Senate Transportation Committee
Vivian Hall 271-3091
HB 1698, relative to electronic credentials.
Hearing Date: April 21, 2026
Time Opened: 2:16 p.m. Time Closed: 2:23 p.m.
Members of the Committee Present: Senators Fenton, Ricciardi, McConkey and Ward
Members of the Committee Absent : Senator Prentiss
Bill Analysis: This bill clarifies that the statute authorizing the division of motor vehicles to establish electronic credentials does not grant the authority to compel a person to create, maintain, or display an electronic credential, nor to require any business to accept them.
Sponsors:
Rep. Tom Mannion | Rep. Wheeler | Rep. Slottje |
Rep. Sirois | Rep. Drago | Rep. Mehegan |
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Who supports the bill: 98 individuals signed in support of HB 1698. For more information, please contact Vivian Hall at vivian.hall@gc.nh.gov.
Who opposes the bill: None.
Who is neutral on the bill: John Marasco, Director, Division of Motor Vehicles.
Summary of testimony presented:
Representative Tom Mannion, Hillsborough District 1
- Rep. Mannion explained that the bill originated from a constituent request.
- He noted that after electronic credentials were legalized, some constituents raised concerns about the implications of digital IDs.
- He stated that in certain parts of the world, digital IDs have been used to enforce compliance.
- He provided the example of individuals who failed to keep vaccinations up to date or who spoke out against the government could have their digital IDs deactivated.
- He reported receiving multiple phone calls expressing concern that digital IDs could eventually become mandatory.
- The bill would prohibit New Hampshire from mandating digital IDs and would also ensure that businesses cannot be required to accept them.
John Marasco, Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles
- Director Marasco said that several other states have created mobile driver’s licenses on an opt-in basis. He said that best practice would be to have drivers still carry their physical license in conjunction with a mobile driver’s license.
Senator McConkey asked if electronic credentials have already been mandated in statute, but they have not implemented their use.
Director Marasco said that was correct.
Senator McConkey asked if they pass this legislation, if it would affect the program that would be rolled out in the future.
Director Marasco answered that he did not think it would affect the program. The change made by the proposed legislation would make the program optional.
Senator Fenton asked what other electronic credentials there were besides mobile driver’s licenses and non-driver identification cards.
Director Marasco replied that, in their context, the focus is solely on mobile driver’s licenses. He provided an example of an alternative form of digital ID offered in California, which does not display an individual’s address and can be used to purchase alcohol and tobacco. He also noted that in Louisiana, mobile driver’s licenses are accepted as valid identification by law enforcement. TSA accepts mobile driver’s licenses at certain airports as well.
V.H
Date Hearing Report completed: April 23, 2026