New York Launches “Secure Digital” Driver’s Licenses

Gothamist reports:

New Yorkers who tend to forget their wallets at home or lose their purses now have another way to officially prove their identities: a digital version of their state-issued IDs.

The New York DMV is rolling out a secure mobile ID that residents can download and use on their phones, whether at airports or bars that accept it. Officials say it serves the same purpose as valid, state-issued driver licenses, learner permits and non-driver IDs, and can currently be downloaded on Apple and Android phones.

“Everything is on your cellphone these days, and now, your ID can be, too,” DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder said in a statement Tuesday. “This is an exciting way to provide identification without having to dig through your wallet or purse to find your physical document.”

Read the full article. The “Mobile ID’ logo is getting some mocking because “mid” is current teen slang for something or someone of low or mediocre quality.

NEW: We’ve officially launched New York Mobile ID — a secure digital version of a state-issued driver license, learner permit, or non-driver ID.

Not only will New Yorkers be able to quickly display their IDs, but they will have control over the personal information they share. pic.twitter.com/PLgN1kP19z

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) June 11, 2024

Wondering if the Hochul administration/DMV checked with a single teen before they named NY’s brand new mobile ID app. pic.twitter.com/xeTT0NLa5J

— Jon Campbell (@JonCampbellNY) June 11, 2024