Mobile ID

Mobile ID will soon be available to all Iowans. Getting the mobile ID is as simple as downloading a new app.

1. Download the mobile ID app
   
   Go to your Apple or Android mobile device app store, search “Iowa Mobile ID,” and download the app.
   
    


2. Scan your physical ID
   
   Scan your physical license or ID to activate the app. Activation won't be complete until we verify your identity.
   
    


3. Take a selfie
   Take a selfie so that we can verify your identity. We will confirm your identity by verifying the scanned license or ID and matching your selfie to the image we have on record using facial recognition technology. If everything matches, the mobile ID will be activated and you will be able to use it.

Once active, you’ll protect your personal information by setting a PIN or by using facial imaging to control access to the app.

We will verify it’s you – and only you – because our system will read embedded security details in your physical license or ID to find your record in our system. We use facial recognition technology to be sure your selfie matches the picture associated with your record.

Because the technology is new, it will take some time for business to understand how they can recognize and accept mobile ID. We’re working closely with the following types of Iowa businesses and organizations to make sure they are set to recognize and accept mobile ID. However, we cannot guarantee that all businesses will accept mobile ID. We encourage you to also carry your traditional ID or driver’s license as businesses enhance the processes for accepting mobile ID.

• Grocery and convenience stores
• Retailers
• Banks
• Bars and restaurants
• Pharmacies
• Medical clinics
• And more!

Because most people use their driver’s license to verify identity and personal information, we are focusing first on working with entities who would use the mobile ID for those purposes. At this time, we cannot guarantee that all law enforcement agencies will accept Mobile ID immediately. Therefore, mobile ID users should still carry their traditional ID or driver’s license as law enforcement agencies enhance their processes for accepting Mobile ID.

Mobile ID is considered an acceptable form of identity and driving credential verification by the State of Iowa. However, because it is a new concept, some businesses and organizations may not be aware of how to use it or have not yet developed processes to accept the mobile ID. Therefore, we suggest users still carry their traditional ID or and driver’s licenses. We will continually work with groups to familiarize them with the mobile ID and its use. Over time, we expect acceptance to grow and the need to show your physical card to decrease.

Privacy is imperative for any identity app. That’s what makes the mobile ID a complete game-changer. We’re taking exhaustive steps to make sure your security and privacy are well protected. The State of Iowa is following international mobile identity standards, and UL, a worldwide leader in mobile payment and identity security, is independently testing the security of our mobile app.

In many ways, using your mobile ID will be more secure than your printed license or ID. Secure device-to-device technology will let you control what information you share, without handing over your mobile device. That means you only present what’s necessary when sharing identification, age, or other personal information.

We are able to utilize digital connections to update the information on your app as changes happen. You will be able to update information more quickly and efficiently, assuring the information on your app is always correct, without the cost and time of making a trip into a driver’s license or ID issuance location.

Don’t panic! You can simply reload and reactivate the Iowa Mobile ID on a different device. It is important to note, though, that a mobile ID cannot be activated on multiple devices at a time. Once you activate your mobile ID on a new device it will no longer work on the previous device.

Unfortunately if you do not have an Apple or Android smartphone or mobile device the mobile ID is not available. For individuals without access to a mobile device, we still provide the traditional ID or driver’s license.

The development of a mobile ID is evolving technology, with other states already adopting it. As more states develop their own mobile IDs, it will become more common. We are already working with other states to develop national standards and discuss best practices on implementation. As we move forward we intend to continue to work with the states who are implementing the technology to help promote its use and acceptance across the nation. However, we recommend you continue to carry traditional forms of identification until adoption becomes more widespread.