New York State Now Offers Mobile Driver's Licenses and IDs

New York State has become the latest state to offer mobile driver's licenses and IDs, providing residents with a convenient and secure digital alternative to physical cards. The new mobile credential, known as NYM, can be used for identification and age verification purposes anywhere in the state where a physical driver's license or ID is currently accepted.

Benefits of Mobile IDs

Mobile IDs offer several advantages over traditional physical cards, including:

Convenience: The digital credential is easily accessible on a smartphone, eliminating the need to carry a physical card.
Security: Mobile IDs incorporate advanced security features, such as encryption and biometric authentication, to protect against fraud and identity theft.
Durability: Unlike physical cards, mobile IDs cannot be lost, stolen, or damaged.
Privacy: Mobile IDs provide greater privacy than physical cards, as they only display necessary information when requested and can be easily revoked if compromised.

How to Get a Mobile ID

To obtain a NYM mobile ID, New York residents can follow these steps:

Download the NYM app from the App Store or Google Play.
Create a NYM account using a valid email address and password.
Verify your identity by providing your driver's license or ID number and completing a facial recognition scan.
Once your identity is verified, you will be able to add your NYM mobile ID to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay.

Using Your Mobile ID

NYM mobile IDs can be used in all the same ways as traditional physical cards, including:

Verifying your identity for age-restricted purchases
Presenting proof of identity for official purposes
Entering age-restricted establishments
Renting vehicles

Security Measures

To ensure the security of NYM mobile IDs, several robust security measures are in place:

Encryption: All personal information stored on the mobile ID is encrypted to protect it from unauthorized access.
Biometric Authentication: Face ID or Touch ID is required to access the mobile ID, preventing unauthorized use.
Revocation: If a mobile ID is lost or stolen, it can be easily revoked through the NYM app.
Audit Trail: A record of all transactions made using the mobile ID is maintained for auditing purposes.

Privacy Protections

NYM mobile IDs are designed to protect user privacy:

Limited Information Display: When using the mobile ID, only the necessary information is displayed, such as your name, photo, and date of birth.
Consent Required: Consent is required before personal information is shared with third parties.
Data Minimization: Only the minimum amount of data necessary for verification is collected and stored.

Future Plans

New York State plans to expand the functionality of NYM mobile IDs in the future, including the ability to use them for boarding public transportation and accessing government services. The state is also working on integrating NYM with other mobile wallets and payment platforms.