Gov. Kathy Hochul says 200,000 New Yorkers using state’s mobile ID

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced over the weekend that more than 200,000 New Yorkers have enrolled for the state’s mobile ID, or MiD.

The New York Mobile ID, which was rolled out last June, is available to any state resident who already has a state-issued driver’s license, learner’s permit or non-driver ID. It is accepted at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints at more than 100 airports across the country and at four airports in New York State — including all terminals at LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy, Syracuse Hancock and Stewart International airports, according to a governor’s office news release..

Beyond air travel, New York residents can also use the mobile ID at state businesses such as bars, restaurants and other businesses with liquor licenses that are participating in the program, as a valid form of age verification during alcohol sales. The New York State Liquor Authority issued an advisory last October approving its use for such sales.

While 200,000 users of the app, when compared to the state’s population of 19 million according to the most recent estimate from the U.S. Census Bureau, appears modest, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said the growth from last June’s launch is “strong.”

“So much in today’s world happens on your smartphone, and Mobile ID’s strong growth in less than 10 months shows that so many New Yorkers have wanted a simple and secure way to access their driver license, permit or non-driver ID directly on their device,” Schroeder said in the news release. “Mobile IDs will become increasingly important for consumers and businesses alike as more interactions go digital, and I’m proud that New York is one of the states leading the way.”

MiD is intended as a companion to physical identification,. The state recommends New Yorkers continue to carry physical ID because not all businesses can accept MiD.

The MiD app can only be unlocked through Face ID, Touch ID or a secure six-digit PIN on a personal device. Personal information found on MiD is encrypted and only accessible when the mobile ID holder consents to sharing it. Users don’t have to hand over their phones to verify their identities. Personal information is encrypted and only accessible when users consents to sharing it. Data on when and where users use the app is not tracked, stored or transmitted, according to the state.

The app can be downloaded from Google and Apple app stores and accessed after users register the phone number of the device the mobile ID will be on. Residents must take a picture of the front and back of their physical ID, take a selfie and the app checks the photo and ID against information on file with the DMV for verification.

“We’re thrilled that more than 200,000 New Yorkers have embraced this revolutionary technology that enables secure, contactless identification right from your phone,” Hochul said in the release. “Whether you want to get through airport security or order an alcoholic beverage, Mobile ID is raising the bar on the way New Yorkers can verify their age and identity, offering greater convenience and privacy.”