NC Set to Allow Mobile Licenses

NC will allow mobile licenses soon. 

Updated August 2026

The future ~officially~ is now. NC residents will now have the option to go mobile via digital driver’s licenses, almost two years after a law went into effect approving the use of mobile IDs.

Backed by nearly unanimous bipartisan support, the law dictates these mobile driver’s licenses will be the “legal equivalent” of the traditional, polycarbonate hard copy licenses. Translation: The digital card *should* allow you to make a run to the ABC store, exercise the right to vote and simply pull out a phone when flashing lights pull up behind you on the interstate. 

Here’s how it’ll work: Download the new NC Wallet app, scan your physical driver’s license or ID and take a selfie. Once your identity is verified against NCDMV records, your mobile ID will be issued directly to the app—and automatically reflect future updates to your information.

State officials are also working toward eventually making IDs available through Apple, Google and Samsung wallets—and no, of you get pulled over, you won’t have to hand your phone to an officer. Users will securely present ID through a compatible reader or a QR code that can’t access your photos, apps or additional information.

Following the bill’s passage, the DMV was directed in the legislation to study and provide a plan for implementation—including anticipated rollout, additional costs, involvement of a third-party vendor, security and protection of privacy rights. All the details were due back to the General Assembly on the first of this year for the July rollout (the report’s findings have not been shared publicly as of press time). 

Despite the futuristic notion of a digital ID, NC is nowhere near the first to take licenses online—at least 15 states have active mobile driver’s license programs, and 10+ more are considering legalizing them or developing apps.

In states such as New Mexico, residents can store their driver’s license in their Apple Wallet and/or Google Wallet, plus the technology also allows for immediate updates to license information and status changes. While it’s unclear whether NC residents will have this luxury, we can only cross our fingers this means less trips to the DMV regardless. 

JUST THE FACTS

Does it count as a real ID?
Yes. The REAL ID Modernization Act states that the REAL ID Act applies to state-issued mobile driver’s licenses and mobile identification cards. 

Will all states accept it? 
No. Not all states have digital IDs, and even ones that do use them don’t accept it everywhere—especially alcohol, tobacco and other age-restricted product vendors. 

Can you use it to fly? 
Yes! Mobile IDs are accepted at 250+ TSA checkpoints across the U.S.—including CLT and RDU.

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