Utah to Trial Blockchain Digital IDs Storable on Smartphone

In order to create digital identity certificates and other credentials that can be saved and used on a mobile device like a smartphone, Utah will test blockchain technology. The Government Digital Verifiable Record Amendments bill, sponsored by the state of Utah, requires its Division of Technology Services to conduct a pilot program and recommend strategies for governments to issue digital credentials with the same legal weight as a physical document.

The law specifies that the recommendations should encompass securing personally identifiable data in distributed ledger systems, certifying documents using blockchain, and protecting the security and secrecy of digitally verified credentials and records.

Before the end of October of this year, the Division of Technology Services must submit a report on the pilot and its recommendations. Drivers in Utah have had the opportunity to produce a digital copy of their actual driver’s license on their smartphone since March. A picture was taken to verify their identification in order to do this.