But law enforcement still can require a physical copy of citizens' IDs.
Gov. Jared Polis has announced the Colorado Digital ID in the myColorado mobile app, the state's official mobile app.
The Digital ID enables Coloradans to create an electronic version of their Colorado driver's license or state identification card, and can be displayed on smartphones for proof of identification, age, and address in Colorado, according to a media release sent out by Polis' office.
The digital ID is a secure visual representation of what has traditionally been the legally accepted official physical format of a person's identification.
"As technology evolves, I'm excited to make sure that government keeps up with the times. We are rapidly moving to support the use of mobile digital identity solutions that allow any of us to verify our identity and conduct business without the need to carry a plastic identification card," Polis said in a statement. "Colorado continues to be a national leader when it comes to technology. I'm excited to announce myColorado, the state of Colorado's official mobile app, providing residents with secure and convenient identity verification and increasing access to state services anytime, anywhere."
Polis signed an executive order stating that the Colorado Digital ID shall be authorized, and may be accepted, as a legal form of personal identification for use in Colorado.
Polis' office said the Colorado business community is highly encouraged to begin accepting the digital ID, and state agencies are being advised to accept it beginning December 1.
Colorado law enforcement agencies may continue to require physical forms of identification by members of the public in all law enforcement and public safety situations, so residents are still being asked to continue to take their physical ID wherever they go.
"My anticipation is that this will be a graduated process. I think most people will have hard copy ID for a significant period of time and frankly I think we have to wait and see how it unfolds," Police Chief Troy Davenport said of the mobile IDs. "If it becomes an official, sanctioned, reliable form of government ID, I think we're all headed in that direction. But this is one of those things I think will be gradual, that's my guess."
With the myColorado mobile app, Coloradans also can renew their driver's license, receive notifications about important state news, securely store personal and payment information, and search for online state services in one place. Storage of vehicle registration and insurance cards in the myColorado Wallet is coming soon, according to Polis' office.
Coloradans may download the app to their smartphones via the Apple App Store or Google Play. Visit myColorado.state.co.us to learn more about myColorado and the Colorado Digital ID.
©2019 The Pueblo Chieftain (Pueblo, Colo.). Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
