North Dakota Introduces Mobile Driver's License Program
The North Dakota Department of Transportation announced it will launch mobile driver's licenses and state IDs in early October 2025, allowing residents to store their identification in Apple Wallet on iPhone and Apple Watch devices. This makes North Dakota the 15th state to offer TSA-accepted digital identification, following the nationwide REAL ID enforcement that began on May 7, 2025.
The digital ID initiative comes as part of a broader modernization effort across U.S. states to provide more secure, convenient identification options for travelers and residents. North Dakota residents will pay a $5 fee to obtain their mobile driver's license, which will work alongside their physical cards.
Key Digital ID Requirements and Updates for 2025
Understanding the current landscape of identification requirements is essential for travelers and residents. Here are the most important updates:
- REAL ID Enforcement: As of May 7, 2025, adults need REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or alternative identification to board domestic flights and access federal facilities
- Mobile ID Acceptance: TSA now accepts digital IDs at over 250 airport security checkpoints nationwide in 14 states plus Puerto Rico
- North Dakota Launch: October 2025 rollout includes iPhone and Apple Watch compatibility with $5 application fee
- State Adoption: Mississippi, Illinois, Connecticut, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Utah, and West Virginia are implementing mobile ID systems in coming months
- Alternative IDs Accepted: U.S. passports, passport cards, Global Entry cards, and military IDs remain valid alternatives to REAL ID
The Transportation Security Administration has issued a final rule enabling continued acceptance of mobile driver's licenses even as REAL ID standards are enforced. This temporary waiver allows states time to ensure their digital ID systems meet all federal security requirements.
Who Is Affected by These ID Card Requirement Changes
These identification requirement updates impact millions of Americans across different categories. Understanding how these changes affect you helps ensure smooth travel and facility access.
For North Dakota Residents
Starting October 2025, North Dakota residents can voluntarily add their driver's license or state ID to Apple Wallet for $5. This digital version supplements but does not replace your physical card, which you should still carry as backup. The mobile ID works at TSA checkpoints and may be accepted by local law enforcement during traffic stops.
For Frequent Travelers
If you travel regularly for business or leisure, mobile IDs offer faster security screening at over 250 TSA checkpoints. You'll tap your phone or watch at the checkpoint instead of handing over a physical card, reducing contact and speeding up the process. However, always carry your physical REAL ID-compliant license or passport as backup in case of technical issues.
For Residents in Other States
If you live outside the 15 states currently offering mobile IDs, check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website for implementation timelines. Seven additional states are actively developing mobile ID systems. Until your state launches mobile IDs, ensure you have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or alternative identification like a passport for air travel.
How to Get Your Mobile Driver's License - Step by Step
The process varies slightly by state, but here's the general procedure for obtaining a mobile driver's license:
- Verify Eligibility: Check if your state offers mobile IDs on the TSA participating states list (currently 14 states plus Puerto Rico, with North Dakota joining in October 2025)
- Download the App: Install your state's official DMV wallet app or prepare to use Apple Wallet (for states like North Dakota that integrate with Apple)
- Verify Your Identity: Follow in-app instructions to scan your physical driver's license and complete facial recognition verification through your phone's camera
- Pay Required Fees: Submit payment if your state charges a fee (North Dakota charges $5; fees vary by state from free to $10)
- Wait for Approval: Your state DMV will review and approve your application, typically within 24-48 hours
- Add to Wallet: Once approved, your mobile ID appears in your digital wallet and is ready to use at TSA checkpoints and other accepting locations
Important Dates and Timeline for ID Requirements
Mark these critical dates in your calendar to stay compliant with federal identification requirements:
- May 7, 2025: REAL ID enforcement began nationwide - non-compliant IDs no longer accepted for domestic flights or federal facility access
- October 2025: North Dakota launches mobile driver's licenses in Apple Wallet with $5 fee
- Late 2025/Early 2026: Seven additional states (Mississippi, Illinois, Connecticut, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Utah, West Virginia) expected to roll out mobile ID programs
- Ongoing: TSA continues expanding digital ID acceptance to additional checkpoints beyond current 250+ locations
Frequently Asked Questions About Digital ID Cards
Do I Still Need to Carry My Physical Driver's License?
Yes, absolutely. TSA and law enforcement agencies strongly recommend carrying your physical REAL ID-compliant driver's license as backup. Technical issues, battery drain, or checkpoints without digital ID scanners may require you to present a physical card. Additionally, many situations outside airports still require physical identification.
Which States Currently Accept Mobile Driver's Licenses at TSA Checkpoints?
As of October 2025, 15 states participate in the TSA mobile ID program: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia, plus Puerto Rico. You can use mobile IDs at over 250 airport security checkpoints nationwide, though you should verify your specific airport participates before relying solely on digital identification.
How Secure Are Mobile Driver's Licenses Compared to Physical Cards?
Mobile driver's licenses are actually more secure than physical cards according to TSA. Digital IDs use encryption, biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID), and selective information sharing - meaning you only reveal the data TSA needs to verify, not your full address or other personal details. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remotely disable the mobile ID without canceling your physical license.
What You Need to Know About ID Requirements Moving Forward
The shift to mobile driver's licenses represents a significant modernization of U.S. identification systems, but physical REAL ID-compliant cards remain essential. With 15 states now offering mobile IDs and seven more in development, nearly half of U.S. states will have digital identification options by early 2026.
If you're traveling domestically, ensure you have REAL ID-compliant identification before heading to the airport - whether that's an enhanced driver's license, mobile ID, or valid passport. For the most accurate passport photo requirements and visa application photos, check VisaPics' comprehensive database of specifications for over 952 document types across 172 countries, ensuring your identification documents meet all official standards the first time.