New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is reporting that more than 200,000 thousand New Yorkers have enrolled in the state’s Mobile ID (MiD) program.
New York MiD – a voluntary, highly secure digital version of a state-issued driver license, learner permit or ID – was initially announced by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in June of last year.
“We’re thrilled that more than 200,000 New Yorkers have embraced this revolutionary technology that enables secure, contactless identification right from your phone,” Gov. Hochul said. “Whether you want to get through airport security or order an alcoholic beverage, Mobile ID is raising the bar on the way New Yorkers can verify their age and identity, offering greater convenience and privacy.”
All state residents with a valid New York State-issued driver license, learner permit, or non-driver ID can download the secure Mobile ID app on their Android or iOS device through Google Play or the App Store.
Alongside New Yorkers increasingly adopting New York MiD, the number of places where Mobile ID can be used continues to expand.
Through a partnership with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), New York’s MiD is accepted at TSA security checkpoints at more than 100 airports across the country and at four airports in New York State. Additionally, state bars, restaurants and other businesses with liquor licenses can also accept Mobile ID as a form of age verification during alcohol sales after the New York State Liquor Authority issued an advisory last October approving its use.
“So much in today’s world happens on your smartphone, and Mobile ID’s strong growth in less than 10 months shows that so many New Yorkers have wanted a simple and secure way to access their driver license, permit or non-driver ID directly on their device,” New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said. “Mobile IDs will become increasingly important for consumers and businesses alike as more interactions go digital, and I’m proud that New York is one of the states leading the way.”
The governor’s office stressed that the Mobile ID program was designed with user privacy in mind and complies with the most stringent international standards for personal identification published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as well as the Mobile Driver’s License Implementation Guidelines created by the American Academy of Motor Vehicle Administrators.
Additionally, the MiD app can only be unlocked through Face ID, TouchID, or a secure six-digit PIN. Personal information found on the MiD is encrypted and only accessible when the Mobile ID holder consents to sharing it.
In terms of using the app, information is transmitted to a verifier through a secure, digital connection so the user never has to hand over their phone. And information about usage – including where, when, and what personal information the user has shared – is encrypted and stored only on their personal device. Data on when and where someone uses their MiD is not tracked, stored, or transmitted.
