Photo courtesy of DMV
The Virginia DMV has rolled out Mobile ID.
Virginians with a valid driver's license or ID card can now show their identification at select locations from their smartphones, thanks to a new Virginia Mobile ID developed by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
If you have a valid Virginia driver’s license or state-issued identification card, then Virginia Mobile ID just made carrying your ID more convenient, more secure and much less stressful, according to the Virginia DMV. "You’ll love the peace of mind of always having your ID by your side," the DMV says.
Image courtesy of Virginia DMV
The DMV is offering a mobile version of your driver's license or ID card.
Virginia Mobile ID is a digital option of a state-issued driver's license or identification card. It’s free to obtain and can be set up with your smartphone. Your Virginia Mobile ID is a companion to your physical ID, and you’ll still need to carry a physical ID with you. In many cases, it can stay in your wallet, and your phone can do the work of verifying your identity.
Here's more about the new digital option, from the DMV:
Why Use Virginia Mobile ID
Virginia Mobile ID is built for today’s digital world. Virginia Mobile ID puts you in control—without compromising security or simplicity.
Key Benefits
- Always with you on your phone
- Fast, contactless and easy to use
- Set up in minutes, from anywhere
- Once downloaded, no cell signal needed
- Free, no cost to download or maintain
- Shows your REAL ID status
- Available soon on all digital wallets
Secure:
- Built-in security to keep your identity safe and prevent fraud
- You choose what information to share
- Your data is not stored, tracked or shared
- Unique encryption means screenshots are rejected
- Your phone stays in your hands
Where To Use Virginia Mobile ID
Virginia Mobile ID is accepted by six partner organizations, and the list is growing. By the end of 2025, Virginia Mobile ID will have as many as 10 partners.
TSA
Use your Virginia Mobile ID at 250-plus TSA checkpoints nationwide, including six Virginia airports:
- Reagan Washington National (DCA)
- Washington-Dulles (IAD)
- Richmond (RIC)
- Norfolk (ORF)
- Newport News/Williamsburg (PHF)
- Roanoke (ROA)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Virginia Mobile ID?
Virginia Mobile ID is a digital option of a state-issued driver's license or identification card, available as a free app on both the App Store and Google Play.
Virginia Mobile ID is built on industry standards and limits the information you share to just the data needed for the transaction.
It provides a convenient and secure way for Virginians to present their state-issued driver’s license or ID card to participating businesses or organizations.
Who can get a Virginia Mobile ID?
The Virginia Mobile ID is available to all Virginians who hold a valid Virginia driver’s license or ID card.
Mobile ID is not available for customers with a learner's permit, driver privilege card or child ID.
What do I need to set up my Virginia Mobile ID?
- A valid Virginia driver’s license or ID card.
- An iPhone 8 with iOS 16 or newer or an Android OS 8.0 or newer.
How do I get a Virginia Mobile ID?
- Download and launch the Virginia Mobile ID app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
- Review and accept the Terms and Conditions.
- Unlock/Authenticate your phone.
- Scan the barcode on the back of your license or ID.
- Complete the liveness check by aligning your face in the oval and following the prompts to move closer.
- Follow the remaining prompts.
How do I use my Virginia Mobile ID?
Unlock the app.
- Choose the information you want to share.
- Authenticate your identity.
- Hold the QR code to the verifying device or reader. You may need to increase the brightness on your phone for the QR code to be detected.
- A check mark will appear once your Virginia Mobile ID has successfully been scanned.
What are Virginia Mobile ID’s security features?
Virginia DMV provides the highest level of security in license and ID card storage , data transmission and verification. Only you can share your information from your app. Virginia Mobile ID presents only the information needed for the interaction, and you can review and authorize the information being requested before it is shared.
Additionally, Virginia Mobile ID is presented digitally through encrypted communication directly between your phone and the verifying business' or organizations' devices, so you do not need to hand over your phone. Virginia DMV does not store your data or track your activity.
Who has access to my information?
Your information is not accessible without your consent. You control what information you’d like to share. When you enroll, your information is stored on your personal device. Only those with access to your personal device and the ability to unlock and access the app would have access to view it.
You are in control of what information is shared. Participating businesses or organizations can only view your information after scanning your Virginia Mobile ID. Virginia DMV does not store your data or track your activity. Additionally, Virginia Mobile ID does not access other data from your mobile device.
Our privacy policy is as follows: DMV agrees without reservation or qualification that it and its officers, employees, agents, and/or authorized users shall comply with, and be subject to the penalties for violations of, all laws and regulations, whether federal or state, pertaining to the access, use, and/or dissemination of information, including but not limited to, the Federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act of 1994, 18 U.S.C. § 2721 et seq.; the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.; the Government Data Collection and Dissemination Practices Act, Virginia Code § 2.2-3800 et. seq.; Virginia Code § 46.2–208; and Virginia Code § 58.1-3.
Will the app track my location?
No. There are no location or tracking services associated with Virginia Mobile ID.
Can Virginia DMV keep track of where and when I use my Virginia Mobile ID?
Virginia DMV cannot see when or where you present your Virginia Mobile ID. Information about usage, including where, when and what personal information you share, is encrypted and stored only on your device, if you so choose. You have the option to delete or opt out of storing this information in the app’s history.
Is there a charge to use Virginia Mobile ID?
There is no cost associated with adding Virginia Mobile ID to your device or using your Virginia Mobile ID.
Does my Virginia Mobile ID replace my physical driver’s license?
Your Virginia Mobile ID serves as a companion to your physical driver’s license or ID rather than a replacement. At this time, it is necessary to have your physical ID on hand as a backup for situations where Virginia Mobile ID is not yet accepted.
Can I put my Virginia Mobile ID on multiple devices?
Your Virginia Mobile ID can only be on one device at a time.
Who accepts Virginia Mobile ID?
Virginia Mobile ID is accepted at the following participating locations.
Can I use my Virginia Mobile ID in other states?
At this time, the Virginia Mobile ID is accepted at 250+ U.S. airports, as determined by TSA. However, in most cases, your Virginia Mobile ID can only be used in Virginia at this time.
How do I update my information in my Virginia Mobile ID?
Information such as your age or a change in driver’s license or ID card status is automatically updated based on DMV’s records; however, your address is not. To change your address, log in to your DMV online account.
Where do I find my driver’s license/ID information like my expiration date and customer number?
In the Virginia Mobile ID app, tap the navigation menu in the upper right (iOS) or left (Android) corner and then “My Information.” You will see all the information that is on your physical card.
What is the difference between Virginia Mobile ID and REAL ID?
Virginia Mobile ID is a digital version of your Virginia-issued credential, which can be either a REAL ID or a standard ID.
REAL ID is a federally-compliant identification that is required to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities.
Do I need to have a REAL ID to have a Virginia Mobile ID?
No. You don’t need a REAL ID — just a valid Virginia driver’s license or ID card. If you have a REAL ID, the star will appear on your Virginia Mobile ID.
Can I enroll in Virginia Mobile ID if I recently renewed or replaced my driver's license or ID card?
Yes, however, you will need to wait until you receive your new card in the mail before you can successfully enroll in Virginia Mobile ID.
Can Virginia Mobile ID be added to a digital wallet?
At this time you cannot add your Virginia Mobile ID to a digital wallet. We are actively working on this feature, and digital wallets will be coming soon.
How do I remove Virginia Mobile ID from my device?
If you wish to remove your Virginia Mobile ID from your device, you may delete it directly from the app.
Menu-> Settings-> Delete Mobile ID
How does my business or organization accept a Virginia Mobile ID?
We’re so glad you’re interested in going digital. Soon, businesses and organizations can download the Virginia Mobile ID Verification app from the App Store or Google Play Store or implement ISO 18013-5 verification in your own software to begin accepting Virginia Mobile IDs.
