RICHMOND, Va. — Building on the success of its Richmond launch, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is now rolling out Virginia Mobile ID across Northern Virginia, giving residents a secure, easy, and modern way to carry their state-issued driver’s license or ID directly on their smartphones.
This innovative, free digital credential offers Virginians greater convenience while maintaining the highest standards of security and privacy, making everyday interactions with DMV, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and pilot Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) stores faster and more seamless than ever.
“The Virginia Mobile ID option is another example of a modern, innovative solution that DMV has launched to keep the Commonwealth and the transportation industry driving forward,” said Virginia Secretary of Transportation Nick M. Donohue. “The future of identification is now in the hands of Virginians. The more we use Virginia Mobile ID, the more businesses and organizations will see the value and convenience and will start accepting it themselves.”
Getting started takes just minutes. Virginians can download the Virginia Mobile ID app from the App Store or Google Play, scan their state-issued driver’s license or ID, complete a quick face verification, and begin using their mobile ID right away. Customers should continue carrying their physical ID card as a backup, especially when driving.
Virginia Mobile ID is currently accepted at:
- TSA checkpoints at 350+ U.S. airports, including Reagan Washington National (DCA), Washington-Dulles (IAD), Richmond (RIC), Norfolk (ORF), Newport News/Williamsburg (PHF) and Roanoke (ROA)
- 16 pilot Virginia ABC stores across Northern Virginia
- All DMV Customer Service Centers
- Virginia State Police
- Falls Church Police Department
- And a growing number of restaurants, wineries and breweries
“Northern Virginia residents can now use the Virginia Mobile ID in many of the places they may visit regularly,” said Dr. Gerald Lackey, Virginia DMV Commissioner. “Virginia Mobile ID is made for Virginians, and we encourage everyone to give it a try. It’s free, secure and right in the palm of your hand.”
Virginia Mobile ID puts customers in control of their information, allowing them to choose exactly what details to share during verification. For example, customers can confirm they're over 21 without revealing their name and address and handing over their phone. As a founding member of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators’ Digital Trust Service, Virginia DMV helped establish national security standards for mobile ID that make it one of the most secure digital credentials available.
Accepting Virginia Mobile ID is simple for businesses, too. With a quick QR code scan, customer data is transmitted securely between the customer’s phone and the business’ scanning device, with no data stored or tracked by DMV. Businesses can begin accepting mobile ID by downloading the free Virginia Mobile ID Verifier app.
Today, more than 100 businesses and organizations across the Commonwealth already accept Virginia Mobile ID. DMV is actively working to expand acceptance and offer it in digital wallets. Upon successful completion of the pilot program, Virginia ABC plans to expand additional stores.
For more information about the Virginia Mobile ID app, benefits, participating locations, security features and frequently asked questions, visit the Virginia DMV’s website.