As some know, multiple states have introduced mobile ID programs for easier identification and immediate access to your driver’s license or ID if you happen to forget it at home. So what made this a reality across the country, and how do they work?
It first started in Louisiana in 2016 when the legislation was passed, though it was not adopted until 2018. This creation was called “LA Wallet” (Louisiana, not Los Angeles). Louisiana was not the only state that got the approval, though; states such as Colorado, Idaho, Washington, D.C, Maryland, and Wyoming have also adopted the system. These states didn’t really use it widely, as it was more of an experiment to see what the future of identification could possibly look like.
Skipping ahead slightly, in 2022, Arizona was the first state to offer MDLs (Mobile Driver’s Licences) in the secure Apple Wallet, which could be used at TSA checkpoints. As the demand grew, further states like California, New York, and Ohio have created or expanded their existing programs significantly.
Iowa, however, is known for having the widest accepted and used mobile IDs. This means that many businesses and airports accept or acknowledge Iowa mobile IDs. According to a July 22, 2024, news release from the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), tens of thousands of Iowans have downloaded the app and use it to get into establishments like bars or nightclubs that require guests to be 18 or 21+.
The mobile ID is a very creative innovation, but it is not a complete legal replacement for your physical ID. If you get pulled over, unfortunately, you can’t take out your phone and show the officer your driver’s license. Also, not all businesses can verify them, and interstate use can be difficult because some places follow the same standard Iowa does, and some don’t.
Another feature, though, is how you can control the data that is visible. Say you want to get into a bar, but don’t want the bouncer to know your address or DL number. Simply make it display only proof of age, which takes away the ability to see other important information driver’s license contain.
Mobile IDs are extremely useful in many situations, from nightclubs to TSA checkpoints. Even if you can’t use them during a traffic stop, it does not mean your mobile ID is useless.
It is expected that one day, mobile IDs will be more widely accepted, including during traffic stops and all TSA checkpoints across the nation.
