Alabama Proposes Digital Driver’s Licenses for Residents in 2026

Alabama residents may soon have the opportunity to use a mobile driver’s license (mDL) or non-driver identification card, thanks to a bill pre-filed by State Representative Ontario Tillman. This initiative aims to provide residents with a digital option alongside traditional physical licenses and identification cards.

The proposed legislation, set for consideration when the Alabama legislature reconvenes on January 13, 2026, mandates the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to offer a digital version of driver’s licenses and state ID cards for a fee of $15. The digital credentials would be accessible through an ALEA-approved mobile application and would contain the same essential information as physical licenses, including a barcode or other electronic mechanisms to verify identification.

Under the terms of the bill, residents could utilize the digital license instead of a physical card during traffic stops or when requested by law enforcement, judges, or other government officials in Alabama. The digital credentials would be fully recognized as valid identification, comparable to physical driver’s licenses or non-driver ID cards.

While this bill would enhance identification options for many, it explicitly prohibits the use of digital licenses as voter photo identification. Voters will still be required to present an authorized physical ID for voting purposes, ensuring compliance with existing state election laws.

Privacy and Security Considerations

The legislation includes provisions aimed at addressing privacy and security concerns associated with digital identification. It clarifies that displaying a digital license via the ALEA-approved app does not grant implicit consent for law enforcement or others to access or search the user’s mobile device, unless permitted by law.

Furthermore, the bill outlines that ALEA must implement “reasonable standards of security” to safeguard the integrity of the digital driver’s license or non-driver identification card, as well as the privacy of the licensee. ALEA would also have the authority to establish rules to manage the digital licensing system, encompassing technical and security standards.

If passed, the provisions of the bill are scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2026. The next step for the legislation is a review by the House Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.

As digital identification gains traction across the United States, Kentucky recently became the 19th state to adopt similar measures, allowing residents to verify their identity and age using digital IDs. Should Alabama follow suit, it will join a growing movement towards modernizing identification processes in the digital age.