Virginia rolls out mobile IDs—here’s where you can use them

Digital versions of state-issued identification cards will be accepted at various locations throughout Va. and beyond. Here are all the details.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced on November 12 that a newly launched app, the Virginia Mobile ID, will allow state residents to use digital IDs at select airport security checkpoints, Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Authority stores, and DMV customer service centers. Digital versions of both Virginia-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards will be available through the app.

Additionally, the DMV noted that some local law enforcement agencies and state troopers will accept these digital forms of identification, including the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and the Chesterfield County Police Department. The Richmond International Airport is one of 250 airports across the country that will also accept Virginia-issued digital IDs. It’s important to note that, despite having this option, continuing to carry your physical ID is strongly encouraged.

Speaking about the decision to launch the new app, W. Sheppard Miller III, the Secretary of Transportation, said in a press release, “Most of us rely heavily on our phones, which is why Virginians should have access to a safe, secure form of mobile identification on the devices they use all the time. The Virginia Mobile ID option protects your identity and privacy in the digital age, keeping you in control of what information you share.”

Below, we’ll go over the step-by-step process for obtaining your digital ID and detail where exactly they’ll be accepted.

How does it work?

Anyone in Virginia with a valid state-issued identification card or driver’s license can get free digital versions of these through the Virginia Mobile ID app, which you can download via the Google Play store on Android and the App Store on Apple. Click here to find the links to both. You must have an iPhone 8 or newer with iOS16 and above, or an Android OS 8.0 or newer to access the app. Please note that Mobile ID is not currently available for child IDs, learner’s permits, or driver privilege cards.

Once you download the Virginia Mobile ID app, you’ll need to review the Terms and Conditions and hit “accept,” then unlock and authenticate your phone. After that, you’ll be asked to scan the barcode found on the back of your ID or license and complete a liveness check. To do that, you’ll need to align your face within an oval that will appear in the app and follow on-screen prompts to move closer or further away from the camera to help verify your identity. After that, you’ll just continue to follow all of the remaining prompts as they appear.

If you need additional assistance or if you have any questions during the setup process, here is the DMV’s frequently asked questions page.

Where are the digital IDs accepted?

Per the DMV’s website, digital IDs will be accepted at the following airports in Virginia:

• Roanoke (ROA)
• Reagan Washington National (DCA)
• Richmond (RIC)
• Washington-Dulles (IAD)
• Newport News/Williamsburg (PHF)
• Norfolk (ORF)

Select Richmond area ABC stores will also accept the Virginia Mobile ID app, including:

• Pole Green Commerce Center – 7407 Pole Green Road, Mechanicsville
• Brandy Creek Commons – 6589 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville​
• VCU area – 1217-1219 W Broad St, Richmond
• Scott’s Addition – 3100-A W Broad St, Richmond​
• Carytown – 20 S Nansemond St, Richmond​
• Oak Hill Plaza – 3063 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond​
• Ironwill Centre – 9953 Ironbridge Rd, Chesterfield​
• Short Pump Crossing – 3450-3452 Pump Road, Suites 21 and 22, Henrico​
• The Shoppes at Bellgrade – 11400 W. Huguenot, Road Suite 121, Midlothian​

The following law enforcement agencies are set to accept digital forms of identification as well:

• Falls Church Police Department
• Staunton Police Department
• Virginia Beach Police Department
• Chesterfield County Police Department
• Wytheville Police Department
• Portsmouth Police Department
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office
• Hanover County Sheriff’s Office
• New Kent County Sheriff’s Office
• Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office

Norfolk’s Afterglow Brewing is set to take these IDs, and the DMV noted that it is “actively working to expand Virginia Mobile ID acceptance across the Commonwealth.”

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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