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Mobile Driver’s License

US Adoption

Your resource for tracking updates on digital IDs and mobile driver’s licenses around the country.

Mobile Driver’s Licenses (mDLs) in the United States

Click on the states below to learn more about the individual mDLs for each state.

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

Types of mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) in the United States

There are currently three common types of mDLs in use across the country.

Proprietary State Applications

Some states have developed their own custom applications which work with their state databases to verify individuals and display data.

SmartID, ItsMe, Other Applications

There are several widely used applications which have been adopted by state or national jurisdictions to host and manage ID cards.

Apple Wallet

Four states currently have their driver’s license accessible inside the Apple Wallet – Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Georgia.

Which States Offer A Mobile Driver’s Licenses

An overview of which states have launched electronic IDs, and which are currently piloting mDLs

LAUNCHEDPILOTINGLEGALNO MDL
Alabama✓
Alaska✓
Arizona✓
Arkansas✓
California✓
Colorado✓
Connecticut✓
Delaware✓
Florida✓
Georgia✓
Hawaii✓
Idaho✓
Illinois✓
Indiana✓
Iowa✓
Kansas✓
Kentucky✓
Louisiana✓
Maine✓
Maryland✓
Massachusetts✓
Michigan✓
Minnesota✓
Mississippi✓
Missouri✓
Montana✓
Nebraska✓
Nevada✓
New Hampshire✓
New Jersey✓
New Mexico✓
New York✓
North Carolina✓
North Dakota✓
Ohio✓
Oklahoma✓
Oregon✓
Pennsylvania✓
Rhode Island✓
South Carolina✓
South Dakota✓
Tennessee✓
Texas✓
Utah✓
Vermont✓
Virginia✓
WashingtonIn Session
West Virginia✓
Wisconsin✓
Wyoming✓
Washington D.C.✓
Puerto Rico✓

How to scan mDLs

Digital IDs and mDLs typically use the same symbology as physical IDs, but because they are on a phone, they present challenges for typical scanners and authentication devices.

Which ID scanners can scan mDLs?

All handheld scanners can effectively scan mDLs which expose a 2D barcode. ID scanning applications that run on a mobile device (iOS, Android) can also effectively scan mDLs with an exposed barcode.

The Unitech TS-100 ID scanner is also capable of scanning mDLs. Our team has confirmed that it can effectively scan and parse all active digital IDs.

For mDLs that use near field communication (NFC) to transmit data, you will need a device capable of accepting NFC transfers and software that includes NFC data decryption.

Do you need to use a laser or a camera to scan an mDL?

Most handheld scanners use an auto-focusing laser to scan physical IDs, but because of the glass on the phone, these lasers can sometimes be ineffective. At minimum, they require the brightness on the phone to be set to maximum, which can slow down lines.

We recommend switching to the camera for scanning mDLs for this reason.

Can you parse information from an mDL?

Yes. All the same information on a physical ID is also contained in the barcode on an mDL.

NFC mDLs often transmit only specific data for certain purposes, so you may not have access to all data stored on the ID.

Can devices that can authenticate physical IDs also scan mDLs?

Currently we are not aware of any ID scanner that can both authenticate physical IDs and scan mDLs. We are constantly evaluating new ID scanners for this capability.

Handheld ID scanner capable of scanning a mobile drivers license

mDL and Digital ID Updates

See the latest news related to mobile driver’s licenses and digital IDs around the world.

ID Scanner Options For Scanning Mobile Drivers’ Licenses (mDLs)

Not all ID scanners are capable of handling mDLs. Make sure you choose a scanner that is confirmed to be capable of scanning electronic documents.

Mobile Driver’s License FAQ

Which states offer mobile driver’s licenses?

As of June 2023, the following states are actively issuing mobile driver’s licenses and/or digital IDs: Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Utah.

Which states have announced plans to implement an mDL or digital state ID?

As of February 2023, the following states have either rolled out a limited pilot program, or have announced their intentions to roll out an mDL program: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Virginia. Washington, New Jersey, and Missouri have active bills being discussed that would make digital IDs legal and valid.

Can a mobile ID be used at TSA?

Only digital IDs compatible with the Apple Wallet are currently accepted by the TSA. The TSA also only accepts these IDs at select airports. Wider rollout and adoption is expected in the near future. Anecdotally, we have heard of additional mDLs and digital IDs being accepted for use when moving through TSA checkpoints.

Can mobile driver’s licenses be used during a traffic stop or with law enforcement?

Each state law varies for when a mobile driver’s license can be used. Many do allow them to take the place of a physical ID for the purpose of interactions with law enforcement, while others still require a physical ID.

What types of security features are included on mobile IDs?

Security features vary depending on the application used and by state. There are many security features which ensure that mobile IDs are difficult to fake.

How secure are mobile IDs?

Security on the individual mobile ID applications will vary based on the provider. The lock screen or passwords for your phone will provide an additional layer of security. Apple Wallet mDLs require a biometric authenticator to be used each time the digital credential is used.

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