By JESSICA ROSS
Delaware is working with a New Jersey identity agency to become the first state to have a digitized license application.
MorphoTrust USA , a motor vehichle agency based out of Newark NJ, created the concept two years ago in hopes of allowing citizens to carry a digital version of their drivers license with the use of an app. The creators believe that with lives becoming more virtual, it makes sense to have a digital license. The app will have numerous safety features, allowing for the security of the drivers’ information. Fingerprint identification and voice recognition are just a few ways that MorphoTrust USA plans on securing information from hackers.
According to the company’s vice president, Jenny Openshaw, “Your mobile device is really becoming your digital wallet, and so it makes perfect sense that all the identiy documents that you usually carry in your wallet – whether a driver’s licence, health or car insurance card – will also now be stored there.”
But some New Jersey drivers are unsure of this new app. Smartphones have many of the capabilities that computers have, causing potential users to worry about hackers and viruses that could steal important information.
“I don’t think it’s safe. Smart phones are technically tiny hand sized computers. By putting information on a computer, you are exposing yourself to hackers and identity thieves who can easily access your information,” said Gisselle Arce Diaz, 22, of Islin, N.J.
“Although the features of voice activation and finger prints are supposed to make it secure, the truth is, nothing can be 100% guaranteed,” Diaz added.
According to the Pew Research Center, more than half of app users in general have uninstalled or decided to not install an app due to concerns about their personal information.
The Delaware DMV though says that traditional plastic licenses will not be eliminated. Drivers will have the option to carry around their traditional license as well as the digital license.
MorphoTrust USA plans on doing a pilot of the app allowing Delaware drivers to test drive their new digital licenses.
Like a traditional license, the app will provide information that is found on every license including birth date, name, address, signature, and a photo.
Many drivers are concerned with the amount of security that will be provided if this app is created.
“Even though they have all this security, if someone figures a way to get into your phone, they have your license which has very important information on it,” Cece Vacca, 23, of Freehold Township said.
One concern that people have is how the app will work if they travel to another state and get pulled over. Will police officers have the correct equipment to scan and read the digital license? People are also concerned what happens when an officer takes your phone to check your license. Will they see certain information?
MorphoTrust USA is working on a feature that will lock the screen so that when the license is up, other information will not be seen.
Whether or not this will be a hit, MorphoTrust USA plans on having a digitalized license app available in 2016.
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