Is Virginia Mobile ID legal to accept as proof of identity or age?
Yes. Virginia law authorizes the issuance and acceptance of electronic credentials under Virginia Code §§ 46.2-225 through 46.2-230. These laws provide legal authority for Virginians to present a mobile ID and for businesses and agencies to accept it as proof of identity or age.
Can Virginia Mobile ID be used for age verification for age-restrictive sales?
Yes. Virginia Code § 4.1-304 clarifies that a mobile ID may be accepted as valid proof of age for age-restrictive purchases (alcohol, tobacco, etc.) when it is electronically verified using an approved verification system.
How does a business verify a Virginia Mobile ID?
Virginia Mobile ID is designed to be verified electronically using an ISO 18013-5 compliant verifier device. The verification process uses cryptographic validation rather than visual inspection alone.
This allows businesses to:
- Confirm the credential is authentic and issued by Virginia DMV
- Verify that the credential has not been altered
- Confirm age or identity information in real time
- Reduce reliance on manual inspection
What is ISO 18013-5?
ISO 18013-5 is the international standard for mobile driver licenses and mobile identification credentials. It establishes secure, privacy-protective methods for presenting and verifying digital identity credentials.
Virginia Mobile ID was developed to align with this global standard.
Is acceptance of Virginia Mobile ID mandatory?
No. Acceptance is voluntary. However, many businesses are choosing to accept mobile IDs as part of modernizing customer experience, improving security, and reducing fraud risk.
Is Virginia Mobile ID secure?
Yes. Virginia Mobile ID uses:
- Cryptographic security protections
- Real-time authentication
- Encrypted data exchange
- User-controlled data sharing
Unlike a physical card, the credential can be electronically validated to help reduce counterfeit and fraudulent IDs.
Does the customer control what information is shared?
Yes. The customer must consent before information is shared. In many cases, only the minimum required information is transmitted, such as confirmation that the customer is over 21, rather than full personal details.
What are the benefits of accepting Virginia Mobile ID for businesses?
Businesses that accept Virginia Mobile ID may benefit from:
- Faster and more modern customer interactions
- Improved fraud prevention
- Reduced reliance on visual inspection
- Enhanced customer convenience
- Alignment with emerging digital identity standards
- Positive customer perception as an innovative business
Does accepting Virginia Mobile ID require new hardware?
Not always. Some businesses can use existing smartphones or tablets with compatible verifier applications. Other point-of-sale or identity verification systems may already support mobile IDs or may support them through future software updates.
Can a business continue accepting physical IDs?
Absolutely. Virginia Mobile ID is intended to complement - not replace - physical credentials at this time.
What should employees do if they are unfamiliar with mobile IDs?
Businesses are encouraged to:
- Train employees on mobile ID acceptance procedures
- Use approved electronic verification methods
- Establish clear internal policies for acceptance
- Contact Virginia DMV for educational materials or demonstrations
How can my business learn more or begin accepting Virginia Mobile ID?
Businesses interested in learning more about Virginia Mobile ID acceptance, demonstrations, verifier solutions, or partnership opportunities should contact the Virginia Mobile ID team at VAMobileID@dmv.virginia.gov.
Virginia DMV can provide:
- Educational materials
- Demonstrations
- Verifier guidance
- Business outreach support
- Technical and operational information
- Marketing opportunities