Following the launch of New York’s state-of-the-art Mobile ID, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is breaking down myths and misconceptions about the technology. Launched in June 2024, the New York Mobile ID is a digital version of a state-issued driver license, learner permit or non-driver ID that lives on the user’s smart phone or device. It enables highly secure, contactless age and identify verification while protecting the user’s personal information and privacy.  Since June, more than 170,000 New Yorkers have gotten a Mobile ID. 

“Our Mobile ID is carefully designed to protect your privacy. The power of safeguarding your most personal information is literally in your hands,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. “Unlike your physical license, you do not have to hand your phone over to anyone in order for them to confirm your identity.”

MYTH: Mobile ID is a Photo of Your Plastic ID Card 

FACT: The New York Mobile ID was designed in compliance with the most stringent international standards for personal identification published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Mobile Driver’s License Implementation Guidelines created by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA).

In accordance with those standards, mobile IDs should not be designed to look like a picture of your driver license, learner permit or non-driver ID, and verifiers should never accept a mobile ID as being authentic simply by looking at it. Instead, a mobile ID that follows the ISO standard can only be authenticated through an encrypted connection with a verifier device.

MYTH: I Need to Hand Over My Phone to a Verifier 

FACT: When you use your Mobile ID, you should never hand over your phone to anyone. Simply open the app, tap share ID, and a QR code will be generated that can then be scanned by the verifier device. This QR contains no personal data, but rather establishes an encrypted connection between your device and the verifiers. This connection requires no internet signal or Wi-Fi. In seconds, after scanning your QR code, you will be asked to consent to sharing the information being requested by the verifier. That consent is required every time you use your Mobile ID. If you consent to sharing your information, the verifier receives only the pieces of information you consented to share, along with a message on their device letting them know that your Mobile ID is verified.. 

For added protection, your Mobile ID can only be unlocked by your FaceID, TouchID or PIN. Even if someone accesses your unlocked phone, your Mobile ID remains locked. If your phone is lost or stolen, your Mobile ID becomes invalid as soon as you add your Mobile ID to a new device. 

MYTH: The Government is Tracking You Through Your Mobile ID

FACT: The DMV does not and cannot track where you use your Mobile ID. Just like today when you show your physical ID at your bank, while checking into a hotel, visiting your doctor’s office, or wherever you go, the DMV does not know you presented it and the same is true with your Mobile ID. 

When and where you use your Mobile ID is only stored on your phone and cannot be retrieved by the DMV. 

MYTH: Everyone Will Be Required to Get One 

The New York Mobile ID is completely voluntary. It was designed for the convenience and security of mobile ID holders and verifiers alike. It enables highly secure, contactless interactions. 

More About Mobile ID

The New York Mobile ID is currently accepted at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints at LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport and more than 20 other airports nationwide. TSA has a map of all airports across the United States that accept the New York Mobile ID. 

To learn more about the NYS Mobile ID, visit https://dmv.ny.gov/id-card/mobile-id-mid, and for more about DMV, follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

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