The Iowa Department of Transportation is working on an app that could one day serve as a driver’s license. Mark Lowe is the director of the Iowa DOT’s Motor Vehicle Division. Lowe says they see this app becoming an extension of and alternative to the physical document.

During the pilot program set to begin in the next few months, a small group of DOT staff will use a prototype currently in development. After the study is complete, work will begin on the consumer product, which could be available by 2016.

Lowe adds they plan to address security concerns by incorporating fingerprint or facial recognition software. Users of the app will also have the option to lock access to everything on their cell phone except the digital license before handing it to law enforcement.

He shares that other states have been looking into digital licenses, but Iowa is the first to come up with a plan to give drivers the option.

For the In Touch with Southeast Iowa program Lowe joined us for, click here.