Petition to the Indiana General Assembly and the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)

Indiana residents deserve identification options that reflect how people live and work today.

Right now, Hoosiers are required to rely almost entirely on a physical driver’s license or state ID, even though many essential services; banking, travel, healthcare, employment, and government services already use secure digital technology. Losing or forgetting a wallet can lead to unnecessary stress, missed work, citations, or delays.

This petition asks Indiana to allow an optional Indiana Digital ID, stored securely on your phone, while fully keeping physical IDs valid.

We are not asking to replace physical licenses.

We are asking Indiana to offer a modern option, just like many other states already do.

 
Why This Is Important

1. Real-Life Convenience
People forget wallets every day. Phones are far more likely to be with someone at all times. A digital ID provides a reliable backup in everyday situations.

2. Accessibility & Inclusion
Digital IDs can improve access for:

• People with disabilities
• Older adults
• Individuals who rely on mobile technology
• People who have difficulty carrying or handling physical cards

3. Public Safety & Law Enforcement Use
In other states, digital IDs are already used in controlled situations, including:

• Airport security (TSA)
• Government buildings
• Verified identity checks
• Some states also allow secure verification during traffic stops, while still allowing officers to request a physical ID when needed.

4. Security & Privacy
Digital IDs use:

• Encryption
• Device authentication (PIN, Face ID, fingerprint)
• Limited data sharing (only what’s needed is shown)
• A lost physical license can be used by anyone. A digital ID cannot be accessed without the phone owner’s authentication.

5. Indiana Should Not Fall Behind

States across the U.S. have already launched or piloted digital driver’s licenses. Indiana should remain competitive, modern, and aligned with national standards.

Examples From Other States

• Arizona – One of the first states to launch mobile driver’s licenses
• Colorado – Digital IDs accepted at TSA checkpoints
• Georgia – Mobile driver’s licenses available through Apple Wallet
• Louisiana – State-run digital ID app used for verification
• New York – Mobile ID accepted at hundreds of TSA locations
• Ohio & Virginia – Active digital ID and mobile ID programs

These programs are voluntary, secure, and used alongside physical licenses, not instead of them.

 
What We Are Asking Indiana To Do

We respectfully urge the Indiana General Assembly and the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to:

1. Authorize or expand an optional Indiana Digital ID
2. Keep physical driver’s licenses fully valid
3. Protect privacy and prevent tracking or surveillance
4. Clearly define how digital IDs may be used
5. Start with a pilot program before statewide expansion

What This Petition Does NOT Do
This petition does not:

• Eliminate physical driver’s licenses
• Require anyone to use a digital ID
• Create tracking or surveillance systems
• Force law enforcement to accept digital ID in all situations
• Choice, safety, and privacy must come first.

 
Conclusion

Technology has changed. Indiana should change with it carefully, responsibly, and voluntarily.

An Indiana Digital ID on your phone would improve convenience, accessibility, and security while preserving individual choice and public safety.

We ask Indiana leaders to take the next step forward.