Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of the New York Mobile ID, a highly secure digital version of a state-issued driver’s license, learner permit, or non-driver ID, on June 11, 2024. This innovative technology allows eligible residents to store a digital version of their ID on their smartphones, providing a convenient and secure method for identification verification at various locations, including airport security checkpoints.
Convenience and Security
The New York Mobile ID is designed to provide both convenience and heightened security for users and those who accept it. Users can quickly display their IDs without having to physically present their documents, and they have control over the personal information they share. The app can only be unlocked through Face ID, TouchID, or a six-digit PIN, ensuring that the user’s data remains protected.
Airport Security and Expansion
The Mobile ID is accepted at nearly 30 participating airports across the country, including all terminals at LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City. This partnership with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows users to verify their identity easily and securely for airport security screening. The DMV is working with various businesses, organizations, and state government partners to expand the understanding of the Mobile ID and how they can accept it. Any public or private entity that needs to confirm an individual’s identity or age verification can begin accepting the New York Mobile ID at any time.
Features and Functionality
The Mobile ID app can be downloaded for free from Google Play or the App Store. To obtain a Mobile ID, users must register their phone number, upload images of the front and back of their physical ID, and provide a selfie for verification with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles(DMV). The app does not store or transmit data on when and where it is used, ensuring that user privacy is maintained. Users can control what data to share, such as only providing age verification for age-restricted purchases without sharing other personal information.
TSA Verification
At TSA checkpoints, users will scan their Mobile IDs using their smartphones at designated identity readers. The encrypted information is then digitally shared with the TSA. Following verification of the user’s identity and flight status, a TSA officer will complete the process in a contactless manner. This eliminates the need for users to physically present their IDs reducing the risk of lost or stolen documents.
Backup Physical ID
Although the Mobile ID provides a secure digital alternative, users are still required to carry a physical ID as a backup in case the TSA cannot verify their digital ID. This ensures that users have a reliable method for identification verification at all times.
Governor’s Statement
Governor Hochul expressed her excitement about the Mobile ID program, stating, “We’re delighted to offer New Yorkers this advanced technology, which grants both conveniences and heightened security for Mobile ID users and those who accept it. Not only will New Yorkers be able to swiftly display their IDs, but they will retain control over the personal information they share”.
Future Expansion
The New York Mobile ID is a voluntary program designed for the convenience and security of New Yorkers. As the technology continues to evolve, it is expected that more businesses and organizations will begin to accept the Mobile ID, providing users with even greater flexibility and control over their personal information.
Conclusion
The launch of the New York Mobile ID marks a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to [provide innovative and secure identification solutions. By offering a digital alternative to traditional IDs, the Mobile ID program enhances the convenience and security of identification verification processes, particularly at airport security checkpoints. As the program continues to expand and evolve, it is likely to become an essential tool for New Yorkers and travelers alike.