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Virginia Mobile ID Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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  • Virginia Mobile ID
    • Mobile ID Participating Locations
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Note: If you participated in our Test Drive, you may need to delete the existing app, reinstall it and re-enroll to get the up-to-date version.

See answers to general mobile ID questions, as well as common troubleshooting topics below.

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?

  1. Download and launch the Virginia Mobile ID app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
  2. Review and accept the Terms and Conditions.
  3. Unlock/Authenticate your phone.
  4. Scan the barcode on the back of your license or ID.
  5. Complete the liveness check by aligning your face in the oval and following the prompts to move closer.
  6. Follow the remaining prompts.

How do I use my Virginia Mobile ID?

  1. Unlock the app.
  2. Choose the information you want to share.
  3. Authenticate your identity.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

What are the Virginia Mobile ID Terms and Conditions?

See our Terms and Conditions.

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. 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.

Troubleshooting FAQs

You must have an iPhone on iOS 16 or Android OS 8.0 or higher.

  • The lighting around your selfie matters - use a neutral background.
  • Hats and glare on glasses can interfere with accepting your photo.
  • Scan the barcode on the back of your license or ID on a plain surface or neutral background.
  • Be sure you are using your current driver’s license or ID when scanning the barcode. 

This may happen if the system can’t match your current appearance with the photo on your physical card. Common reasons include changes such as growing or removing facial hair, significant weight loss or other updates to your appearance. 

To improve your scan, make sure you are in good lighting, remove hats or anything covering your face, and if you wear glasses, match the photo on your physical card by taking them off or keeping them on. 

Hold your phone straight in front of you at eye-level and center your face in the oval. Follow the prompts and move your phone further away or closer to your face until it completely fills the oval.   

Yes. Before starting enrollment in the Virginia Mobile ID app, be sure that the "auto rotate" option is activated on your phone.

Screen rotation instructions during the app enrollment process

  1. Scan the 2D barcode on the back of your physical Virginia ID -> Hold phone in landscape mode. (Scan may not work in portrait mode).
  2. Barcode scan was successful-> Hold in portrait mode. Next you will be asked to use the front (selfie) camera.
  3. Enrollment is complete -> Use portrait mode to launch Virginia Mobile ID for identification or age verification purposes.

The verification process requires you to scan the barcode on the back of your driver’s license or ID card. If you don't have a physical card, you can request a duplicate of your valid driver’s license or ID card online through your DMV online account. 

When you get a new device, you will need to download the app and go through the enrollment steps again. Your old Virginia Mobile ID will become invalid once the new mID is loaded to your new device. The data on your old device will remain encrypted and inaccessible without authorized access. 

You must first reinstate your driving privileges before you can get a mID. See our guide to Reinstating your Virginia Driver Privilege. 

If your driving privilege is suspended after enrolling in Virginia Mobile ID, your license will show as “Suspended” but you can use it for identification purposes. Once you’ve reinstated your privileges, your driving status be updated on your Virginia Mobile ID.

If your driving privilege is revoked after enrolling in Virginia Mobile ID, you will be un-enrolled from Virginia Mobile ID. Once you’ve reinstated your privileges, you will be able to re-enroll in Virginia Mobile ID.

If you are having trouble accessing your Virginia Mobile ID on your device, call us at (804) 497-7100. 

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