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Alaska2026Passed Legislature

SB165

Alaska Electronic Driver's Licenses Bill

Last scannedSep 22, 2026, 12:32 AM

In one sentence

This bill allows Alaska residents to use digital versions of their driver's licenses, permits, and ID cards on mobile devices while requiring them to keep the physical copies.

What it does

  • Allows the Department of Administration to issue electronic identification cards to people who already have a physical card.
  • Permits drivers to show an electronic license or permit on a phone instead of carrying only a paper one, provided they also possess the physical version.
  • States that showing an ID on a phone does not give police permission to search other parts of the device.
  • Requires officers to return phones quickly after checking the person's identity and license status.
  • Updates rules so electronic licenses show warnings if the physical card is suspended, revoked, canceled, limited, or restricted.

Who it affects

  • Alaska residents who hold driver's licenses, permits, or identification cards
  • The Department of Administration that issues these documents
  • Peace officers and other authorized representatives of the Department of Public Safety

Limits and unknowns

  • The bill does not set an effective date for when these rules will start.
  • Specific details about how to apply or use the electronic cards are left for future regulations by the commissioner.
  • The text notes that drivers may still be required to carry a physical license in certain situations, but it does not list those specific circumstances.

Plain language

Terms to know

Electronic license
A digital version of a driver's license, permit, or ID card stored on a mobile device.
Peace officer
Police officers and other authorized government workers who enforce the law.

Official record

Sources

Source checked
Official bill pageIntroduced textCurrent bill text
Read the official summary

ELECTRONIC DRIVER'S LICENSES An Act relating to the powers of the commissioner of administration with respect to motor vehicles; relating to electronic identification cards; relating to electronic driver's licenses and permits; and providing for an effective date.

Official activity

Bill history

  1. (S) Minutes (STRA)Min
  2. (S) Heard & HeldText
  3. (S) TRANSPORTATION at 01:30 PM BUTROVICH 205Text
  4. (S) REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION746
  5. (S) GOVERNOR'S TRANSMITTAL LETTER746
  6. (S) FN2: ZERO(DPS)746
  7. (S) FN1: ZERO(ADM)746
  8. (S) TRA, STA746
  9. (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS746