Key Takeaways
Mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) and other verifiable digital credentials can be issued in person or remotely, depending on agency workflows. Remote issuance relies on a digital onboarding process supported by facial matching and liveness detection technology. These tools expand accessibility while keeping customer identity secure, standardized, and privacy-preserving.
Credential Lifecycle
Like physical driver’s licenses, mDLs follow a lifecycle that includes issuance, renewal, updates, and revocation. Today, many of these steps rely on paper-heavy processes that vary across states. While mDLs will not fully replace physical cards, they reduce administrative overhead by moving more checks into secure digital workflows.
DMV as the Issuer
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is responsible for securely provisioning mDLs. According to AAMVA guidelines, issuing authorities must:
- Ensure accurate, secure provisioning of mDLs onto the holder’s device.
- Confirm that the mDL app and device hardware meet functional and security requirements.
These responsibilities determine whether credentials are issued in-person or remotely.
In-Person Issuance
In-person issuance mirrors traditional DMV workflows. Individuals bring physical documents and complete identity checks in a DMV office. Once verified, the DMV provisions the mDL directly onto the person’s phone. This adds speed and convenience while retaining in-person oversight.
Remote Issuance
Remote issuance supports individuals who cannot easily reach DMV offices. Credentials can be provisioned outside DMV facilities using secure digital processes and advanced checks:
- Facial matching: confirms a one-to-one match between a selfie and DMV records.
- Liveness checks: ensure the applicant is physically present, not using a photo or mask.
Together, these tools enable customer identity verification without requiring a DMV visit, while maintaining trust in credential authenticity.
Liveness and Presence Checks
Liveness checks add another layer of protection. They may track head movements, analyze how skin reacts to light changes, or prompt users to follow on-screen instructions to confirm depth and geometry.
These methods are being standardized by federal agencies to improve accuracy and inclusivity. Best practices around data collection and retention are also emerging, such as automatic discarding of new data streams used for matching, so the DMV is only left with the original image from their database.
Cryptography and Device Binding
Cryptography ensures that each credential is securely tied to the owner’s phone. When the DMV issues a mobile driver’s license, the phone creates a unique key inside its secure hardware, as discussed previously. The credential is then linked to that key, so it can only be used on that specific device. This design prevents someone from copying the credential to another phone.
Benefits of Remote Workflows
Remote issuance offers:
- Expanded access for residents in rural or underserved areas.
- Faster provisioning without repeat office visits.
- Reduced administrative costs and manual handling.
- Stronger protection through layered checks.
This approach supports secure, accessible credentialing by allowing residents to receive mobile driver’s licenses remotely, using layered identity checks, without sacrificing trust, accuracy, or compliance with issuer requirements.
Preparing for Verification
Once provisioned, an mDL must be instantly verifiable. Banks, employers, airports, and healthcare providers need confidence that the credential is authentic and belongs to the rightful holder. Standardized protocols and cryptographic signatures enable this trust, replacing manual checks with fast, automated verification.
Looking Ahead
Balancing security with accessibility will continue to evolve. As technology develops, agencies will refine issuance workflows. Over time, mDLs will become more than just a digital version of physical IDs, they will form the foundation for secure, interoperable digital identity across industries.
