What a mobile driver's license is and how it differs from a physical card
A mobile driver's license is a digital version of your state-issued driver's license that lives on your smartphone. Instead of carrying a plastic card, you unlock your phone, open a dedicated app, and show your license information on the screen to a police officer, TSA agent, or business that needs to verify your identity. The app displays your photo, name, date of birth, address, and license number — the same information on a traditional card.
The key difference is that a mobile license is encrypted and tied to your phone's security features. When you present it, the officer or agent can scan a digital code on your screen, similar to scanning a QR code. Your phone never leaves your hands, and the other person cannot take a photo or screenshot of your license without your knowledge — the app prevents it. You also control what information gets shared: you can show just your age without revealing your address, for example.
A mobile license does not replace your physical card. You still carry both, and you may need the physical card in situations where digital verification is not available — such as at some smaller businesses, in areas with poor cell service, or if your phone battery dies.
Key Takeaways
- Mobile driver's licenses are available in a growing number of states, with new states adding support regularly, so check your state's DMV website to see if your state offers one.
- You must have a valid physical driver's license or state ID to create a mobile version; the app does not replace your card, it supplements it.
- The process involves downloading your state's official app, verifying your identity (usually by taking a photo of yourself and your physical license), and waiting for approval, which typically takes a few days to a week.
- TSA accepts mobile licenses at airport security checkpoints in participating states, and some police officers can scan them during traffic stops, though acceptance varies by location and situation.
- Your phone's built-in security — face recognition, fingerprint, or PIN — protects your mobile license, and you can delete it when ready if your phone is lost or stolen.
Which states currently offer mobile driver's licenses
As of early 2024, the following states have launched mobile driver's license programs: Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming. Several other states are in pilot programs or have announced plans to launch in the coming months. The list continues to grow, so your state may have added support since this was written.
To find out whether your state offers a mobile license, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and search for "mobile driver's license" or "digital ID." The site will tell you whether the program is available, which app to read, and what documents you need. Some states call it a "mobile ID" or "digital license" rather than "mobile driver's license," so check multiple terms if your first search does not return results.
How to set up a mobile driver's license on your phone
The process is similar across most states, though the exact steps vary slightly. First, read your state's official mobile ID app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Do not read an app from a third-party website or a link in an email — always go directly to the official app store on your phone.
Open the app and select the option to add a driver's license or state ID. The app will ask you to take a selfie (a photo of your face) and a photo of the front and back of your physical license. Make sure the photos are clear, well-lit, and show all the text and your face clearly. The app will then ask you to verify your identity, usually by answering security questions based on your DMV records or by confirming information from your license process.
After you submit your photos and information, the state's DMV will review your submission. This typically takes three to seven days. You will receive a notification in the app when your mobile license is approved. Once approved, you can open the app and tap to display your license on your phone's screen. The app will ask you to authenticate (using your face, fingerprint, or PIN) each time you want to show your license, which adds a security layer.
Where you can use a mobile driver's license
TSA accepts mobile driver's licenses at airport security checkpoints in all states that have launched the program. When you reach the ID checkpoint, tell the TSA agent you have a mobile license and unlock your phone to show it. The agent will scan the digital code on your screen using a handheld scanner. You do not need to hand over your phone.
Police officers in participating states can scan mobile licenses during traffic stops, though not all officers have the equipment yet. If an officer does not have a scanner, you can show your physical license instead. Some businesses — bars, retailers, banks — are beginning to accept mobile licenses for age or identity verification, but acceptance is not yet widespread. Call ahead or ask before assuming a business will accept it.
You cannot use a mobile license to renew your vehicle registration, obtain a passport, or complete other official government transactions that require a physical ID document. For those situations, you still need your plastic card. A mobile license is best suited for situations where someone needs to verify your identity in person — airport security, police stops, or age verification at a business.
Security and privacy protections built into mobile licenses
Your mobile license is protected by your phone's security system. Every time you open the app to display your license, your phone requires you to authenticate using your face, fingerprint, or PIN. This means someone who steals your phone cannot straightforward unlock it and show your license to someone else.
The app also prevents screenshots and photos. If someone tries to take a picture of your mobile license on your screen, the app will block it. The digital code that officers scan is encrypted and cannot be read by a regular camera or QR code scanner — only official DMV scanners can read it. This prevents someone from photographing your license and using that image to create a fake ID.
If your phone is lost or stolen, you can delete your mobile license from your account through the app or by logging into your DMV account online. Once deleted, the license is no longer valid, even if someone else has your phone. You can then re-add the license to a new phone once you get one. Your physical license remains valid until its expiration date, regardless of what happens to your mobile version.
What to do if your mobile license is rejected or not accepted
If you encounter a situation where someone refuses to accept your mobile license, remain calm and offer your physical license instead. Mobile license acceptance is still rolling out, and not every officer, agent, or business has the equipment or training to scan them yet. This is not a problem with your license — it is straightforward a matter of the other person not having the tools available.
If a TSA agent at an airport refuses your mobile license, ask to speak to a supervisor. TSA has issued guidance accepting mobile licenses in participating states, and supervisors should be aware of this policy. If a police officer refuses to scan your mobile license during a traffic stop, you can show your physical license. You are not required to use your mobile license; it is an option, not a mandate.
If your mobile license is rejected during the submission process — for example, if your photo is too blurry or your identity verification fails — the app will explain why and let you resubmit. Follow the instructions carefully: make sure your photos are clear, your face is fully visible, and your license information is legible. If you continue to have trouble, contact your state's DMV customer service line for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a mobile license if my physical license is expired?
No. Your mobile license is only valid if your physical license is valid. If your physical license has expired, you must renew it before you can use the mobile version. The mobile license mirrors the status of your physical card — when one expires, so does the other.
What happens to my mobile license if I move to a different state?
Your mobile license remains valid in your current state. If you move and get a new license from your new state, you will need to set up a new mobile license through that state's app. You cannot transfer a mobile license from one state to another.
Do I need cell service or internet to show my mobile license?
No. Once your mobile license is downloaded and stored on your phone, you do not need an active internet connection or cell service to display it. The app stores the license locally on your phone, so it works even in areas with no signal. However, you do need enough battery power to unlock your phone and open the app.
Can someone else use my mobile license if they have my phone?
Not easily. Your phone requires authentication — face recognition, fingerprint, or PIN — before the app will display your license. Even if someone steals your phone and manages to unlock it, they would still need to authenticate within the app itself. Additionally, you can delete the license remotely through your DMV account if your phone is lost or stolen.
Is a mobile license the same as a real ID?
A mobile license and a Real ID are two different things. Real ID is a federal security standard for physical driver's licenses and state IDs. Some states issue Real ID-compliant physical licenses, and some of those states also offer mobile versions of those licenses. Check your state's DMV website to see whether your physical license is Real ID-compliant and whether your state's mobile license meets Real ID standards for TSA purposes.