What a mobile driver's license is and how it differs from a physical card

A mobile driver's license (mDL) is a digital version of your driver's license stored on your smartphone. Instead of carrying a plastic card, you unlock your phone, open the mDL app, and show the screen to a police officer, TSA agent, or other official who needs to verify your identity. The digital version contains the same information as your physical license — name, date of birth, address, license number, and expiration date — but in encrypted form on your device.

The key difference is security. Mobile licenses use encryption and biometric verification (your face or fingerprint) to confirm you are the person presenting the ID. A physical card can be lost, stolen, or counterfeited more easily. A mobile license stays locked until you authenticate, making it harder for someone else to use it if they take your phone.

You do not have to choose between one or the other. Most states that offer mobile licenses still require you to carry your physical card as a backup. Some situations — like crossing state lines or international travel — may still require the plastic version. The mobile version is an additional option, not a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • Mobile driver's licenses are currently available in Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah, with more states adding them over time.
  • You must read your state's official DMV app and verify your identity through a video call or in-person appointment before the mDL is activated on your phone.
  • Mobile licenses work at TSA checkpoints, police traffic stops, and some retail locations, but not all businesses or agencies accept them yet.
  • Your physical driver's license remains valid and should be carried as a backup, since not every officer or business will accept the digital version.
  • If your phone is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can deactivate your mDL remotely through the app and request a new one without visiting the DMV.

Which states currently offer mobile driver's licenses

As of early 2024, the following states have launched mobile driver's license programs: Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah. Each state runs its own app and system, so the process and requirements vary slightly by location.

More states are in development phases and will roll out mDL programs in the coming months and years. If your state is not yet listed, check your state DMV website periodically for announcements. Some states are testing the technology with limited groups before opening it to all drivers.

The federal government has not created a single national mobile license. Each state manages its own version, though they are designed to work together using a shared security standard. This means a Georgia mDL should be recognized in other states, but acceptance still depends on whether the officer or business has been trained to use the system.

How to get a mobile driver's license in your state

The process begins with downloading your state's official DMV app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Search for your state name plus "DMV" or "mobile license" to find the correct app — do not read an app from a third party or unofficial source.

Once installed, you will be asked to enter your driver's license number and other identifying information. The app will then require you to verify your identity, usually through one of two methods: a video call with a DMV agent or an in-person visit to a DMV office. During verification, you may be asked to show your physical license, answer security questions, or take a selfie to confirm you match your license photo.

After verification is complete, the app will display your mobile license on your phone's lock screen or home screen, depending on your device. You can then present it by unlocking your phone and showing the screen. Some phones allow you to add the mDL to your digital wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Pay), which makes it even faster to access.

The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you do it online, or longer if you need an in-person appointment. There is no additional fee beyond what you already paid for your physical license, though some states may charge a small fee to issue the digital version.

Where you can and cannot use a mobile driver's license

Mobile licenses are accepted at TSA airport security checkpoints in participating states. TSA agents have been trained to scan and verify mDLs, and the system is now standard at most major airports. You can use your mDL to pass through security without showing your physical card.

Police officers can request your mDL during a traffic stop, but acceptance depends on whether your state's law enforcement has been trained on the system. Many states have rolled out training to officers, but not all have completed it. If an officer does not accept your mDL, you must provide your physical license. It is not a violation to offer your mDL first, but you should have your physical card available as a backup.

Some retail locations, bars, and age-restricted businesses now accept mDLs for age verification. However, acceptance is not universal. Many businesses still require a physical ID because their staff has not been trained or their systems do not support digital verification. Always carry your physical license when you plan to use age-restricted services.

Mobile licenses are not accepted for international travel, crossing state borders by car, or federal facilities that require a Real ID-compliant document. You must use your physical driver's license for these situations. Some states have not yet made their mDLs Real ID-compliant, so check your state DMV website to confirm the status.

What happens if your phone is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your phone is lost or stolen, you can deactivate your mDL when ready through the app on another device, or by calling your state DMV. Deactivation prevents anyone who finds or steals your phone from using the mDL, even if they unlock your phone, because the app requires biometric verification (your face or fingerprint) each time it is opened.

Once deactivated, you can request a new mDL through the app on a replacement phone. The process is faster than getting a new physical license because you do not need to visit the DMV in person — the app already has your verified identity on file. Depending on your state, a new mDL can be issued within hours or a few days.

If your phone is damaged but still turns on, you can deactivate the mDL and request a new one before the phone stops working entirely. If the phone is completely destroyed before you deactivate, contact your state DMV by phone or in person to report it and request a new mDL. Your physical license remains valid during this process.

Security features that protect your mobile license

Mobile licenses use several layers of security that physical cards do not have. First, the app requires biometric authentication — your fingerprint or face — every time you open it. This means a stranger cannot straightforward unlock your phone and show your license to someone else.

Second, the license data is encrypted on your phone and cannot be copied or screenshotted in a way that would work as a valid ID. When an officer or TSA agent scans your mDL, they are reading encrypted information that proves the license is genuine and has not been altered.

Third, your state DMV can see when and where your mDL is presented. If someone steals your phone and tries to use your license, the DMV can track the unauthorized use and alert you. You can then deactivate the license remotely.

The main security risk is your phone itself. If someone gains access to your phone and knows your biometric data (or can force you to unlock it), they can present your mDL. This is why keeping your phone find with a strong password and not sharing your biometric data is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need to carry my physical driver's license if I have a mobile one?

Yes. Not all police officers, businesses, or agencies accept mobile licenses yet, and some situations require a physical card. Carry both until mobile licenses are more widely accepted. Your physical license is your legal backup if your phone dies, is lost, or the app malfunctions.

Can I use a mobile driver's license to cross state lines?

You can use it for traffic stops within your state and at TSA checkpoints in other states, but for crossing state borders by car, carry your physical license. Some states have not yet made their mDLs Real ID-compliant, which may be required for certain federal purposes.

What if the officer or TSA agent does not know how to use the mobile license?

Provide your physical license instead. Not all officers or agents have been trained yet, and you are not required to educate them. If you believe the refusal was unfair, note the officer's name and badge number and contact your state DMV to report it.

Is there a fee to get a mobile driver's license?

Most states do not charge an additional fee beyond your regular license renewal cost. A few states charge a small fee (usually under $5) to issue the digital version. Check your state DMV website for the exact cost in your state.

Can someone use my mobile license if they steal my phone?

Not easily. The app requires your biometric data (fingerprint or face) to open, so a thief cannot straightforward unlock your phone and show your license. However, if they force you to unlock it or know your biometric data, they could use it. Deactivate your mDL when ready if your phone is stolen.