: May 13, 2015

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Jimmy Gomez, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 221

Author:(Dababneh) – As Amended Ver:April 29, 2015

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill directs the DMV to establish a pilot program to develop and test a smartphone application that will display a digital driver's license (DDL), to provide preliminary status reports on the program to the Legislature by April 1 and December 1, 2017, and to fully implement the DDL by July 1, 2018.

FISCAL EFFECT:

The DMV anticipates costs in the millions of dollars (Motor Vehicle Account) to conduct a pilot program and fully implement a DDL within the timelines specified in this bill. The department notes that DDL technology has not yet been developed and implemented in any other state, there is no product on the market at this time that the department could purchase, and it is not anticipated that any product, in a viable form, will be available within the timeframe required. 

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose. According to the author, "people use their smart phones every day to read the news, shop online, and check their bank accounts. Using a tool that people are familiar with, like a mobile application, to store their primary means of identification will be a useful option for Californians."

2. Background. While several other states are considering the idea of a DDL pilot program, Iowa is the only state that is presently in the development phase of a mobile DDL application. Begun In December 2014, the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) pilot program is currently in its initial phase, working with application developers, the Federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and local law enforcement to develop an application that can be effectively used but also meet stringent security standards. IDOT representatives have indicated phase two is anticipated to roll out in late 2015 and will encompass a test group of in-house IDOT staff being provided a smart phone with the DDL application. This test group will then use the DDL for approximately six months as a supplement to their original driver's license for specific program purposes.

Several implementation concerns that have arisen with IDOT's DDL pilot, regarding how a mobile device will be handled by law enforcement during a traffic stop, how information will be stored on the application, and compliance with federal Real ID requirements.

Analysis Prepared by: Chuck Nicol / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: April 27, 2015

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Jim Frazier, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 221

Author:(Dababneh) – As Amended Ver:April 21, 2015

SUBJECT: Mobile application: driver’s licenses and identification cards

SUMMARY: Directs the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to establish a pilot program to develop and test a mobile application that will display a digital driver's license (DDL). Specifies that the DDL pilot program must meet certain timeline requirements.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Authorizes DMV to issue a driver's license and/or an identification card to a person, if certain requirements are satisfied.

2. Requires a driver's license to provide specific information including the licensee's true full name, age, mailing address, a brief description, and an engraved picture of the licensee for identification purposes.

3. Specifies an identification card is required to include an engraved picture of the applicant and provide information to adequately describe the applicant.

4. At the federal level, the Real ID Act of 2005, includes provisions to improve the security or driver’s licenses and identification cards.

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown

COMMENTS: In December of 2014, the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced they would be developing an in-house pilot program (program) to test a smart phone application that could display a person's driver's license in digital form. The DDL program is designed to be carried out in three phases including the application design phase, the IDOT in-house testing phase, and ultimately, if feasible, full implementation. IDOT is currently operating under the first phase working with application developers, the Federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and local law enforcement to develop an application that can be effectively used but also meet stringent security standards. IDOT representatives have indicated phase two is anticipated to roll out in late 2015 and will encompass a test group of in-house IDOT staff being provided a smart phone with the DDL application. This test group will then use the DDL for approximately six months as a supplement to their original driver's license for specific program purposes.

While several other states are considering the idea of a DDL pilot program, Iowa is the only state that is presently in the development phase of a mobile DDL application. As the first state to experiment with this technology, the IDOT established the program with an extended timeline to ensure that the development and testing of the DDL application incorporates the proper security features and to also address several implementation concerns that have arisen since IDOT's DDL announcement. These concerns surround how a mobile device will be handled by law enforcement during a traffic stop, how information will be stored on the application, and how the DDL will comply with federal Real ID requirements. Being that IDOT established the DDL pilot program under existing authority and not through legislation, IDOT will have the flexibility to extend the pilot program's timeline or cancel testing if the abovementioned implementation issues remain unresolved.

AB 221 will require DMV, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, to establish a DDL pilot program. Specifically, AB 221 sets up a timeline requiring DMV to first work on developing a mobile DDL application, second carry out in-house testing, and third roll out full implementation by January 1, 2018. Thus, AB 221 sets up a rational timeline to evaluate the feasibility of developing and issuing DDLs to applicants receiving a driver's license. The author notes, "people use their smart phones every day to read the news, shop online, and check their bank accounts. Using a tool that people are familiar with, like a mobile application, to store their primary means of identification will be a useful option for Californians."

Author's amendment: The author intends to amend the bill to delay reporting and full implementation requirements by six months and include a preliminary status update by DMV midway through the in-house testing period.

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Analysis Prepared by: Manny Leon / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093