Slowly but surely, more states are getting their act together and letting residents use mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) at TSA checkpoints that have digital ID readers.
Surprisingly, the process hasn’t been slow because of the federal government. It’s been slow because each state—thanks to our famous “patchwork quilt” of rules and regulations—has had to work through building its own digital version of a driver’s license.
But one more state has finally jumped through its own hoops, cleared the red tape, and made a mobile driver’s license “a thing.”
Welcome to the 21st century, Kentucky!
Effective January 6, 2026, Kentuckians can download Kentucky Mobile ID – a secure digital version of a standard or REAL ID driver’s license or ID accepted for air travel at more than 250 airports.
Governor Andy Beshear said it’s in keeping with Team Kentucky’s commitment to prevent identity theft and deliver modern licensing services.
“Mobile ID offers Kentuckians more options for air travel, while further protecting them from identity theft or having their private information shared,” said Gov. Andy Beshear in a press release. “We want our families to be safe and feel safe while they are traveling, and this is just another step Team Kentucky is taking to increase safety for our people.”
The nice part? Your Mobile ID sits behind your phone’s PIN, Face ID, or Touch ID, which means it stays locked if your phone goes missing. That’s a big upgrade from losing a physical wallet, where your driver’s license is instantly usable by whoever finds it. When you set up the Mobile ID, the system verifies your information through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, based on the same records used to issue your physical license.
It’s not mandatory, and it doesn’t replace the plastic card (at least not yet), but it’s a modern option for travelers who prefer to keep everything—from boarding passes to IDs—on their phones.
Other states that offer mobile ID
Several other states offer their version of mobile ID, while still others have airports that accept it in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet:
Although Kentucky still has some work to do before KY Mobile ID is available in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet (they expect that to happen this summer), KY residents can learn more about Mobile ID or how to verify a Mobile ID on the Kentucky Mobile ID page.
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