BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) has launched a new mobile app, Mobile ID Check by MD, enabling businesses to accept mobile driver’s licenses and identification cards for age verification. The free app, available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play, aims to provide a secure and convenient way for businesses to verify customers’ age without requiring additional hardware.

The MVA has partnered with various stakeholders, including BWI Marshall Airport, the Anne Arundel County Liquor Board, Fraport USA, and HMSHost, to launch the initial phase of the program. Travelers can now present their mobile driver’s licenses for age verification when purchasing alcoholic beverages at select locations within the airport, including Flying Dog Tap House, Firkin & Flyer, Obrycki’s, R&R Seafood Bar A, R&R Seafood Bar D/E, La Cocina Mexicana, and Brix & Vine.

“Maryland and BWI Marshall Airport continue to lead the way with mobile driver’s license technology,” said Ricky Smith, Executive Director/CEO of BWI Marshall Airport. “We’re excited to partner with the MVA and our restaurant partners to offer travelers a convenient, efficient way to verify age when purchasing alcohol.”

The Mobile ID Check by MD app, developed by the MVA’s Information Technology team, utilizes international standards to accept any state-issued Mobile ID or ID card. The app only provides businesses with the necessary information for age verification, such as the customer’s age and ID photo, ensuring privacy and security. The app accepts ISO18013-5-compliant mobile driver’s licenses, adhering to industry standards for consumer privacy.

“The MVA continues to be a leader in developing and implementing mobile driver’s licenses by not only offering secure options for our customers, but also developing cost-effective tools for businesses to access this important identity verification tool,” said Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer. “I am so proud of our team for creating an opportunity for businesses to securely interact with the many Marylanders who have already started using their mobile driver’s licenses. By increasing locations where mDLs can be accepted, we’re encouraging more Marylanders to take advantage of not only the convenience, but the security and privacy that mobile driver’s licenses offer.”

This initiative builds upon Maryland’s existing mobile identification program, Maryland Mobile ID, which allows residents to store their digital driver’s license or ID in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet. The MVA is actively seeking new opportunities to expand the acceptance of mobile driver’s licenses across various sectors, including collaborating with the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence and 15 technology providers and industry experts including the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, Microsoft, the Department of Homeland Security, and US Bank. Participants will share best practices for accurately verifying identities during online transactions, with financial institutions, healthcare providers, and other organizations.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.