Maryland MVA Launches Business App for Mobile Driver’s License Verification

The Maryland Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) has launched a new mobile application that enables businesses to accept mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) and identification cards for secure, in-person age verification. The app, Mobile ID Check by MD, is available as a free download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. This development follows similar initiatives like Georgia’s recent integration of mDLs with Samsung Wallet.mo

The MVA has established partnerships with several organizations for the initial implementation phase, including BWI Marshall Airport, the Anne Arundel County Liquor Board, Fraport USA, and HMSHost. The technology is currently operational at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), where multiple establishments, including Flying Dog Tap House, Firkin & Flyer, and Obrycki’s, are using it to verify age for alcohol sales.

“The MVA continues to be a leader in developing and implementing mobile driver’s licenses,” commented Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer. “By increasing locations where mDLs can be accepted, we’re encouraging more Marylanders to take advantage of the convenience, security, and privacy that mobile driver’s licenses offer.”

The application adheres to ISO18013-5, an international standard for mobile driver’s licenses, ensuring that businesses receive only essential information such as the customer’s age and ID photo. This design helps protect consumer privacy while maintaining security standards, aligning with broader industry trends in digital identity protection.

The MVA is working to expand mobile driver’s license acceptance through collaborations with the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence and 15 technology providers and industry experts, including Microsoft, the Department of Homeland Security, and US Bank. Wayne B. Harris, Chairman of the Board of License Commissioners for Anne Arundel County, stated, “We look forward to bringing more secure ways for mobile ID acceptance to even more businesses.”

Maryland residents can add their Mobile ID to Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet, though the MVA recommends maintaining physical identification documents. The mobile ID system is also compatible with select Transportation Security Administration checkpoints at BWI and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This implementation comes as the TSA continues to expand its support for mobile ID verification across various airports.

Source: Southern Maryland Chronicle

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November 19, 2024 – by Cass Kennedy