New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on March 1 that over 200,000 residents of New York have successfully registered and are using the “New York Mobile ID,” an innovative digital identity authentication method that allows residents to verify their identities more conveniently and securely.
“We are committed to enhancing the convenience and security of New York State residents’ lives. The ‘New York Mobile ID’ provides a more flexible way of identity verification, allowing people to handle daily affairs more smoothly,” Governor Hochul said.
The “New York Mobile ID” is an official digital identification provided by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), allowing residents to use a mobile app at specific institutions, airport security checkpoints, and some commercial transaction locations to prove their identity. The Mobile ID holds the same legal validity as physical driver’s licenses or IDs, and the New York State government encourages residents who have not yet applied to download the app and complete registration to enjoy a more convenient digital identity verification experience.
New York State residents can download the “New York Mobile ID” on Apple (iOS) and Android devices, register the phone number of the device they wish to use for the mobile ID, then take photos of the front and back of their physical identification (driver’s license, non-driver ID, or a learner’s permit) with their phones and upload them. The “New York Mobile ID” app will verify your photo with the information stored at the New York State DMV to ensure the accuracy of your identity.
Approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Mobile ID can be used at security checkpoints in over 100 airports across the United States, including four airports within New York State: LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Syracuse Hancock International Airport, and Stewart International Airport.
Furthermore, according to an announcement from the New York State Liquor Authority issued in October last year, bars, restaurants, and other businesses holding liquor sales licenses are now accepting Mobile ID as a legitimate form of age verification for alcohol sales.
This advancement has been widely embraced by businesses and residents alike, streamlining the process of verifying identities and enhancing security measures in various transactions and dealings where identification is crucial. The New York Mobile ID represents a significant step towards a more efficient and secure digital identification system, benefiting both residents and businesses in New York State.