The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles has extended its Mobile ID program to Hampton Roads, giving residents a new way to carry a state-issued driver’s license on a smartphone. The rollout came to the region at the end of June after an earlier pilot in Richmond.
How it works and where you can use it
To enroll, Virginia drivers download the state’s Mobile ID app, scan the barcode on the back of their physical ID and take a selfie to confirm identity. Once activated, the digital credential may be presented for identity or age verification at participating locations.
- Air travel: Security checkpoints at Norfolk International Airport already accept the Mobile ID.
- Retail and hospitality: Several breweries around the region — including Afterglow Brewing in Norfolk, Big Ugly Brewing in Chesapeake, Commonwealth Brewing Co. and Smartmouth Brewing Company in Virginia Beach, and Studley Brewing in Chesapeake — are listed as accepting the digital ID.
- Other partners: State police and Ocean Breeze Waterpark in Virginia Beach are among agencies and businesses currently recognizing the Mobile ID.
Security and privacy questions
Virginia DMV Commissioner Saundra M. Jack described Hampton Roads as a logical expansion because the region hosts busy airports, attractions and travelers. A DMV spokesperson, Camila Barco, emphasized that the Mobile ID is meant to share only the information necessary for a given transaction.
“Think about the information you hand over when you have your physical driver's license,” Barco said, noting details such as address, eye color and height are not automatically transferred. She added that businesses or officers do not need to hold a phone to inspect the Mobile ID; scanning a QR code performs verification.
Officials say the Mobile ID is an additional option, not a replacement for physical cards. That reassurance follows broader national conversations about digital identity: other states have used mobile driver’s licenses for years — including Louisiana, Colorado, Arizona and California — and privacy advocates have raised concerns about data security and potential for misuse.
What this means for Hampton
For Hampton residents, the Mobile ID offers convenience when traveling through Norfolk International or visiting participating venues across Hampton Roads. The program’s gradual expansion reflects a statewide push toward digital services while keeping a physical card available for those who prefer it.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | Scan physical ID barcode and submit a selfie via app |
| Accepted locations | Norfolk International Airport security, breweries, Virginia State Police, Ocean Breeze Waterpark |
| Replacement of physical card? | No — Mobile ID is optional |
As the Mobile ID program grows, Hampton residents will likely see more local businesses and agencies adopt the technology. State and local officials will need to continue addressing privacy and security concerns while working to make the service practical for everyday use.
