Mobile driver's license

A mobile driver’s license, or mDL, is a government-issued digital version of a driver’s license stored in a smartphone app or digital wallet. It lets a holder prove identity or eligibility, often by sharing only the required information.

An mDL is a cryptographically protected digital credential issued by a motor vehicle agency or other authorized government body. It is designed to be presented in person or remotely, such as at an airport checkpoint, to a retailer, or in an online service.

An mDL is not simply a photograph or scan of a plastic license. Proper implementations use digital signatures and holder-device protections so a verifier can check that the credential is authentic, current and presented by its holder.

How mDL presentation works

The holder typically taps, scans a QR code, or uses a proximity connection such as NFC or Bluetooth to begin a presentation. The verifier requests specific data, and the holder reviews and approves the request on their device.

• An age check may return only whether the person is over a threshold, rather than their full date of birth.
• A verifier can validate the issuing authority’s digital signature to detect altered or counterfeit credentials.
• The holder may be asked to unlock their phone or use biometrics, such as Face ID or a fingerprint, before sharing data.

Standards and privacy

Many mDL programs are based on ISO/IEC 18013-5, an international standard for mobile driving licence presentations. The standard supports data minimization, meaning a verifier can request only the information needed for a transaction.

Privacy protections vary by issuer, wallet and verifier. An mDL can reduce routine exposure of a home address or full license number, but users should still review what data a verifier requests and whether a transaction creates records that can be retained or linked.

Limits and acceptance

An mDL usually supplements rather than replaces a physical license. Acceptance depends on the jurisdiction and the organization checking it, and a phone-based credential may not be accepted for every driving, law-enforcement, travel or age-verification purpose. A mobile driver’s license is also distinct from a digital identity account that is not tied to a driver’s license issuer.