Is the mDL a national ID?

No. Each mDL is issued by an individual state DMV, and the United States has no national ID.

Can I use my phone's mDL at airport security?

Yes, for participating states at select TSA checkpoints, though a physical ID should still be carried as backup.

🇺🇸 United States · Mobile driver's license

State Mobile Driver's License (mDL)

State Mobile Driver's License / Mobile ID (mDL)

A mobile driver's license is a digital version of a state-issued license or ID stored in a phone's digital wallet, conforming to the ISO/IEC 18013-5 standard for privacy-preserving in-person presentation. Each participating state issues its own mDL, so there is no single national mDL. The TSA accepts mDLs from participating states at select airport checkpoints.

What it does

Mobile credential (in person)Selective attribute sharingIdentity verification / KYCBiometric authentication

Country:🇺🇸 United States

Type:Mobile driver's license

Status:Live

Launched:2021

Issuer:Individual U.S. state and territory departments of motor vehicles (DMVs); not the federal government

Who can get it:Residents of participating U.S. states and territories who hold a physical driver's license or state ID

Format

Digital credential in mobile wallet (Apple, Google, Samsung)State-specific mobile ID app

Identity attributes

NameDate of birthAddressPortrait/photoLicense/ID numberAge-over assertions (e.g., over 21)

Authentication methods

Device unlock (biometric/PIN)Selective disclosure via QR or NFC to a readerCryptographic signature verification

Common use cases

TSA airport checkpoint identity verificationAge verificationIn-person identity proofing where accepted

Standards

ISO/IEC 18013-5 (in-person mDL)ISO/IEC 18013-7 (online presentation)

Coverage

Around 21 states plus Puerto Rico accepted by TSA as of early 2026, at over 250 checkpoints

Interoperability

Domestic

Privacy and trust

ISO 18013-5 supports selective disclosure so a holder can share only the data a verifier needs, such as proof of age, without exposing the full document.

Identity verification providers

Independent identity verification vendors that support documents like this for KYC and onboarding. Exact document coverage varies by provider and region, so confirm support before relying on it.

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Official source

https://www.tsa.gov/digital-id/participating-states

State Mobile Driver's License (mDL): frequently asked questions

Is the mDL a national ID?: No. Each mDL is issued by an individual state DMV, and the United States has no national ID.
Can I use my phone's mDL at airport security?: Yes, for participating states at select TSA checkpoints, though a physical ID should still be carried as backup.

Educational reference, not official guidance. Confirm current details with the issuing authority. See United States data protection law · all United States schemes · identity verification vendors