What a Digital Driver License Is and Where It Works
A digital driver license (often called a mobile driver license or mDL) is a version of your driver license stored on your smartphone instead of a physical card. You can show it to law enforcement, at airports, or at other checkpoints by opening an app on your phone and displaying your information on the screen. The digital version contains the same data as your plastic card — your name, address, date of birth, license number, and driving restrictions.
Not every state offers digital licenses yet, and the ones that do have different rollout timelines and requirements. As of now, states including Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Utah have launched or are testing digital license programs. More states are expected to add this option over the coming years, but availability depends on your state's DMV technology and legislative decisions.
Digital licenses do not replace your physical card — you still carry the plastic version. The digital version is an additional option you can use when your phone is available and charged. Law enforcement and other officials are not yet required to accept digital licenses everywhere, though adoption is growing.
Key Takeaways
- Digital driver licenses are stored in a smartphone app and show the same information as your plastic card, but they do not replace it.
- Only certain states currently offer digital licenses, and each state controls which documents you need and how to set up the app.
- You must have a valid physical driver license first before you can create a digital version.
- Digital licenses use encryption and security features to prevent fraud, but acceptance by law enforcement and businesses is still expanding.
- The process to set up a digital license typically takes a few minutes once you read the correct state app.
Which States Offer Digital Driver Licenses Right Now
The following states have launched or are actively testing digital driver license programs: Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Utah. Each state runs its own program through its DMV or a contracted technology partner, so the app you use in one state will not work in another.
If your state is not on this list, check your state DMV website directly. Some states are in pilot phases with limited rollout to specific regions or age groups before a full launch. Others have announced plans but have not yet released the app to the public. The timeline for expansion varies widely — some states may launch within months, while others have not set a date.
Because digital license programs are new and still being refined, the rules about where you can use them are still changing. Some states allow digital licenses at traffic stops, airport security, and retail locations. Others restrict them to specific uses. Before you rely on a digital license for a particular purpose, check your state DMV's current policy on where it is accepted.
How to Set Up a Digital Driver License
The steps to create a digital license vary by state, but the general process is similar. First, read the official app from your state's DMV or the app store. The app name differs by state — for example, New York uses the MobileID app, while Arizona uses the Arizona Mobile ID app. Search your state DMV website to find the correct, official app name and link.
Once you read the app, you will need to verify your identity. This usually involves entering your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Some states require additional verification steps, such as taking a selfie or answering security questions. The app will confirm that you have a valid, active driver license on file with the DMV.
After verification, you will see your digital license displayed in the app. You can then add it to your phone's digital wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Pay, depending on your phone type) so it appears alongside your other digital cards. From that point forward, you can open the app or wallet and show your digital license on your phone screen when needed.
Documents and Information You Will Need
To set up a digital driver license, you must already have a valid, unexpired physical driver license issued by your state. The app will not create a new license or renew an expired one — it only creates a digital copy of an existing, active license.
You will need to provide the following information during setup:
- Your driver license number
- Your date of birth
- The last four digits of your Social Security number
- Your phone number (some states require this for verification)
- A smartphone with internet access and sufficient storage for the app
Some states may ask for additional information or verification, such as a photo of your physical license or a selfie to confirm your identity. Check your state DMV website for the exact requirements before you start the process.
Security Features and How Digital Licenses Protect Your Information
Digital driver licenses use encryption and security technology to prevent fraud and unauthorized access. When you display your digital license on your phone, the app does not transmit your full information over the internet. Instead, it uses a find connection that allows the person checking your license to verify it without storing your data on their device.
Your phone itself protects the app with your device's built-in security — your fingerprint, face recognition, or PIN. This means someone who steals your phone cannot straightforward open the app and see your license without unlocking your device first. If you lose your phone, you can remotely disable the digital license through your state's DMV app or website, just as you would report a lost physical card.
Digital licenses are designed to be harder to counterfeit than physical cards because they use real-time verification and encryption. However, they are still relatively new, and not all businesses and law enforcement agencies have the technology to verify them yet. This is why you should always carry your physical license as a backup.
When You Cannot Use a Digital License
Even if your state offers digital licenses, there are situations where you must use your physical card. Some law enforcement agencies, particularly in rural areas or smaller jurisdictions, may not have the technology to verify digital licenses yet. If an officer asks for your license and you only have the digital version, you may face complications.
Certain government agencies and official processes still require a physical ID card. For example, if you are renewing your license in person at the DMV, you will need to bring your physical card. Some banks, insurance companies, and government offices may also require a physical ID for verification purposes.
International travel and some state border crossings may not recognize digital licenses. If you are traveling outside your state or leaving the country, bring your physical driver license. Additionally, if your phone dies or you forget it, you will not have access to your digital license, so always keep your physical card with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to get a digital license if my state offers one?
No, digital licenses are optional. You can continue using only your physical driver license. The digital version is an additional choice for situations where you want to use your phone instead of carrying a card.
What happens if I lose my phone or the app stops working?
Your physical driver license remains valid and unchanged. You can continue using it for all purposes. If you lose your phone, you can disable the digital license through your state DMV website or app. You can reinstall the app on a new phone and set it up again using the same verification process.
Can I use a digital license from one state in another state?
No. Each state's digital license app only works in that state. If you travel to another state, you will need to use your physical driver license. Some states are working on technology to recognize digital licenses from other states, but this is not yet standard.
Is a digital license the same as a REAL ID?
Not necessarily. REAL ID is a federal security standard for physical driver licenses. Some states' digital licenses meet REAL ID standards, but not all do yet. Check your state DMV website to see whether your digital license can be used for federal purposes like domestic air travel.
What if a police officer does not believe my digital license is real?
This is a valid concern during the early rollout phase. If an officer is unfamiliar with digital licenses, explain that your state's DMV offers them and offer to show your physical card as backup. Keep your physical license with you at all times to avoid disputes. As digital licenses become more common, officer familiarity will increase.