Mobile Driver’s Licenses are in the works for the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. The state conducted a proof of concept in 2016 to test how feasible Virginia mobile drivers licenses are within the state, with most users ensuring the mDL’s credibility and security. The current law permits DMVs to supply customers with an ID verification system, but it is not required to do so. If HB 506 gets passed, this would be a requirement, and Virginia residents would have the option to possess electronic credentials. The state of Virginia would be within the third set of states to have access to mobile drivers licenses, coming after states such as Louisiana and Maryland.

With this new bill, Virginia mobile drivers licenses will be offered by July of 2023. An individual must already own a physical drivers license to attain a mobile drivers license. However, individuals will be able to use this mDL independent of their physical IDs. This software will get you into anywhere an ID is required; this list ranges from a small market to TSA in the airport. Delegate Mike Mullin, who introduced HB 506, states that “What this bill does is it speeds along the Department from Virginia’s DMV’s normal approval process for being able to create a secure digital wallet service; to be able to substitute for your identification card, your drivers license, or your commercial drivers license.” This bill moves Virginia along in the process of creating more security for its residents and more usability.

While the mobilized version of drivers licenses is soon to come, you should still carry a physical ID for the time being. Virginia law enforcement does not currently accept mDLs. More information will be provided in the coming months regarding the process of downloading your mDL and where to do so.