Texas Considers Allowing Digital Driver's Licenses

The state has seen multiple failed attempts to adopt the technology, raising questions about its usefulness.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Texas is considering allowing residents to use digital driver's licenses stored on their smartphones, similar to what 20 other states have already implemented. However, the state has seen multiple failed attempts to adopt this technology, leading to questions about its real-world usefulness since law enforcement and some businesses still do not accept digital licenses as valid identification.

Why it matters

The push for digital driver's licenses is part of a broader trend of states adopting new technologies to modernize government services. Proponents argue it can provide more convenience for residents, but critics raise privacy and security concerns, as well as the limited acceptance of digital IDs so far.

The details

A digital driver's license would allow Texans to access their license information through a mobile app or digital wallet on their smartphone. Supporters say this could make age verification and other ID checks more efficient. However, law enforcement in Texas and other states that have adopted digital IDs still do not accept them as valid identification, and some airports also do not recognize them. This has limited the practical usefulness of digital licenses so far.

  • Texas has seen multiple failed attempts to pass legislation allowing digital driver's licenses since 2020.
  • As of 2026, 20 states have already implemented digital driver's license programs.

The players

Texas Department of Public Safety

The state agency responsible for driver's licenses and other law enforcement duties in Texas.

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What they’re saying

“Personally, I love checking out new tech. The downside of technology is those that use it for a nefarious purpose. We have to worry about our bank information online or someone finding our personal information and selling it on the dark web.”

— Michael Gibson (1073kissfmtexas.com)

What’s next

The Texas legislature will continue to debate the merits of a digital driver's license program, weighing the potential benefits against the current limitations and security concerns.

The takeaway

While digital driver's licenses offer potential conveniences, their limited acceptance so far has hindered widespread adoption. Texas will need to carefully consider the tradeoffs as it decides whether to move forward with this technology.