If you live in Minnesota and were hoping to finally leave your physical wallet at home, you are going to have to wait a little longer. On March 9, 2026, the state’s House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee officially shot down HF1335, a highly debated bill that would have authorized the creation of electronic driver’s licenses and state IDs.
How the ‘Tap-to-Verify’ Tech Would Work
HF1335 aimed to let motorists securely load their state credentials straight into their smartphone’s digital wallet. One of the biggest selling points of the proposed system was that you would never actually have to hand your expensive device over to a police officer, bartender, or clerk.
Instead, the system relied on a contactless tap. Much like checking out with Apple Pay or Google Pay, a quick tap of your phone against a reader would instantly verify your identity and age.
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Championed by Rep. Brad Tabke (DFL-Shakopee), the push for mobile credentials centered heavily on user privacy and everyday convenience. Tabke and other supporters said that 14 other states are already successfully navigating this exact technology.
On top of this, digital IDs actually protect a driver’s personal data. By tapping your phone, you could verify that you are over 21 to buy a drink or rent a hotel room without broadcasting your home address, exact weight, or exact date of birth to a total stranger.
Why the Committee Pumped the Brakes
Despite the modern tech and the promise of better data security, the bill hit a brick wall with committee critics. Co-chair Rep. Jon Koznick (R-Lakeville) voiced heavy skepticism during the hearing, pointing to unresolved data privacy questions and broader public safety issues.
“We’re just not ready to do this,” Koznick said before the bill ultimately failed.
