This FAQ explains how to handle a North Carolina Mobile ID during a traffic stop or other lawful encounter. A valid mobile driver license has the same legal standing as a valid physical license. Use your agency’s approved equipment, training and procedures.
Understanding Mobile ID
A Mobile ID is a secure digital driver license or state ID issued by NCDMV and stored in NC Wallet on a smartphone. It is optional for North Carolina residents. Physical credentials will remain available.
A valid mobile driver license issued by NCDMV has the same legal standing as a physical license (G.S. 20-7(m1); G.S. 20-4.01(21b)).
If you don’t have a reader, use the same identification procedures you already follow when a physical license isn’t available. G.S. 20-29 provides for drivers to write their name for identification and give their name and address. Use that information, along with their driver license number if known, to complete your normal checks.
A driver who lawfully presents a valid mobile driver license should not be cited for lacking a physical license because a reader isn’t available.
No. A photo, screenshot or other static image is not a Mobile ID. Looking at an ID on someone’s screen does not verify it. An approved reader is needed to check that the digital credential came from a trusted issuer and has not been altered.
Using a reader safely
Ask the person to keep their hands visible and wait for instructions. Confirm where their phone is before directing them to retrieve it and open their digital wallet. Using an agency-approved reader, follow the instructions for tap or QR-code sharing. The person authenticates on their phone and approves the requested information.
The phone stays with the person throughout verification. Position the reader so you do not need to reach into the vehicle, then compare the photo displayed on your reader with the person in front of you.
The reader requests the information shown on the corresponding physical license or state ID. This includes identifying information and, for a driver license, driving privileges. Follow your approved reader configuration and training. During contacts with multiple people, match each credential and records-check result to the correct person.
No. The reader verifies the credential’s authenticity. Its license information updates nightly and may not reflect real time status. Use a Division of Criminal Information Network (DCIN)/NCDMV records inquiry to determine current driving privileges and complete all other required checks. If the reader and the official NCDMV record differ, the official record governs.
You may stop or skip the digital process and use another lawful way to establish identity. Maintain situational awareness, safe positioning and access to duty equipment. You do not need to keep trying during a high-risk stop, suspected impaired-driving encounter, medical emergency or another unsafe situation.
When verification is unavailable
Follow your agency’s alternative identification procedures. Ask for the person’s full name and address and driver license number, if known. Request a date of birth or other information if needed to locate the record, then complete your normal records checks. G.S. 20-29 addresses a driver’s duty to provide identifying information and exhibit a license.
A driver who lawfully presents a valid mobile driver license should not be cited for lacking a physical license because a reader isn’t available.
Use available identifying information and your agency’s alternative identification and records-check procedures. When safe and practical, you may try another approved verification method. A failed verification alone does not demonstrate fraud. Battery problems, device compatibility, stress, injury or difficulty using the phone can prevent verification.
Ask for a physical credential or use alternative identification procedures. Declining electronic sharing alone is not a refusal to identify. If the person also refuses to provide identifying information, follow your agency’s established procedures for failure to produce identification.
Treat it as you would an out-of-state physical credential. An approved reader can authenticate a compatible Mobile ID when it has the issuing state’s digital keys. If it cannot, obtain identifying information and complete the appropriate records checks. Do not assume the credential is invalid just because your reader cannot verify it.
No. The phone and reader can exchange and verify the credential directly without internet or cell service at the stop. The reader device must connect to the internet daily and complete required refreshes. Offline verification does not replace access to the systems needed for required records checks.
Protecting phones and personal information
No. Mobile ID verification does not require you to take the person’s phone or request their passcode. The person authenticates on their own device and approves sharing the requested information while keeping possession of the phone.
The reader receives only the approved credential information and does not provide access to messages, photos, contacts or other apps. Presenting a Mobile ID does not authorize a search of the phone; any search or seizure requires separate legal authority.
The reader app prevents screenshots of the Mobile ID. Do not photograph the person’s phone or Mobile ID. Document needed information only in authorized agency systems and follow agency privacy, security and retention rules. Incidental capture by a body-worn or in-car camera is handled under your agency’s recording policy.
Follow your agency’s arrest, search, transport and custody procedures. Document and transfer the identifying information needed for processing through authorized systems or established procedures. Do not ask the person to unlock the phone or present the Mobile ID again for custody processing. Use alternative identification procedures and records inquiries if information is missing.
The NC Law Enforcement Reader App
NCDMV is developing the NC Law Enforcement Reader App with law enforcement officers in North Carolina. Officers are helping shape the screens, verification steps and training around real encounters. The goal is an app designed for law enforcement, with law enforcement, that supports safe use on existing compatible agency-issued devices.
Integration with other law enforcement systems is planned. Until an approved integration is available, enter needed information into your agency’s dispatch, reporting or citation systems and check that it is accurate. Do not assume the app automatically transfers information.
If your agency would like access to the reader app on existing compatible agency-issued devices by the end of 2026, contact NCDMV through the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police (NCACP) or the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association. Ask to be connected with the NCDMV Mobile ID team about early access. Access will depend on device compatibility, agency approval and completion of required training.
Yes. Training videos and accompanying documentation will be available as early as December 2026.
You will need to complete required training before independently verifying Mobile IDs. Training covers safe instructions and positioning, tap and QR-code sharing, unavailable readers, failed verification, out-of-state IDs, high-risk encounters (including nighttime), multiple occupants and arrest or custody. Follow your agency’s equipment approval and maintenance requirements.