DMV pushes Virginia Mobile ID as more businesses, agencies test using it

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles says over 100,000 residents now use a mobile ID. The department said the more Virginians that use it, the more businesses and agencies will accept it.

Virginia Mobile ID is your driver’s license or state issued identification card on your phone. There are exceptions to which airports, law enforcement agencies or restaurants will accept a mobile ID.  

Virginia airports accepting mobile IDs:

• Reagan Washington National (DCA)
• Washington-Dulles (IAD)
• Richmond (RIC)
• Norfolk (ORF)
• Newport News/Williamsburg (PHF)
• Roanoke (ROA)

Local law enforcement agencies piloting accepting mobile ID:

• Chesterfield Sheriff's Office
• Falls Church Police Department
• Hanover County Sheriff’s Office
• Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office
• New Kent County Sheriff’s Office
• Portsmouth Police Department
• Staunton Police Department
• Virginia Beach Police Department
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office
• Wytheville Police Department

For more businesses and agencies accepting mobile ID, click here.

“We’re living in this digital age where we’re constantly on our phones," said Virginia DMV public relations and media liaison Camila Barco. “If you hand over your physical driver's license to someone, there’s so much information there that you share. Your address, your date of birth. When it comes to the Virginia Mobile ID, there’s only a QR code and a picture.” 

To enroll, you can download the free app, scan the back of your drivers license or state identification card and confirm your identity by taking a picture of your face. 

If accepted, the screen will show if you're over the age of 21 and have specific tabs for the airport or a police stop if accepted by the agency. 

When you click one of those tabs, a barcode for the officer or bartender to scan appears along with your ID picture. 

“We are actively working with businesses, organizations across the state to expand the Virginia Mobile ID and in the future, we are looking at having this on digital wallets," Barco said.  

Virginia State Police accepts it but the only local law enforcement in Central Virginia that does is in Chesterfield and Hanover counties, and a couple of Richmond restaurants like Harry’s at Hofheimer on West Broad Street. 

The DMV told 8News it's more secure to have the barcode scanned from mobile ID than to have to hand over your actual physical one. 

“All what’s telling them on their side is that you’re of age or it's identifying who you are," Barco said. "The security standards that the Virginia DMV follows does not allow for your personal information to be stored or tracked.” 

Virginia Mobile ID is supported through an existing contract with its driver's license and ID provider, CBN STI. The cost is built into the pricing for producing Virginia driver’s licenses and ID cards at no additional cost.

The DMV recommends still having your physical ID on you at all times.  

You can find more information and see frequently asked questions on the DMV's website.