Newly Published ISO/IEC Standard Enables Remote IDV via Mobile Driver’s License

The ISO/IEC TS 18013-7:2024 standard has now been published, setting the stage for even wider and more mainstream use of mobile driver’s licenses. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), through the Joint Technical Committee on Information Technology (JTC 1), have expanded the capabilities of the mDL, which was initially designed for in-person verification under ISO 18013-5, to support digital verification over the internet.

The new standard, ISO/IEC TS 18013-7:2024, enables individuals to present their mDLs remotely, allowing for online identity verification. This function is especially relevant in scenarios where in-person verification is impractical, such as remote onboarding or online transactions that require verified identification. With this capability, users can now leverage their digital driver’s licenses to confirm their identity securely and conveniently from any location with internet access.

The implementation of ISO 18013-7 extends beyond just verifying driving privileges. It opens the door for mDLs to function as comprehensive digital identification tools. By following established protocols, users can transmit their mDLs to compatible readers, which validate the authenticity of the license and verify the person’s identity through additional security measures.

The process may include live authentication checks, where a “liveness check” confirms that the individual presenting the mDL is indeed the rightful holder by matching the user’s photo to the one stored in the mDL.

This new functionality holds particular promise for service providers and businesses that need to verify identity at scale. For example, industries such as banking, healthcare, and telecommunications, which often require identity verification, can leverage ISO 18013-7-compliant mDLs to streamline customer onboarding, reduce fraud, and enhance user convenience.

And because the standard is designed with large-scale deployment in mind, it is expected to be cost-effective and efficient for organizations aiming to integrate digital identification solutions into their operations.

For developers and implementers, ISO 18013-7 provides a structured approach to incorporating mDLs into online environments. The standard specifies two main protocols for remote mDL presentations: device-based presentations and OpenID for Verifiable Presentations (OID4VP). The former is more hardware-centric, involving direct communication between devices, while the latter uses an open-source, standardized framework to facilitate secure identity transactions online. These protocols offer flexibility for integrating mDL verification into various online systems, making the standard adaptable to a wide range of use cases.

The launch of ISO/IEC TS 18013-7:2024 also aligns with broader efforts to create interoperable digital identity solutions across different platforms and jurisdictions. By establishing a unified standard, ISO and IEC aim to promote cross-border compatibility of mDLs, paving the way for individuals to use their digital identities seamlessly, regardless of where they are.

Source: ISO

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October 15, 2024 – by Cass Kennedy and Alex Perala