Now You Can Add Your Iowa Driver's License or ID to Google Wallet
Iowans can now add their driver's license or ID card to Google Wallet™ , then seamlessly and securely present it using a phone with Android 9.0 at TSA security checkpoints or at participating businesses.
It is free, optional, and acts as a companion to your physical ID. It does not replace it, so you should still carry your physical ID.
You’re in control of your data
Google Wallet keeps your mobile driver’s license and ID protected with advanced security, so your personal details stay safe.
Your mobile ID is stored encrypted and only accessible with your personal authentication.
Before you share your mobile ID, you can review what data is being requested.
If your phone is stolen or lost, your mobile ID can be deleted with a remote data erase.
Any Iowa resident with a valid, legible driver’s license or state-issued photo ID is eligible. To add your driver's license or ID to Google Wallet, you need to:
You have two options to present your mobile ID. Not all businesses are able to verify Iowa Mobile ID yet, so you should still keep your physical ID as a back-up.
NFC
Hold the back of your phone to the NFC terminal for a few seconds.
Your phone will then display the information requested of you. Review and authenticate the information being shared.
Wait for the blue check mark to confirm.
If you aren’t able to share your ID:
Try to hold your phone in a different way. Your NFC antenna could be near the top or bottom of your device.
Hold your phone closer to the reader.
Hold your phone to the reader for a few extra seconds.
Make sure you have taken the step to share the requested information.
QR Code
Open the Google Wallet app.
Scroll and tap on the ID or license.
Your phone will then display the information requested of you. Review and authenticate the information being shared.
Wait for the blue check mark to confirm.
If you aren’t able to share your mobile ID:
Hold your device steady.
Increase your screen’s brightness.
Make sure you have taken the step to share the requested information.
Iowa Mobile ID was created as a platform that any business, government entity, or law enforcement agency can adopt and use to verify a person’s identity -- the same way they use your physical card today. It is considered an acceptable form of identity verification by the State of Iowa and can be used in any context in which you would use your physical ID to verify your age or identity.
You can use your Iowa driver’s license or ID in Google Wallet at 200+ TSA checkpoints including the Des Moines and Eastern Iowa airports as well as other participating businesses.
The ID needs to be valid, unexpired, and from Iowa. It also needs to be your most recently issued license from the Iowa DOT.
The license cannot be the interim paper copy; it must be the physical plastic card to enroll.
Make sure there is no wear, damage, or scratch marks on either side of ID that obscures any of the license information.
Ensure the ID is placed on a dark flat surface and has good lighting in the room, with no glares from lighting on the ID.
Make sure you are in a well-lit area, not backlit by a window or strong light, and in front of a neutral or plain backdrop such as a single-colored wall.
Hold the phone at eye level and approximately 16 inches from your face. It may be easier prop the phone up or have someone else hold the phone.
Remove any accessories that may obstruct your face (i.e. masks & sunglasses)
Iowa Mobile ID is only available to individuals that have a current, valid Iowa-issued driver's license or ID card.
If you wish to remove your Iowa driver's license or ID in Google Wallet from your device, you may delete directly from the Google Wallet app or remotely from your Google Account.
To remove your driver's license or ID from within the Google Wallet app:
Select your driver's license or state-issued ID.
Tap the three dots in the top right corner.
Tap Remove and confirm.
To remove your mobile ID from your Android device and Google Wallet remotely:
Visit myaccount.google.com in the Personal Info tab, scroll down to “Digital ID” which shows which credentials are on your Android devices. Click “Manage digital ID.”
The page will show that there is a driver’s license added to your Google Wallet but will NOT display your ID details: these are not visible to Google. Click on the trash bin icon to remotely delete the credential from your device.
You will be shown a screen asking you to confirm that your ID will be deleted from your device and can be added again in the Google Wallet app.
After confirmation, your ID will be deleted from your device and Google Account.
You may also log on to the Iowa website to remove your enrollment if you do not have access to your device.
If you previously removed Iowa Mobile ID from your device, but would like it back, open the Google Wallet app and begin a new Iowa Mobile ID request.
There is currently no transfer option for Iowa Mobile ID. You must submit a new Iowa Mobile ID request and have the request approved by the Iowa DOT with every new phone. Please note: Submitting a new request will cancel the Iowa Mobile ID on a previously used phone. Iowa Mobile ID may only be active on one phone at a time.
You will need to remove your driver's license or state ID card from your Google Wallet if you want to associate your driver's license or state ID card with a different Google Account, or add your driver's license or state ID card to a new device.
From another Android device or a web browser logged into Google.com, you may visit myaccount.google.com to delete your mobile ID remotely.
Yes, you should always carry the mobile or physical copy of the boarding pass with the ID in Google Wallet. For additional verification, a TSA Agent can ask to see your Mobile or Physical boarding pass. In some instances, customers may still need to undergo enhanced screening, even if you have Iowa Mobile ID.
You can present Iowa Mobile ID in person at businesses and organizations with compliant ID readers. You can also present your ID in select apps that require identity or age verification.
Iowa Mobile ID is also accepted at select airport checkpoints around the country, determined by TSA. Please visit the TSA website for the most up to date support for mobile ID in Google Wallet.
Iowa Mobile ID is a companion to your physical, plastic driver’s license or ID card, which you should continue to carry.
No, you are not required to have a REAL ID to add your Iowa driver's license or ID to Google Wallet. If you do have a REAL ID, your REAL ID status is included in your mobile ID.
No, you need the physical plastic card to enroll. Once you have it, you can start the enrollment process.
The enrollment process generally takes a relatively short period of time, usually same day.
There is no action needed on your part. The enrollment information has been sent to the Iowa DOT for review. It is typically pretty quick to activate, but could take up to 72 hours. Once your enrollment is approved, you will see an ‘ID card application approved’ notification on your device.
In some cases, additional verification will be needed to enroll in Iowa Mobile ID in Google Wallet.
Try to submit the request again, using the tips above for scanning your ID and capturing a selfie. Or for additional assistance, visit the Google Wallet Help Center.
Iowa Mobile ID is voluntary. If you are not interested in adding your driver's license or ID to your device, there is nothing you need to do.
No, law enforcement does not accept Iowa Mobile ID a this time. Users should continue to carry their physical license with them at all times.