Michigan Proposes Digital IDs, But Limits Their Use

New mobile ID cards would be prohibited for voting and law enforcement interactions

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A package of bills in the Michigan legislature would allow the state to issue digital, mobile phone identification cards. However, the proposed digital IDs would not be allowed for use when voting or interacting with law enforcement, raising concerns about their overall usefulness. The bills also face challenges around privacy and data sharing, especially in the current political climate.

Why it matters

The proposed digital IDs are intended to provide residents with a convenient option if their physical IDs are lost or being replaced. However, the restrictions on using them for voting and law enforcement interactions limit their practical application. There are also concerns about how the digital IDs could potentially expose personal data to the federal government, especially for immigrants and others with visa statuses.

The details

The legislative package, which includes Senate Bills 617-621, would give the Michigan Department of State the ability to issue state IDs or driver's licenses as digital, mobile phone-based options. However, drivers would still need to carry their physical licenses when operating a vehicle, and the digital IDs would be prohibited from use when voting due to election law requirements. Businesses and law enforcement agencies would also not be required to accept the digital IDs. The bills aim to address privacy concerns by allowing residents to control what information is shared when the digital ID is scanned, but there are still worries about data sharing with the federal government.

  • The legislative package was reintroduced and discussed before the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on February 24, 2026.
  • The committee adopted several substitutes to the package but did not vote to move any of the bills to the Senate floor.

The players

Michigan Department of State

The state agency that would be responsible for issuing the proposed digital IDs and driver's licenses.

State Sen. Erika Geiss

The chair of the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, who expressed concerns about personal privacy and data sharing with the federal government.

State Sen. Stephanie Chang

A member of the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, who also raised concerns about data sharing and the potential impact on immigrants and those with visa statuses.

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What they’re saying

“There is an expectation that residents will continue to carry their physical license or ID with them in case they are conducting a transaction with someone who's not yet a reliant party in the state.”

— Erin Schor, Legislative Policy Director, Michigan Department of State (newsfromthestates.com)

“I am cognizant of the fact that we are in a moment right now where our federal government has been asking for data from all types of different government entities. I am a bit concerned about the prospect of that information getting into those hands, especially recognizing that there are people who have driver's licenses and IDs ... here on a work visa or student visa, and have stayed beyond, perhaps.”

— State Sen. Stephanie Chang (newsfromthestates.com)

What’s next

The Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will continue to work on the legislative package, addressing concerns around privacy, data sharing, and the overall usefulness of the proposed digital IDs.

The takeaway

The proposed digital IDs in Michigan highlight the challenges of balancing technological convenience with privacy and security concerns, especially in the current political climate. The restrictions on using the digital IDs for voting and law enforcement interactions raise questions about their practical value, while the data sharing worries underscore the need for robust privacy protections.