New Hampshire residents will soon be able to carry an electronic version of their driver’s license in their cell phones or other devices, although they will still have to also keep a physical license on their person while driving.
Legislation set to go into effect January 1, 2026 instructs the Division of Motor Vehicles to create a system for offering mobile licenses to anyone with a physical license who requests one for a yet-to-be determined fee. The law further instructs DMV to offer non-driver identification cards in electronic format as well.
The measure was part of the budget bill signed ito law last week by Gov. Kelly Ayotte.
The DMV may contract with one or more entities to develop the electronic credential system. The law is expected to cost about $2 million to implement in 2026. The system must integrate with DMV records and comply with established security and interoperability standards.
The system would allow individuals to carry their driver’s license and identification credentials digitally on mobile devices, such as smart phones, and in third party wallets like Apple Wallet.
The law makes clear that while electronic credential holders must provide their physical credential when requested by law enforcement, they are not required to relinquish possession of their mobile device to any party for the acceptance of an electronic credential.
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Personal Auto
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