(The Center Square) – Iowa officials said the state’s new Mobile ID app is the first in the nation and is a safe, secure way for residents to store their identification.
The Iowa Department of Transportation spent more than $500,000 developing the app. It will have ongoing costs of $6,798 a year per the 2023 contract, according to information provided to The Center Square by the department that is overseeing the project.
The DOT worked with the technology company IDEMIA on the app. Residents can use mobile identification at some airport security checkpoints.
The Alcoholic Beverages Division’s Age to Purchase app is integrated with the technology. Businesses that sell age-restricted tobacco or alcohol products can check the validity of the identification through the app. The list of businesses that accept the program is listed on the DOT website.
“Iowa is the first state in the nation to roll out a mobile ID with a large number of businesses across the state capable of accepting the ID,” Gov. Kim Reynolds said. “I’m so proud of the DOT and the Department of Revenue’s Alcoholic Beverages Division working together on an innovative solution that provides convenience and added security for Iowans as they use their IDs for a variety of purposes.”
The state began a driver’s license pilot program in 2015. The program was scheduled to debut last year but was delayed by software security issues, according to a report on KCCI. Residents can download the app on Google Play or Apple.
“As the world becomes increasingly more technologically advanced, it is vital state governments join the digital transformation journey in order to continue to serve their residents, such as offering a convenient, secure, and trusted mobile identification,” said Michael Hash, Senior Vice President, Civil Identity for IDEMIA Identity and Security North America. “With our long-standing partnership, Iowa has been a key player in this transformation since Day 1, leading not only their state, but also other states along this journey.”
Oklahoma, Delaware, Arizona, and Mississippi are also partnering with IDEMIA on mobile identification technology, the company said.
California announced in September it was expanding its digital driver’s license to 1.5 million. The state began a pilot program earlier this year with just a few thousand participants.