Mobile ID

During the enrollment process, you scan your driver’s license or ID and then also take a selfie. Mobile ID verifies your identity attributes and selfie photo against what is on file with the Iowa DOT to ensure it’s you – and only you – before completing the enrollment.

Mobile ID verifies your identity attributes and selfie photo against what is on file with the Iowa DOT. Only your FaceID, TouchID, or pin will unlock the app and access your mobile ID. For instance, if your smartphone is lost or stolen, no one will be able to access your mobile ID app.

Mobile ID doesn’t permanently collect, store, or hold onto your personal data -- except an encrypted version of your driver's license number and phone number to use as a record locator. The only place your complete information is stored is with the Iowa Department of Transportation.

We are working with law enforcement agencies on how they can implement verification processes for mobile ID. As not all law enforcement agencies will accept mobile ID at launch, you should still carry your traditional ID or driver’s license.

No one else will be able to access your mobile ID, even if they manage to unlock the phone. The use of a pin, real-time selfie, or fingerprint/face unlocking means only you can access the app.

You can simply reload and reactivate the Iowa Mobile ID on a different device. A mobile ID cannot be activated on more than one device. Once you activate your mobile ID on a new device, it will no longer work on the previous device.

The adoption of mobile ID is on the rise. A recommended international standard for mobile IDs was developed in an effort toward a seamless experience between states and Iowa has followed that standard. For Iowans to use their mobile ID outside the state, the destination would need to follow the same standard and the business would need to participate in mobile ID and have Iowa’s certificate information. As you may not know if the state and business are using the same standard, you can try using your mobile ID but also carry your traditional ID or driver’s license as a backup.

If you are experiencing an issue with Mobile ID, check some of the common causes and solutions listed below. If you did not find the information you need, please visit IDEMIA’s mobile ID support website for support options such as FAQs, Email, Live Chat, and Helpdesk service hours.

I am unable to scan my ID

Here are some tips that will help with capturing the selfie:

• Make sure there is no wear, damage, or scratch marks on either side of ID.
• The ID needs to be valid, unexpired, and from Iowa.
• 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.

I am unable to capture a selfie

Here are some tips that will help with capturing the selfie:

• 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.
• Make sure your phone is kept steady at eye level and only move your head in the direction of the 3 dots. “Lead with your nose.” Hold your head steady at each dot until the circle fills up and the next numbered dot appears.
• If the selfie times out, you may have taken too long to align the 3 dots and need to start over.

Error: mID Not Activated or Not Verified

• You have an out-of-state credential.
• Your Iowa state credential is inactive, including expired or suspended.
• Some information on your license is incorrect or out of date – for example, last name or address.
• Your selfie failed to match the photo on file with the state. If the photo on your license is over 5 years old or drastically different from your current appearance, this could cause an error to occur.

Error: Text Verification Failed or unable to active link in Text Message

Here are some of the reasons why text verification failed:

• Make sure you delete all previous texts received from the app off your phone before requesting for a new text with link.
• (ANDROID USERS ONLY) Check your Android settings as described in the 'ERROR: "This site can't be reached" message on Android when confirming phone number' topic.
• You selected "Don't Allow" when prompted to give the app access to camera. Instead, please make sure that you consent and acknowledge reading the terms of use, security policy, provide access to the camera and accept app notifications. You must select OK from the permission pop-up or you will not be able to use the app.
• You did not receive a confirmation SMS text message because SMS text has not been set up with your service provider. The app requires you to receive a confirmation and URL via SMS text. You will need to reach out to the service provider to verify it is set up.
• You are copying the URL in the text message into a browser. Instead, you must click on the link in the most recent text message so that it opens in the app. If you have tried requesting the setup SMS text several times, it will be the one at the bottom of the list.

Error: 60302 Registration Failed

The registration failure can occur for various reasons.

• This could be the result of a poor selfie or selfie capture issue, see error: Issues with capturing selfie.
• This could be a connection issue. If the images you have captured cannot be synced with the server, try the following:
  • Turn off Wi-Fi and try enrolling via cellular data or try using Wi-Fi if it is failing on cellular.
• Uninstall the app and start over.
• If the above steps fail, there could be an issue with your record at the DOT.

Need tips on scanning the ID or taking a selfie?
 

Selfie Tips

• Take selfie 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-color wall.
• Hold the phone approximately 16 inches from your face.
• Keep your phone steady at eye level. (Some people naturally hold their phone lower than eye level when reading – check to make sure it’s at eye level)
• Only move your head in the direction of the 3 dots. Hold your head steady at each dot until the bubble fills up and the next numbered dot appears.
• If you are wearing glasses, you may need to take them off before re-attempting the selfie.
• If the selfie times out, you may have taken too long to align the 3 dots and need to start over.
• "Photo does not match" - This means your facial 1:1 comparison failed. You can try to capture a new selfie. If that does not resolve the issue, then you will need to contact your state authority.

Scan ID Tips

• Make sure there is no wear, damage, or scratch marks on either side of the ID.
• Place the ID on a dark flat surface and good lighting in the room.
• Ensure the ID is valid, not expired, and is not from out of state.

You can update your personal information the same way you do today, which may require a visit to a driver’s service center. Get more information about updating personal information.

Once changes are made to your license or ID record, those updates are pushed out electronically to your mobile ID app. No visits to the DOT are needed to ensure your Iowa Mobile ID matches your current personal information.

Iowa Mobile ID is available to everyone with a smartphone. For individuals without access to a smartphone, we still provide the traditional physical driver’s licenses and IDs.

At this time, mobile ID is not available yet for smartphone wallets. The Iowa DOT is working to have this as an option in the future.

How to unenroll from the Iowa Mobile ID app but not remove it from your device

1. Within the app, go to the “More” tab at the bottom right.
2. Tap on “Unenroll from this device”
3. Tap “Unenroll”
4. Tap “Yes” when it asks “Are you sure?”
5. A message will pop up indicating the device is unenrolled from Iowa Mobile ID.

How to remove the app from your device

IOS

• Remove an app from the Home Screen:
  • Touch and hold the app on the Home Screen
  • Tap "Remove App."
  • Tap "Remove from Home Screen" to keep it in App Library, or tap "Delete App" to delete it from the iPhone.
• Delete an app from App Library and Home Screen:
  • Touch and hold the app in App Library.
  • Tap "Delete App."
  • Tap "Delete."

Android

1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. At the top right, tap the profile icon.
3. Tap "Manage Apps & Devices." "Manage."
4. Select the name of the app you want to delete.
5. Tap "Uninstall."