Driver's License Modernization Act of 2002

H.R. 4633, the Driver's License Modernization Act of 2002, proposed a national overhaul of state-issued identification by requiring driver’s licenses to include embedded computer chips. These chips would store the cardholder’s personal information and biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial scans, alongside enhanced security features to prevent forgery.

For everyday citizens, this bill would have standardized the identification process across all states and required individuals to provide more rigorous documentation of their identity and residency when applying for or renewing a license. Additionally, the bill sought to link state motor vehicle databases into a shared electronic network to allow for faster verification of driver information across state lines. While the bill offered federal grants to help states implement these technologies, it did not advance past the committee stage and never became law.