Understanding Mobile Driver's License (mDL) Technology

Your Digital Driver's License Revolution: Your Mobile Driving License (mDL) is an ISO-compliant driving license application that resides on your mobile device. Standardized by ISO/IEC 18013-5, it provides the same core function as your physical driving license but with enhanced capabilities for digital interactions and a strong focus on protecting your personal information.

Effective as of September 15, 2024.

What is a Mobile Driving License (mDL)?

Your Mobile Driving License (mDL) represents the future of identity verification. It's a secure, digital version of your physical driver's license that lives on your smartphone, designed with cutting-edge security features and privacy protections. Built to international standards, your mDL ensures seamless recognition and verification across different countries and systems while giving you complete control over your personal information.

Unlike traditional digital copies or photos of licenses, an mDL uses advanced cryptographic technology to prevent forgery, protect your data, and ensure that only you can authorize the sharing of your information.

Key Benefits of mDL

The mDL transforms how you interact with your driving credentials:

• Ultimate Convenience: Carry your driving license securely on your mobile device, making it readily accessible whenever you need it

• Complete Data Control: You have the power to decide precisely what information to release to a verifier during any transaction

• Military-Grade Security: Advanced cryptographic mechanisms protect against forgery, cloning, and eavesdropping, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of your data

• Privacy by Design: Built with privacy principles like data minimization and unlinkability to safeguard your personally identifiable information and usage patterns

• Global Interoperability: International standards enable seamless use and mutual recognition across different countries and verification systems

The mDL Ecosystem: Key Players

Several essential entities work together to ensure your mDL operates securely and effectively:

mDL Holder (You)

• You retain complete control over your data and provide consent for all information sharing

• You receive clear notifications about data requests and can actively confirm or deny sharing

Issuing Authority (IA)

• Official organizations like Department of Motor Vehicles that issue your driving license

• Responsible for digitally signing your mDL data and ensuring secure provisioning

• Maintains the infrastructure for the most current version of your credentials

mDL Verifiers and Readers

• Law enforcement officers, retail clerks, airline agents, and other authorized personnel

• Use specialized devices or services to retrieve and verify your mDL data

• Encouraged to request only the minimum necessary data for their specific use case

VICAL Providers

• Organizations that compile and distribute lists of trusted Issuing Authority certificates

• Serve as trust anchors for mDL readers to authenticate data origin and integrity

How mDL Works: The Verification Process

Using your mDL involves a secure, multi-phase transaction designed for maximum security and convenience:

1. Device Engagement

• Proximity Methods: Tap your device to an NFC reader or scan a QR code

• Remote Engagement: Direct transmission channels for online interactions

• Secure Communication: Establishes encrypted channels between devices

2. Data Retrieval Options

• Device Retrieval: Direct exchange using Bluetooth Low Energy, NFC, or Wi-Fi Aware - no internet connection required

• Server Retrieval: Real-time data fetching from Issuing Authority infrastructure ensures the most current information

Advanced Security Features

Your mDL incorporates multiple layers of security protection:

Cryptographic Protection

• Session Encryption: All communications encrypted using ephemeral keys

• Digital Signatures: Data digitally signed by Issuing Authority for authenticity

• Anti-Cloning Technology: Private keys stored only within your mDL prevent unauthorized duplication

Privacy Protection

• Informed Consent: Clear, just-in-time notifications about data requests

• Data Minimization: Share only essential information for each transaction

• Unlinkability: Ephemeral session keys prevent tracking across transactions

• No Usage Tracking: Issuing Authorities cannot monitor your mDL usage patterns

Your mDL Data Elements

Your mDL contains carefully organized information designed for flexible, privacy-respecting sharing:

Mandatory Information

• Core identification details: name, birth date, photo

• License information: issue/expiry dates, document number, issuing authority

• Driving privileges: vehicle categories, restrictions, conditions

Optional Information

• Physical characteristics: height, weight, eye/hair color

• Location data: place of birth, resident address

• Biometric templates for enhanced security

Privacy-Enhanced Features

• Age Attestations: Verify "age over 21" without revealing exact birth date

• Selective Disclosure: Choose exactly what information to share

• Domestic Customization: Country-specific data elements when needed

The Future: Enhanced Capabilities

Building on the ISO/IEC 18013-5 foundation, new standards introduce expanded functionality:

Online Interactions (ISO/IEC TS 18013-7)

• Online Presentation: Present your mDL to verifiers over the internet

• OpenID Integration: Direct presentation to online verifiers using standardized protocols

• API Integration: Seamless integration into broader digital credential ecosystems

Real-World Applications

Your mDL serves you in numerous scenarios:

• Traffic Stops: Secure, contactless presentation to law enforcement

• Age Verification: Privacy-preserving age confirmation for purchases

• Airport Security: Streamlined identity verification for travel

• Online Services: Remote identity verification for digital services

• Vehicle Rentals: Quick, secure credential verification

Getting Started with mDL

Ready to embrace the future of digital identity? Here's what you need to know:

• Check Availability: Verify if your state or country offers mDL services

• Download the App: Install your jurisdiction's official mDL application

• Secure Setup: Follow the secure enrollment process with identity verification

• Learn the Features: Familiarize yourself with privacy controls and sharing options

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mDL accepted everywhere?

mDL acceptance is growing rapidly. While not yet universal, many states, law enforcement agencies, and businesses are implementing mDL verification capabilities. Always carry your physical license as backup until full adoption is achieved.

What if my phone battery dies?

Your mDL is designed with power-efficient protocols. Many implementations allow basic functionality even with very low battery. However, carrying your physical license as backup is recommended.

Can my data be tracked?

The mDL standard specifically prohibits tracking. Using ephemeral keys and unlinkability features, your usage patterns cannot be monitored by issuing authorities or verifiers.

Contact Information

Questions about mDL technology, implementation, or privacy? Contact us:

• General Inquiries: info@oneproof.com

• Technical Support: support@oneproof.com

• Privacy Questions: privacy@oneproof.com

• Partnership Opportunities: partnerships@oneproof.com

Stay Updated

The mDL ecosystem continues to evolve with new features, expanded acceptance, and enhanced security measures. Visit our Understanding mDL page regularly for the latest information about mobile driving license technology and implementation updates.

Your mDL represents more than just a digital license—it's your gateway to secure, private, and convenient identity verification in the digital age.