Maryland Mobile ID Launches On Google Wallet: Moore

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maryland on Thursday became the first state to offer digital licenses and IDs in Google Wallet, which allows users to verify their identity easily for airport security screening, the governor's office said.

Gov. Wes Moore announced that the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration launched Maryland Mobile ID in Google Wallet.

“Maryland is leading the way in creating a more competitive and innovative digital environment while prioritizing accessibility and customer service,” Moore said in a statement. “Maryland Mobile ID advances our administration’s work to deliver safe and secure services that benefit all Marylanders.”

In May 2022, Maryland became only the second state to offer Mobile ID in Apple Wallet. With the addition of Google Wallet, Maryland is now the first state to offer Mobile ID on two major mobile wallet platforms, a news release said.

Maryland Mobile ID in Google Wallet and Maryland Mobile ID in Apple Wallet are the only forms of digital IDs issued through the Motor Vehicle Administration.

Marylanders may add their driver’s license or ID card to Google Wallet and present it at select Transportation Security Administration airport PreCheck checkpoints, including at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Maryland Mobile ID is only available to individuals with a valid Maryland-issued driver’s license or ID. Marylanders should always carry their physical driver’s license or ID, as well, authorities said.

“Our research shows that having a way to save an ID to Wallet is critical in adopting a fully digital wallet. By bringing IDs to Wallet, we’re excited to provide yet another way for people to move seamlessly throughout their day, toward a future without the need for a physical wallet,” said Google Wallet Vice President and General Manager Jenny Cheng in a news release.

Maryland Mobile IDs in Google Wallet are stored encrypted, meaning no one will have access to personal identification information unless a user chooses to share them with consent, Google said. Presenting an ID will require users to authenticate on their device and select which fields they wish to share.

Google does not have access to users’ IDs and contents cannot be shared without user permission, the company said. All verification and validation of Maryland Mobile ID enrollment is completed by the Motor Vehicle Administration only.

For more information about Maryland Mobile ID in Google Wallet — including how to add and how to use at an airport — visit the MVA website.