If your state isn’t using mobile apps or electronic scanners to verify someone’s identity, you should expect changes shortly. Only ten states have no mobile apps or electronic scanners to verify someone’s identity. New York is working on legislation to take this process further. Does your state allow digital IDs or electronic ID scanners?
Why are we Seeing a Surge in Electronic IDs?
The Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) is a federal government investment program providing over $200 million to different projects to push technology forward. The TMF hopes to modernize information technology challenges in the United States urgently. Specifically, the adoption of zero trust cybersecurity, locking sensitive data away from any onlookers, making it possible to share information such as your face, address, and birth date on the web safely and more frequently.
In March 2022, Apple won the technology race to bring customers a digital identification feature, with Maryland and Arizona being the first two adapters. They were followed shortly by Google and their app Google Wallet identification feature in May 2022. Traveling through TSA is the only situation where identification can be used in both apps.
The National Institute of Stationads and Technology (a U.S. Department of Commerce subsection) is working through a fourth draft of “Digital Identity Guidelines,” which would create federal standards.
When you can and can’t use Electronic ID Scanners
In most states that allow mobile IDs and electronic ID scanners, the law is expressly written or amended to existing ID checking laws. So, it’s best to consult your state’s statutes and laws. When in doubt, it’s always best to physically inspect the ID (more on that later), even after using an electronic ID scanner.
Even when an ID scanner/digital ID is allowed, it’s always recommended to use a secondary process. One that brings in the human element of checking the ID. We suggest a comprehensive training program (such as one from Serving Alcohol) and continuous training as changes are rolled out.
Overall, adoption is slowed. Only five states accept mobile/digital identification when purchasing alcohol as proof of age. With a couple expected to introduce a program within the next year or two. However, these states will likely need to update their approach once the federal government finishes its guidelines.
This data is relevant as of October 13, 2023.*
Here’s a rundown of each state that is currently or will be in the future offered by Serving Alcohol:
List of States and Electronic ID Usage
Arkansas Senate approved a law allowing residents digital copies of a driver’s license for a $10 fee. No mobile app exists. Instead, drivers may carry a copy of their license on a mobile device or computer for verification purposes but only when interacting with the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on how to verify age, please enroll in our Arkansas Alcohol Seller Server Course.
On May 12, 2023, California started accepting mobile IDs or mIDs. Published by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the app is called CA DMV Wallet. Its intended purposes are TSA Pre Check and age verification through a qualifying application called TruAge.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol. The California ABC does not recognize mIDs or TruAge as bona fide proof of age.
For more information on how to verify age, please enroll in our California RBS Training Certification (also available in Spanish)
Florida’s Smart ID is a mobile app that lets you store your driver’s license data electronically. Within it, you can display a QR or barcode for verification purposes. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Security (FLHSMV) oversees the app and says they wish to bring a modernized, sustainable way of identifying motorists. Nowhere on the FLHSMV frequently asked questions page does it mention businesses being able to use it to verify age when selling or serving alcohol.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on verifying age, please enroll in our Florida Responsible Vendor Certification (also available in Spanish).
The Georgia Department of Drivers Services (DDS) has the DDS 2 Go app. However, it’s only for managing your DDS account.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on verifying age, please enroll in our Georgia Bartending License & Alcohol Server Permit Course or Georgia Alcoholic Beverage Delivery Course.
Since 2016, the Illinois Secretary of State has been conducting legislative and study activities. A bill was introduced to the Illinois House of Representatives (HB 1110) in January 2023 proposing using Digital Driver’s licenses. In March 2023, they amended 625 IL CS 5/6 101 to allow law enforcement officers to be used in connection with traffic stops or checkpoints. The Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology provides the digital driver’s license.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on verifying age, please enroll in our Illinois BASSET Seller Server Training for On-Premise or Off-Premise.
The Iowa Department of Motor Vehicles offers the ability to get a Mobile ID through the Iowa Mobile ID app found on the Apple and Android App Store. These IDs are slowly being adapted for us with grocery and convenience stores, retailers, banks, bars and restaurants, pharmacies, and medical clinics.
It can be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on verifying age, please enroll in our Iowa Responsible Alcohol Seller Server Course.
No movement has been made toward allowing electronic IDs.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on how to verify age, please enroll in our Kansas Alcohol Seller Server Training.
Discussion on digital identification was brought up in 2015-16 and again in 2020. However, the state offers nothing officially or in partnership with Apple for Apple Wallet.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on how to verify age, please enroll in our Kentucky Alcohol Server Training.
The LA Wallet has been around since 2016. It’s used for driving purposes and can be shown to a police officer if you are pulled over.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
Training is coming soon!
No movement has been made toward allowing electronic IDs.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on how to verify age, please enroll in our Massachusetts Alcohol Server Certification.
Senate Bill 0454, introduced in 2019, amended traffic controls’ ability to accept electronic driver’s licenses. More specifically, an image stored on someone’s phone.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on how to verify age, please enroll in our Michigan Alcohol Seller-Server Course.
Conversations about implementing a digital driver’s license started in 2022. While various proposals have gone through the state’s government, nothing has passed.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on how to verify age, please enroll in our Minnesota Alcohol Server Training.
Mississippians can use the Mississippi Mobile ID app to digitalize driver’s licenses. This service was made by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, working closely with the Secretary of State’s Office. The frequently asked questions page states that businesses can use electronic IDs instead of physical IDs (where accepted) except for traffic stops and airplane boarding.
It can be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on verifying age, please enroll in our Mississippi Alcohol Seller Server Training.
HB 519 was started in January 2023, asking the Montana government to consider authorizing digital driver’s licenses through a mobile application. In April 2023, the governor approved it and amended Sections 61-5-116 and 61-14-201. Beginning September 1, 2025, residents of Montana will be able to use a digital or hard copy of their driver’s license during a traffic stop.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on how to verify age, please enroll in our Montana Alcohol Server Training.
No movement has been made toward allowing electronic IDs.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on how to verify age, please enroll in our Nebraska Alcohol Server Seller Course.
The Senate passed legislation in 2021 making adopting electronic (specifically mobile) identification mandatory for the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. In it, the definition states that “Mobile driver’s license” means an electronic basic driver’s license, electronic motorcycle license, or electronic probationary driver’s license issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission that is accessible on a mobile electronic communication device and includes all information found on a printed, hard-copy basic driver’s license, motorcycle license, or probationary driver’s license issued by the commission.” The legislation does not say when the mobile identification website or application must be implemented or if this will be allowed to verify age in the sale of alcoholic beverages.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on verifying age, please enroll in our New Jersey Alcohol Server Certification.
In 2017, HB 6783 allowed the New York Department of Motor Vehicles to create a digital driver’s license. The Citizen has since reported in August 2023 that the state was planning to roll out mobile IDs by the end of the year.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on how to verify age, please enroll in our New York ATAP Alcohol Certification.
A study was conducted in 2015, the House bill was rejected in 2019, and Senate Bill 1072 was introduced in 2022. In the bill, residents can provide electronic proof when being stopped by law enforcement.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on verifying age, please enroll in our North Dakota Alcohol Seller Server Training.
No movement has been made toward allowing electronic IDs.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on how to verify age, please enroll in our Ohio Alcohol Seller Server Course.
No movement has been made toward allowing electronic IDs.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
Training is coming soon!
No movement has been made toward allowing electronic IDs.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on verifying age, please enroll in our RAMP Seller/Server Training.
No movement has been made toward allowing electronic IDs.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on verifying age, please enroll in our South Carolina Alcohol Server Training.
Since 2015, legislation has moved forward for the state to adopt digital licenses. The House bill was passed in 2019. However, the Senate bill was withdrawn in February 2023.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
In 2020, under House Bill 273, a pilot program was proposed through the House of Representatives. It was referred to the Transportation Committee and did not pass for a vote in May 2021.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on verifying age, please enroll in our Texas TABC Certification.
No movement has been made toward allowing electronic IDs.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on verifying age, please enroll in our West Virginia Alcohol Seller Server Course.
No movement has been made toward allowing electronic IDs.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on how to verify age, please enroll in our Wisconsin Responsible Beverage Server Training.
