“Digital Driver’s License and Registration Please”: Are Mobile Licenses Secure?

Imagine you’re at the airport, late for your flight. You hustle up to the TSA checkpoint, grab your phone, and scan your digital driver’s license to breeze through security. No more fumbling for your physical wallet or handing your ID to the agent.

The convenience of having a valid ID in your phone’s wallet is undeniable. But how safe is your personal information with this new technology?

In this post, as an expert in cloud data security, I’ll explore what digital licenses are, how they work, and most importantly, just how secure these mobile IDs are for everyday use based on the encryption protocols and security standards implemented. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• What is a digital driver’s license and how does it work?
• How secure is the identity verification process?
• What encryption technology protects the licenses?
• Where can you legally use a mobile license right now?
• Do digital licenses meet REAL ID and TSA requirements?
• The pros, cons, and risks of mobile driver’s licenses
• Which states are leading the mobile ID movement?
• Answers to frequently asked security questions
• How VPNs add protection for your digital license

Let’s start by looking at what digital licenses are in the first place.

What is a Digital Driver’s License and How Does it Work?

A digital driver’s license is an electronic version of your physical license that lives in your smartphone’s wallet app. It looks and functions much like the digital credit cards we already use.

With a digital license in your wallet, you can validate your identity, age, and driving privileges without physically handing over your card. The license displays the same information as your plastic card, but in a secure digital form.

Digital licenses aren’t just photos of your card stored on your phone. The license ties directly to your state’s DMV database for real-time verification and updates. If your license gets revoked, lost, damaged or your info changes, the digital credentials instantly reflect that.

Let’s look at how the technology actually works:

• You must have a valid physical license – To get a digital license, you first need a current state-issued driver’s license or ID card. The mobile credential acts as a companion to the physical card.

• Rigorous identity verification – When applying through your state’s approved app, you undergo a strict verification process to prove the digital license belongs to you. This often requires scanning your ID, facial recognition checks against your DMV photo, answering security questions, and more.

• Encrypted mobile wallet – Once verified, your digital license gets stored in your phone’s built-in encrypted wallet app alongside credit cards, member cards, event tickets, etc. This keeps your license private until you choose to access it.

• Real-time DB sync – The digital license maintains a live sync with your state’s DMV database. Any changes or updates to your driving privileges or ID get pushed to your phone instantly.

• On-demand access – You can now securely access your digital ID from your phone whenever needed for age verification, traffic stops, TSA security, or other situations requiring identification.

• Selective sharing – Depending on the circumstances, you can choose to only share certain details from your license, like just your birth date for age verification.

With a basic understanding of how mobile licenses work, let’s explore some key areas around their security.

How Secure is the Identity Verification Process?

When adding your license to your phone, you must go through a strict identity verification process. This ensures that the digital license actually belongs to you, and not an identity thief.

Here are some ways states verify you are who you claim to be:

• Scanning your physical license – You first scan the barcode or QR code on your current license card. This captures all the data already on file with the DMV.

• Facial recognition / Selfie match – Most states require you to take a new selfie that gets matched against your photo in the DMV database using facial recognition. This biometric match guarantees the license is yours.

• Knowledge-based verification – Many states make you confirm personal information already associated with your identity like your social security number, date of birth, home address, etc.

• DMV records check – Your identity must align perfectly with the information the DMV has associated with your physical license number. Everything is cross-referenced.

According to digital ID standards organizations like ISO/IEC, these verification methods meet rigorous security and fraud prevention requirements for mobile licenses.

And states are quickly adopting even more advanced biometrics like fingerprint, iris, and voice recognition for airtight identity proofing too.

What Encryption Technology Protects Mobile Licenses?

Once your identity is verified, your digital license gets stored in your smartphone’s encrypted wallet app. This is either Apple Wallet or Google Pay wallet, depending on your device.

These wallet apps use proven encryption and security standards similar to mobile banking and other sensitive data. Here’s how your license stays protected:

• AES 256-bit encryption – Advanced Encryption Standard using 256-bit keys secures all your wallet data including your digital license. This same military-grade encryption protects top secret data.

• Device passcodes – Accessing your wallet requires device unlock passwords, PINs, or biometric scans like facial or fingerprint recognition. This adds a major barrier to access.

• Government-verified security – Apple Wallet and Google Pay use FIPS 140-2 and Common Criteria certified encryption validated by the U.S. government for data security and integrity.

• On-device data storage – Information in your wallet, including your license, is stored directly on your phone. It’s not stored in the cloud or externally where it could be compromised.

• Selective sharing – You can choose to only share certain details of your license when needed, like just your birthdate. This prevents oversharing personal information.

According to digital security experts, the encrypted wallet platforms meet the advanced security demands of mobile licenses. Government bodies also vet and approve the encryption standards used.

However, any connected device still has inherent risks if proper precautions aren’t taken by the user. We’ll cover more on the potential risks later on.

Where Can You Legally Use a Digital License Today?

At the moment, digital licenses are only accepted in a handful of progressive states. But more and more establishments and agencies are recognizing mobile IDs as the technology improves. Here’s a look at where you can use them today:

Airports & TSA Checkpoints

The TSA is leading the charge in accepting digital licenses at airport security checkpoints. They’re currently testing mobile IDs at select checkpoints with plans to expand nationwide.

You can use your digital license at TSA security in these airports:

Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Gulfport Biloxi International Airport (GPT)

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN)

Miami International Airport (MIA)

Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

Just know that TSA officers may still ask to see your physical license too for now. So keep your printed card handy when traveling.

State-by-State Digital ID Programs

What you can do with your digital license depends entirely on your specific state’s regulations. Here are a few state mobile ID programs:

• Arizona – First state to launch licenses in Apple Wallet. However, bans using them for age verification to buy alcohol.

• Maryland – Rolled out digital licenses in Apple/Google Pay statewide. Accepted anywhere physical licenses work.

• Utah – Pilot program allows license use at liquor stores, bars, traffic stops and more. Goal is statewide adoption.

• Colorado – Starting digital ID program that will let residents add licenses, state IDs and vehicle registrations all to their phones.

• Louisiana – Recently launched an app called LA Wallet where you can store your license and show it on your phone when needed.

Check with your state’s DMV website to see if they currently offer mobile licenses and where they can legally be used. More programs launch nationwide each month.

Do Digital Licenses Meet REAL ID and TSA Requirements?

Beginning in May 2024, all travelers in the U.S. will need a valid passport or REAL ID to fly domestically. The good news is digital licenses can fully meet REAL ID requirements when implemented properly.

The DHS REAL ID Act allows for electronic transmission and storage of identity credentials. This means you can use your mobile REAL ID license at TSA checkpoints just like the physical card.

When adding your REAL ID to your phone wallet, it undergoes the same strict identity proofing and security standards as a physical REAL ID card. The TSA is currently testing digital REAL IDs at participating airports with plans for full integration.

For now, you’ll still need your physical REAL ID license as backup until digital licenses are universally adopted. But soon mobile REAL IDs will be widely accepted for streamlined airport security experiences.

The Pros and Cons of Mobile Driver’s Licenses

Digital licenses provide new conveniences but also pose security and privacy risks. Let’s compare the pros and cons:

Convenience Pros

• Quick and easy access for identification
• Contactless and hands-free
• Can prevent lost or stolen licenses
• Remote disabling if phone is lost
• Real-time updates from DMV databases
• More control over what personal data gets shared

Security Cons

• Tech problems could prevent access
• Small risk of hacking digital wallets
• Location and personal data tracking concerns
• Still requires physical license as a backup in most cases
• Reliant on application functionality and connectivity

There are definitely valid security and privacy tradeoffs to strongly consider before adopting a mobile ID. No connected technology is ever 100% secure or hack-proof. We’ll cover some common safety questions around digital licenses next.

But the convenience factors may outweigh the risks for some citizens, especially as encryption and security protocols mature.

Which States Currently Allow Mobile Licenses?

Adoption of digital IDs is accelerating across the U.S. Here are the states live with mobile license programs so far according to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators:

Arizona	Maryland	Colorado
Delaware	Utah	Iowa
Kentucky	Connecticut	Georgia
Oklahoma	Mississippi	Ohio
Hawaii	Puerto Rico	Louisiana

Many other states have digital license programs launching over the next 2 years. Check your state‘s DMV site for status updates.

And here are the platforms where you can currently obtain a mobile license:

• Apple Wallet – Live in Arizona, Maryland, and more states soon
• Google Wallet – Live in Maryland, expanding to more states
• Individual state apps – Utah, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Delaware, others have their own proprietary mobile ID apps

As you can see, Apple and Google have major head starts in enabling mobile license adoption across the U.S.

Now let’s look at some common security-related questions around digital licenses.

Answers to Key Mobile License Security Questions

Considering adopting a mobile version of your driver’s license? Here are answers to some of the biggest security questions on citizens’ minds:

Are digital licenses hackable?

Like any connected technology, there is always potential for hacking mobile licenses. However, the encrypted wallet platforms meet rigorous security standards and best practices.

States follow guidance from organizations like the AAMVA, and Apple Wallet uses government-vetted encryption like AES 256-bit. Security is a core focus.

Of course, no data is ever 100% hack-proof. But extensive testing and protocols make mobile IDs extremely secure overall.

Can someone else use my digital license?

It would be very difficult for someone else to access and use your digital license. Just to open your phone’s wallet requires complex passcodes, biometrics like face scans, or your password.

Authorities also run live biometric checks against your DMV photo when validating mobile licenses. These safeguards prevent unauthorized use.

What if my phone dies?

A dead phone battery obviously prevents you from accessing your digital license. That’s why physical licenses aren’t going away anytime soon.

You can still use your printed card as a backup if your phone dies. States recommend keeping your old card with you when first using a mobile license.

What if my phone is hacked or stolen?

If your phone is lost or compromised, immediately contact your DMV to deactivate your digital license. Most states let you remotely disable mobile licenses online or via an app.

You can also use device-tracking apps to remotely wipe all data from your phone if stolen – removing the wallet app and license.

Add a Layer of VPN Protection

Virtual private networks (VPNs) provide an additional layer of security for your digital license and other mobile data.

VPN encryption creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. This protects your web traffic and personal information from prying eyes, especially on public Wi-Fi.

Top-rated VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN use military-grade AES-256 encryption validated by neutral third-parties for maximal security.

Other key VPN security features include:

• Encrypted DNS requests to prevent data leaks
• Kill switches that halt internet access if the VPN drops
• Zero log policies to avoid tracking user activity
• Private IP addresses that mask your location and device identity

Refer to my guides on the best VPNs for iPhone security and best Android VPNs to find the right one for safeguarding your digital license.

The Outlook for Secure Mobile Driver’s Licenses

It’s clear mobile IDs provide major convenience benefits like simplified travel and contactless transactions. But citizens and agencies alike must weigh legitimate security concerns around potential cyber risks and loss of privacy.

However, industry leaders and pioneering government agencies emphasize that with proper encryption protocols and identity proofing, digital licenses can absolutely meet the highest bars for safety.

As more states roll out sophisticated digital ID programs leveraging Apple Wallet and Google Wallet’s advanced encryption protections, mobile licenses will likely become a secure mainstream identification method, especially as REAL IDs are required for travel.

Citizens can enjoy the perks of mobile driver’s licenses without undue risk by:

• Only adopting digital licenses in states with strict security protocols
• Using device-level protections like VPNs, passwords, and biometrics
• Remotely wiping lost or stolen phones immediately
• Maintaining physical licenses as a backup option

With vigilance around mobile security best practices, Americans can soon have the option to securely validate their identity using ultra-convenient digital driver’s licenses.