Electronic Drivers Licenses In NJ Could Become A Reality

TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) - The New Jersey legislature has approved a measure that would authorize a study of issuing electronic driver's licenses in the Garden State.

The legislation would direct the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to undertake the study.

In addition to the costs of launching such a program, the commission is tasked to explore privacy and security issues involving electronic licenses.

Republican Sen. Tom Kean Jr., who represents Morris, Somerset and Union counties, pushed the measure through passage in the Senate.

"It's a fact of life that people want to have options in this regard," he says. "And I think while we will always have a paper license for the foreseeable future. This an appropriate option I think that the governor would agree that it's an appropriate use of state resources to make sure this works."

Republican Assemblyman Ronald Dancer, who represents sections of Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties, guided the bill through the Assembly. He says it's a matter of convenience worth pursuing:

"You're more likely today to leave your wallet at home or a woman with a pocketbook than you are your iPhone, your smartphone."

Kean Jr. adds this would be convenient for both the consumer and for law enforcement.