As the TSA ups its digital game, it’s been slowly increasing the number of states whose residents can use mobile driver’s licenses (mDL) at checkpoints with digital ID readers. The reason the process has been slow hasn’t been so much because of the federal government, but because of how each state, in our famous “patchwork quilt” of rules and regulations, has been “getting around” to making their respective driver’s licenses available in a digital format.
However, two more states have recently jumped through the hoops they made for themselves, and gotten through all of their own red tape to make their digital driver’s licenses “a thing.”
Arkansas
Arkansas introduced Arkansas Mobile ID this past May. Available to both Apple and Android phone owners, its benefits include:
- Contactless interaction: There is no need to hand over a physical card to someone.
- Enhanced privacy and secured personal data: In contrast with a physical license, a mobile ID allows users to only share a selective set of information when showing their identity and related data.
- Up-to-date data: Traditional cards can – and do – contain outdated information. With a mobile driver’s license, data is updated in real time, ensuring current, accurate information is provided.
- Accessible Anywhere: An internet connection is not required for a retailer or law enforcement to review and confirm data from a Mobile ID.
- No cost: Citizens with an unexpired Arkansas driver’s license or state ID can download the Arkansas mobile ID free! Visit the App Store or Google Play today. Get your ID, your way!
Montana
Montana’s jump into the digital ID world just happened this week. From a local press release:
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in collaboration with the state of Montana, deployed technology that allows airline passengers to use their state-issued driver’s license or identification card in Apple Wallet to verify their identity for airport security screening purposes at select TSA checkpoints including Helena Regional Airport (HLN).
Individuals with an eligible Montana driver’s license or state identification card will be able to add a digital version of their license to Apple Wallet and use their iPhone or Apple Watch to present at TSA security checkpoints for identity verification purposes.
Although Android phones weren’t noted in the press release, they are included in the state’s information page about mobile ID.
Residents of both Arkansas and Montana join those of the other 14 states and 1 territory that offer Mobile ID. This allows them to show their ID via their phone, instead of their physical driver’s license, at about 260 TSA security kiosks throughout the country (although residents are still strongly encouraged to also have their physical ID with them, just in case).
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