Iowa Drivers, Your License Can Now Be Mobile With New App

The future has arrived in Iowa. It's been in the works for quite some time, but now it's here: Mobile ID.

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The Iowa Department of Transportation has officially launched both the iOS and Android versions of the IA Mobile ID. It's in the early stages of many possible uses as Iowa residents start to put their driver's license or government ID into the app.

But my advice to you is to get your ID or license uploaded on the new mobile app now because you'll probably have to do it eventually.

Everything Is Now Literally On Your Phone

If you're in Iowa that's definitely true. Monday afternoon, officials from the Iowa Department of Transportation announced that the new IA Mobile ID app was available for download on smartphones.

Iowa Mobile ID is a free digital version of your official driver’s license or ID, carried in an app on your smartphone. The mobile ID app is optional to download and acts as a companion to your physical ID but it does not replace it.

Any Iowa resident with a valid, legible driver’s license or state-issued photo ID is eligible. Iowa Mobile ID can currently be used with:

• Android phones (Android 7 or newer); or
• iPhones (iOS 13 or newer)
• You cannot use a jailbroken/rooted smartphone or a device where the software has been manipulated to remove manufacturer restrictions and limitations.

How To Setup My Iowa Mobile ID

To enroll in Iowa Mobile ID, you will need your physical card. The temporary paper driver’s license or ID cannot be used for enrollment. Once enrolled, your mobile ID can be used at participating locations.

As Iowa Mobile ID does a very thorough security review during enrollment, the app may ask you to take your selfie or scan your ID more than once. See tips for assistance.

Who Accepts Iowa Mobile IDs?

Surprisingly, a decent number of Iowa businesses and two Iowa airports already accept Iowa Mobile IDs. No business in the Quad Cities does yet, but it's super simple for your business to get started.

All businesses are eligible to accept Iowa Mobile ID. To do age verification, the process can be as simple as downloading the Iowa ABD Age to Purchase app. For more information on how to verify with Iowa Mobile ID, see the Mobile ID for Business and Organizations page.

The Eastern Iowa Airpot (CID) and the Des Moines International Airport (DSM) both accept Iowa Mobile IDs.

Not all businesses are able to verify mobile IDs yet, so you should still keep your physical ID as a backup.

Does The Government Just Want My Info?

Probably but don't they have all of that already? Plus, no offense, you're not that interesting enough for the government to spy on you. Unless you're selling drugs or doing something terribly illegal, you're fine.

If you're that concerned about your privacy issues, see all of the ways the new mobile ID app is helping you maintain that. While I have you here, take the tin foil off your head.

Welcome to the future, Iowa.