About Mobile Driver’s Licenses
Mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) are digital versions of a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that can be stored and presented on a smartphone or other mobile device. They are intended to serve as a secure, verifiable form of identification, similar to a physical driver’s license, but with added digital features.
Key points:
- Digital credential: An mDL is issued by a government motor vehicle agency or authorized issuer and stored in an approved mobile app or digital wallet.
- Not just a photo: A picture of a license on a phone is not an mDL. A real mDL includes cryptographic security features that allow another party to verify that it is authentic and has not been altered.
- Selective disclosure: In some uses, an mDL can let you share only the information needed. For example, to prove your age, it may confirm your age eligibility without showing your full address or license number.
- Physical license may still be needed: In many places, an mDL does not fully replace a physical card yet. Laws, acceptance rules, and enforcement practices vary by state or jurisdiction.
- Privacy and security features: mDLs may use encryption, device authentication, biometrics, rotating identifiers, or consent screens to reduce fraud and limit unnecessary data sharing.
Adoption and availability
mDLs are growing in availability and adoption. There are currently 20 states and one territory that offer them, amounting to an overall availability to 71.5 million drivers. It is estimated that 4.5 million individuals already have an mDL. For current availability see: https://www.aamva.org/jurisdiction-data-maps#anchorformdlmap
Using a mDL for identity verification
Login.gov accepts mDLs for remote identity verification using wallet services that have gone through the integration process with Login.gov. mDLs are one of several forms of accepted ID types for Login.gov.
Users who opt to verify their identity via mDL will no longer be required to upload photos of physical documents. Instead, they can complete the process by authorizing the sharing of required details from their mDL stored in a participating digital wallet. This method grants users greater control over their privacy, as they can preview and share only the specific attributes required for verification rather than their entire document.
For a full step-by-step guide, visit the Help Center identity verification overview.