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 further this process. Does your state allow digital IDs or electronic ID scanners?
Why do we see 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 involves 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. Nine states in this article accept mobile/digital identification when purchasing alcohol as proof of age. A couple is 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 August 28, 2025.*
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 now includes an Arkansas Mobile ID app, which can be found in the Apple App Store and Google Play. Businesses (like liquor stores, bars, and grocery stores) can accept digital IDs as a form of identification in the sale of alcohol, and the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control recognizes them. Its original purpose was to provide Arkansas residents with the ability to use mobile IDs during routine traffic stops with the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles and to be used by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) and TSA as digital IDs to board flights. Finalization and adoption of the Arkansas Mobile ID for TSA purchases is expected in the Summer of 2025.
It can be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on verifying age, including using the Arkansas Mobile ID app, please enroll in our Arkansas Alcohol Seller Server Course.
California started accepting mobile IDs or mIDs (also known as mobile driver’s licenses or mDLs) through an app called CA DMV Wallet. The app, published by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, is in a pilot program with limited participation. As of August 2024, the app is now available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Its intended purposes are TSA Pre Check and age verification through a qualifying application called TruAge. Businesses can sign up for the TruAge Program, which links a point-of-sale (POS) system with the ability to accept CA mDLs. However, restrictions are still in place for their use in select airports, and not all businesses have adopted mIDs or mDLs as valid forms of identification in the purchase of alcohol. The state still requires individuals to carry their physical identification as it’s not a complete replacement.
It can be used to sell or serve alcohol if the business has gone through the TruAge Program and the customer is participating in the CA DMV Wallet pilot. However, no house, senate, or governor action has been taken to officially adopt and recognize mobile IDs as “bona fide proof of age.”
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 Connecticut Alcohol Server Certification.
Florida’s Smart ID, a mobile app that allows you to store your driver’s license data electronically, has been temporarily removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
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.
Digital IDs are expected to become available sometime in 2025 through efforts spearheaded by the Illinois Secretary of State.
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 movement has been made towards allowing electronic IDs; however, nothing has been officially signed into law.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on how to verify age, please enroll in our Indiana Alcohol Server Training.
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.
The movement has been made towards allowing electronic IDs; however, nothing has been officially signed into law.
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.
The movement has been made towards allowing electronic IDs; however, nothing has been officially signed into law.
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. Starting in 2019, the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) authorized retailers to accept LA Wallet as a valid form of identification for verifying age and identity.
It can be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on how to verify age, please enroll in our Louisiana Responsible Vendor Permit 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 Massachusetts Alcohol Server Certification.
Legislation introduced in 2023, specifically Senate Bills 459, 460, and 461, aims to authorize the Michigan Secretary of State to issue digitized versions of these identification documents. However, this digital ID program has not yet been fully implemented and is still under development.
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.
The movement has been made towards allowing electronic IDs; however, nothing has been officially signed into law.
It cannot be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
For more information on how to verify age, please enroll in our Missouri Alcohol Server Training.
Under the Montana Department of Revenue’s definition, a digital ID does meet the requirements for an acceptable form of identification for age verification when purchasing alcoholic beverages.
It can 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.
As of June 2024, New York’s Mobile ID (MiD) can be used to purchase alcohol at participating establishments. In October 2024, the New York State Liquor Authority issued an advisory permitting businesses with liquor licenses to accept the MiD for age verification during alcohol sales.
It can 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.
Introduced in August 2024, the Ohio Mobile ID allows residents to add a digital version of their driver’s license to their Apple Wallet. However, accepting the Ohio Mobile ID for alcohol purchases requires businesses to have specific verification systems. According to the Ohio Division of Liquor Control, permit holders must use one of the following methods to verify the legitimacy of a customer’s Ohio Mobile ID before accepting it for alcohol sales:
- ISO 18013-5 Compliant Tap Terminal: This device uses contactless technology to scan a customer’s phone and validate the digital ID.
- Ohio Mobile ID Check App: Businesses can download this app on compatible devices to verify digital IDs.
It can be used in the sale or service of alcohol.
Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Mobile ID was decommissioned in February of 2024.
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 OLCC Alcohol Server Permit 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 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.
As of December 2024, West Virginia’s Mobile ID (mID) can be used to purchase alcohol at participating establishments within the state.
It can 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.
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