Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the New York Mobile ID (dubbed “MiD”), a secure digital version of state-issued identification, has attracted over 100,000 users since its launch in June.
Available on iOS and Android devices, the MiD enhances convenience and security by allowing New Yorkers to verify their identities through biometric authentication at nearly 30 TSA checkpoints, including LaGuardia and JFK airports. The app is designed with stringent privacy standards, ensuring that personal data is encrypted and only accessible with user consent.
“We are excited that so many New Yorkers have downloaded the Mobile ID app,” said Governor Hochul. “This tool is a key step in making travel smoother and getting travelers to their destination quickly and safely.”
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is working to expand MiD’s acceptance across various sectors, including auto dealerships, financial institutions, bars, and restaurants.
The MiD was developed following international standards for personal identification, such as those from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the American Academy of Motor Vehicle Administrators. Users can unlock the app through Face ID, Touch ID, or a secure PIN, ensuring that personal information is only shared with the user’s consent.
“We knew that New Yorkers would get on board quickly with Mobile ID, and we are thrilled at just how much it is being embraced since it was made available,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. “This goes to show how many people are looking to make their air travel simpler, and how many people are anticipating the additional use cases that we hope to see roll out as soon as possible.”
To use the MiD, New Yorkers must download the app, register their phone number, scan their physical ID, and take a selfie to verify their identity against DMV records. Once activated, the MiD can be used wherever digital identification is accepted, with further expansions planned for other states and countries.
Source: Long Island
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August 12, 2024 – by Ali Nassar-Smith
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