Permitting and Licensing

The state’s digital ID program, free and voluntary, continues to grow as more airports and bars accept those forms of identification. Other states are expanding their own mobile ID programs.

The state Senate and House of Representatives have both halted a bill that would have compelled the state to stop issuing drivers’ licenses and ID cards. As of April 1, just 27 percent of Mainers have a Real ID.

The latest in a series of text message schemes, this one messages residents’ cellphones seeking information. The state’s Department of Motor Vehicles commissioner said the agency does not ask for personal data over the phone.

If approved, the state’s 2025-2026 proposed budget would fund pilots in Forsyth and Guilford counties to enable remote driver’s license renewals. Options could include home visits or third-party assistance.

The Florida office at Midway Crossings will close Saturday and reopen Monday. Technology changes on the way include credit card machines at each checkout window and software to thwart appointment hoarding.

The government technology heavyweight has bought ePermitHub. That company’s technology will help Accela customers further streamline and automate public agency permitting tasks, including via the use of AI.

Gov. Jeff Landry has declared an emergency via executive order as the state grapples with service disruptions at Office of Motor Vehicles sites. Some late fees are being waived for expired Class E drivers’ licenses.

The Mineral County Treasurer’s Office and the state are readying a new vehicle services system, to refresh vehicle titling and registration. Services will be fully restored Monday morning, per the state website.

The state has a reputation for high housing costs and bureaucracy in front of developers. But city planners hope a new online tool could help make it easier for residents to build smaller shelters.

The system issues began roughly three weeks ago and are believed to be related to online traffic. Officials will work weekends to implement possible solutions, and are reviewing options for a larger upgrade.

Backed by private equity and based in the Midwest, gWorks sells billing, permitting and other tools to local governments, utilities and special districts. BBI, meanwhile, has more than 300 clients in Mississippi and Louisiana.

The state Department of Motor Vehicles announced availability of the digital driver’s license, learner permit or ID in June 2024. It is accepted at a growing number of businesses and airports in New York and nationally.

Nearly two dozen cities have been awarded the What Works Cities Certification, which recognizes localities for data usage to inform policy and funding, engage residents, evaluate programs and improve services.

State legislators have introduced a bill that would activate mobile or digital driver’s licenses, and ID cards. The benefits, a sponsoring state senator said, include streamlining identification and age verification.

Local governments use BS&A software for budgeting, taxes, licensing and other activities. Boyce, strong in Indiana, sells similar services to cities, schools and utilities. The deal follows a big investment in BS&A.

New Mexico’s most populous city went live late last month with a new way to submit planning requests. Users can now make permit and construction project applications, payments and register businesses online.

MyGov serves some 150 clients and gives Tyler a way to boost its product offerings to local governments. The move comes as public administration stands as one of the main gov tech opportunities for 2025.

After legislation took effect Jan. 1, the Secretary of State’s Office will work with the technology company to let users add their driver’s license or state ID to the Wallet. A sign-up page for interested Illinoisans has been set up.