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S 2905

An Act providing for mobile driver’s licenses in the commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Julian Cyr

Massachusetts will issue electronic mobile driver’s licenses alongside physical ones, using privacy-preserving, standards-based verification for authorized, consent-based use.

Reporting date extended to Friday July 31, 2026
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Bill Summary · S 2905

Summary: An Act providing for mobile drivers’ licenses in the commonwealth (Massachusetts, S. 2905, 194th General Court)

Purpose and objective

  • The bill would require the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (the registrar) to establish and operate an electronic credential system to issue mobile (electronic) driver’s licenses and related credentials alongside traditional physical credentials.
  • The intent is to allow electronic presentation of credentials on mobile devices while preserving the validity and needs of authorization, verification, privacy, and security standards.

Key provisions and changes

Electronic credential system

  • The registrar must establish an electronic credential system that complies with the most recent American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) standards and the ISO/IEC 18013-5 standard for mobile driver licenses.
  • Every eligible individual who can receive a physical credential must also receive an electronic credential, issued in addition to the physical credential.
  • Data elements used for the electronic credential will match those used for the corresponding physical credential.
  • Electronic credentials will have a defined validity period set by the registrar.
  • The registrar may contract with external entities (including other state or federal entities or private third parties) to develop, maintain, or facilitate the electronic credential system.

Data, privacy, and security

  • The registrar must ensure that electronic credential data and the verification process comply with applicable state and federal data security and privacy laws.
  • Verification by relying parties must authenticate electronic credentials according to applicable standards and request only data elements necessary to complete the transaction.
  • Relying parties may only retain electronic credential data elements for which the credential holder has explicitly consented; credential holders must be informed about use and retention periods.
  • The system should maximize privacy and should not track or compile information without consent. Data use disclosure is limited to what is required by law.
  • The electronic credential system should be designed so relying parties do not need to display or relinquish possession of the mobile device to accept the credential.

Use and access in transactions

  • A physical credential must be carried by the credential holder while operating a motor vehicle.
  • The electronic credential may be presented without the credential holder handing over the device to the relying party.
  • If law enforcement requests, the credential holder must provide the physical credential; provisions do not change existing requirements for surrendering a physical credential under law.
  • Displaying the electronic credential does not grant broader access to the device’s other data or applications.
  • Law enforcement and other authorities are protected from liability for damage to a device when presented for credential verification, except in cases of willful or wanton misconduct.

Implementation and administration

  • The registrar is authorized to contract for development and maintenance of the electronic credential system.
  • The registrar may enter intergovernmental or interagency agreements to facilitate issuance, use, or verification of electronic credentials.
  • The registrar will promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement the section.

Affected parties

  • Primary: Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (the registrar) and its staff responsible for credential issuance and system implementation.
  • Credential holders: Individuals eligible for driver’s licenses, learner’s permits, or identification cards—who would receive both physical and electronic credentials.
  • Relying parties: Entities that will verify credentials (e.g., law enforcement, businesses, and other organizations) and must follow consent-based data use and privacy rules.
  • External partners: Potential contractors or partner agencies providing technology, security, or verification services.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The registrar must establish the electronic credential system and align with standards (AAMVA, ISO) and set data privacy controls.
  • Regulations to implement the new system must be promulgated within 270 days after passage.
  • The act itself delays full effectiveness to 270 days after passage (the implementation and regulation timeline mirrors this staggered rollout).
  • The bill includes definitions for terms such as electronic credential, data element, reliance party, and verification process to guide implementation and interoperability.

Notes on status

  • The bill has a history of committee referrals and scheduling actions, with recent activity indicating recommittal to the Transportation Committee and related study orders, suggesting ongoing consideration and potential amendments before final passage.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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