Murphy signs mobile licenses law
Use during traffic stops, air travel to be ironed out
By: Katie Sobko
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... A bill to allow for mobile driver's licenses was signed by governor Phil Murphy last week. [07/24/2025]
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The new law, first introduced in January 2024, will make it possible for New Jersey residents to get mobile driver's licenses or identification cards that they can access on smartphones or other electronic devices.
..... Murphy took special interest in the concept earlier this year, [2025] highlighting the initiative in his State of the State address in January. [2025]
..... "This is just common sense," Murphy said at the time. "Taking this step will make life easier for the people we serve. And is that not what good government is all about?"
..... The law also includes protections against the collection, sale of disclosure of infraction used to access the license or non-driver ID.
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It's unclear how the digital licensees will be used during traffic stops, because although the bill dictates that users are not required to turn over their device while displaying a license, it is customary for police to take physical licenses, along with vehicle registration and proof of insurance, to their car during stops.
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"Digital driver's licenses will make life easier for drivers across New Jersey," Murphy said in a statement after the signing. "Innovation has always been at the core of who we are as a state, and my administration has embraced that spirit to deliver practical solutions that improve everyday life for our people."
..... Last year's [2024] approved budget allocated $1.5 million toward digital licenses, and that money was carried over into the fiscal year 2026 budget Murphy signed at the end of June. [2025]
..... New Jersey will likely have to apply for a waiver form the Transportation Security Administration to ensure that residents suing Real ID mobile licenses are compliant with federal regulations.
..... During the Real ID roll-out, states that have mobile licenses needed a waiver, because otherwise the mobile version is not compliant to be used for air travel.
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Nearly a decade ago, the Legislature passed a bill requiring the Motor Vehicle commission to conduct a feasibility study of mobile driver's license. That study found that nearly 70% of respondents would pay for a mobile license option.
..... New Jersey isn't the first state to consider allowing for mobile license. More than a dozen states have them, including New York and Delaware.
..... The law will still take three years to go into effect, providing time to get programs in place to help with the functionality of the mobile option.
..... William Connolly,m a spokesperson for the state's Motor Vehicle Commission, said earlier this year [2025] that the "creation of a mobile driver's license will require some upgrades and the integration of new technology.
..... Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse. email: sobko@northjersey.com