US States Trial MDLs

In a growing trend of soft-launching Mobile Driving Licences (MDLs) prior to general public release, two US states are currently trialling their state identity documents with select groups of businesses.

Iowa DOT

The state of Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is testing its Mobile ID app with businesses and other groups to confirm it has the tools needed for identity verification. The app is set to roll out to the public fully in the next month.

Iowa’s new Mobile ID.

Mobile ID is essentially a digital version of the State ID card or driving licence. The DOT stresses that this acts as a backup to your physical ID, not a replacement. Not all Iowa businesses are able to accept Mobile ID verification, so they advise keeping your physical ID on your person as you normally would.