Putting your driver's license in a digital wallet doesn't mean storing a picture of the plastic card. A standards-based mobile driver's license (mDL) contains digitally signed information that lets a compatible reader verify it came from the issuing authority. That design can make some interactions more private than showing a physical card, while also protecting access to the ID with your phone's security features.

Handing over a physical driver's license exposes everything printed on it. An mDL can be more selective, supporting broad age statements like whether someone is over 21. Apple and Google add protections: you can review requested information before sharing, and in-person presentation requires authentication. Data is encrypted and stored locally.

The 2021 ISO/IEC 18013-5 standard supports device retrieval and server retrieval. Privacy advocates object to server retrieval because the issuer could learn when or where the ID is used. The Center for Democracy & Technology calls this the "phone home" problem. The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) prohibited server retrieval in 2025.

Once an organization receives your ID information, the wallet can't control what happens afterward. Apple and Google Wallet let requesters indicate whether they plan to retain data before you approve.