A mobile driver's license (mDL) is a digital version of a state-issued driver's license or identification card, stored securely on a smartphone. Unlike a photograph or PDF of your physical card, an mDL is a verifiable digital credential: it carries a cryptographic signature from the issuing authority, typically a state DMV, that allows verifiers to confirm authenticity cryptographically, without requiring a direct integration or real-time call to the issuer.
How is an mDL different from a photo of my license?
The distinction is fundamental. A photo or scan of your driver's license can be easily copied, altered, or forged. An mDL, by contrast, is cryptographically signed and bound to your specific device. If someone attempts to tamper with the data or copy a credential to another phone, verification will fail.
This tamper-evidence comes from digital signatures. When the DMV issues your mobile license, it applies a unique cryptographic signature that essentially says, "I authorize this." Any verifier can instantly check that signature, ensuring authenticity with a near-zero chance of forgery.
What information does an mDL contain?
The ISO/IEC 18013-5 standard defines a set of mandatory fields that every mDL must include, such as: family name, given name, birth date, issue date, expiry date, issuing country, issuing authority, document number, portrait, and driving privileges. These fields ensure that any verifier, regardless of jurisdiction, can recognize and process the data correctly.
Beyond these baseline fields, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) has defined additional mandatory fields for U.S. implementations, ensuring consistency across states while meeting both domestic and international interoperability requirements.
Why does the mDL matter?
Driver's licenses are used for far more than driving. They serve as proof of identity for opening bank accounts, accessing age-restricted goods, boarding flights, and interacting with government services. The mDL brings these use cases into the digital age, making identity verification faster, more secure, and more private than presenting a physical card.
Want to keep learning?
Subscribe to our blog.
