The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced that it would begin offering digital identification via a new app, known Delaware Mobile-ID or MID.
Businesses and organizations will be able to platform to verify necessary information such as the legal drinking age. Fraudulent credentials will decrease as Mobile ID displays the most up-to-date status provided by the DMV, a release stated.
The app allows Delaware’s 800,000-plus licensed drivers and ID cardholders to use their smartphones as a form of identification. After several years of testing, Mobile ID is now available to the public.
The mobile app does not replace a physical driver’s license, which is still required under law for identification by law enforcement, airport screening, etc.
Mobile ID is a step forward in the fight against identity theft due to several security features, a DMV release stated.
It requires users to capture and upload their physical ID and a live selfie to compare against the individual’s file with the Delaware DMV. After approval, users unlock the app using facial recognition or fingerprints.
In addition to safeguards in opening the app, Mobile ID offers privacy control options that allow users to verify they are of legal age while hiding information such as the user’s address.
“Mobile ID has additional benefits that a physical identification card simply does not have, and Delaware is proud to be one of the first states to pilot this technology,” said Jana Simpler, director of the Delaware DMV. “We are happy to be able to provide this voluntary option to our customers.”
“Delaware’s release of Mobile ID technology is a significant step in bringing citizens a secure identification option at their fingertips,” said Matt Thompson, senior vice president, Civil and Mobile ID of IDEMIA, the company that developed Delaware’s Mobile ID technology. “We are pleased to continue our long-standing partnership with Delaware to unveil this innovative technology as the state pioneers this new industry.”
To learn more about where you can use Delaware’s Mobile ID, you can check out www.dmv.de.gov/mobileID. The app is available at Apple’s App Store or at the Google Play Store.
