State leads nation with digital licenses

The American Press

Louisiana is first for a change, and it isn’t because of some survey. The state in July became the first in the nation to make digital driver’s licenses available to anyone who wants one.

The Associated Press reported that at least 14 other states either have developed a similar program, run a pilot or are studying the possibility of issuing similar licenses. The AP said 77 percent of American adults own a smartphone, including 94 percent of adults under 30.

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (LOMV), Louisiana State Police and the Department of Public Safety jointly designed the program. Some 35,000 of the state’s four million drivers have signed up to have their licenses available on the LA Wallet app.

Residents can download the Apple or Google app for free, but must pay a $5.99 activation fee that covers them until their driver’s license expires. Drivers have to use a PIN number, fingerprint or both to access their license, which is linked to the OMV data system. For now, the app can only be used for stops by State Police and for voting, but officials hope to expand its uses in the future.

Digital licenses are a supplement and don’t replace plastic licenses that still have to be carried for the foreseeable future. State Police are happy with the hands-off procedure, which means they can check the license without having to take the phone from the driver.

A spokesman for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in New York said there are significant risks with the digital licenses if they are offered without explaining those risks.

The Electronic Privacy Information Center is concerned about the apps being used to monitor a person.

State officials said to address privacy concerns the law says that displaying a digital license doesn’t serve as consent or authorization for police or anyone else to search or view any other data or app on the mobile device.

Paige Paxton, a field administrator for the state OMV, said, "We like to move with the times. We saw the potential. Our plan is to eventually make it so your registration, insurance or any credential would be on LA Wallet."

We congratulate the many state officials involved in this effort to make life simpler for the citizens they serve.””Digital License

SportsPlus

Local News

Lottery registration for Louisiana Fortify Homes Program grants open Feb. 12

Local News

10 honored for contributions to music during Black History Month Breakfast

life

SW La. school lunch menus Feb. 10-14

Local News

Moss Bluff bicyclist killed in late-night collision

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column:Landry tries to pull fast one

Informer

The Informer: Historic Arcade Theater destroyed in 1985 Thanksgiving Day fire

Crime

33-year-old LC man accused of indecent behavior

Jim Gazzolo

Jim Gazzolo column: Parity no cause for concern

Local News

US taxpayer funds went to foreign competition for domestic shrimpers

McNeese Sports

Cowboys look to regain touch

life

Hobo Hotel for Cats charity auction set for Saturday

Local News

Firefighter training to be offered to high school junior, seniors

Local News

LCPD complaints delay vote to reappoint police chief

Local News

Karlee Campbell curates a classroom for students where they feel welcomed

McNeese Sports

Cowgirls suffer double loss

life

SW La. nightlife calendar: There’s always something to do

Local News

Trump announces commission on religious liberty, White House Faith Office

McNeese Sports

Traveling man

Local News

Jennings High Key Club using grant to increase access to books

Local News

Program aimed at helping city workers buy homes

Local News

Several area schools named after Black education pioneers, local legends

Crime

LC man accused of going on crime spree

McNeese Sports

Back to their roots

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column:Second Harvest news unsettling