RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia is leading the nation with the Department of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) launch of Virginia Mobile ID, a secure, convenient way for Virginians to carry a valid state driver’s license or ID card on their phone.
Whether at a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoint, select Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Authority stores, or a DMV customer service center (CSC), Virginians can now use their mobile ID for fast verification while keeping personal details private. Virginia is the first state to launch a mobile ID that is accepted at DMV CSCs, by law enforcement, and at nine pilot Virginia ABC stores.
“Most of us rely heavily on our phones, which is why Virginians should have access to a safe, secure form of mobile identification on the devices they use all the time,” said Secretary of Transportation W. Sheppard Miller III. “The Virginia Mobile ID option protects your identity and privacy in the digital age, keeping you in control of what information you share.”
The free Virginia Mobile ID app, available in the App Store and Google Play, can be downloaded and set up anywhere with cellular or Wi-Fi signal. The setup takes just minutes: scan your physical driver’s license or ID, complete face verification, and the mobile ID is ready to use. Customers still need to continue carrying their physical ID card as a backup, especially when driving.
The new mobile ID is currently accepted by:
- TSA checkpoints at 250+ U.S. airports, including Richmond (RIC), Reagan Washington National (DCA), Washington-Dulles (IAD), Norfolk (ORF), Newport News/Williamsburg (PHF), and Roanoke (ROA)
- Virginia State Police
- All DMV Customer Service Centers
- Nine pilot Virginia ABC stores in the Richmond area
“The Commonwealth has long been a leader in innovation and Virginia Mobile ID is the latest example of how we’re modernizing services for residents,” said Dr. Gerald Lackey, DMV Commissioner. “Over the next few months, we’ll continue expanding mobile ID acceptance with partners, while adding new functionality, such as digital wallet integration. Virginians are well positioned for a digital-first world with Virginia Mobile ID.”
Virginia DMV is a founding member of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators’ Digital Trust Service, a nationwide security protocol and intrastate clearinghouse for mobile ID, ensuring Virginia Mobile ID is one of the most secure digital credentials available. Instead of handing over a full ID—or even a phone—residents choose exactly what information to share and authorize each request, such as confirming they’re over 21 without disclosing their name and address. Data is transmitted securely via encryption directly between a customer’s phone and the reader device, and DMV never stores or tracks user activity.
DMV is actively working to expand Virginia Mobile ID acceptance across the Commonwealth, including more retailers, restaurants, and law enforcement agencies. Upon successful completion of the pilot program, Virginia ABC may expand to additional stores. In the coming months, the Virginia Mobile ID program will prepare for integration with digital wallets.
