This page tracks current digital ID and mobile driver’s license availability in North Carolina. Current program status: Coming Soon. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) plans to introduce its free, optional mobile driver’s license and state ID through a new application called NC Wallet, available for iPhone and Android. State officials have identified early 2027 as the expected rollout period, although a confirmed public launch date has not been announced.1
At launch, eligible residents will be able to download NC Wallet, scan their physical North Carolina driver’s license or state ID, and take a selfie for identity verification against NCDMV records. The verified mobile credential will then be issued to the wallet at no additional cost. Support for Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet is being developed separately and is expected during 2027. None of these wallet integrations is currently available for North Carolina-issued credentials.2
NCDMV plans for North Carolina Mobile ID to be accepted at participating Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport checkpoints, including Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), as well as at NCDMV offices. These are planned acceptance arrangements for the upcoming launch, not confirmation that North Carolina Mobile ID can already be used at TSA. Actual acceptance will depend on program activation, supported checkpoints and compatible verification equipment.
Under North Carolina law, a valid mobile driver’s license has the same legal standing as a valid physical driver’s license. However, legal equivalence does not mean every business or law enforcement agency will immediately have the technology needed to verify it. Participating verifiers must use compatible readers rather than relying on a visual inspection of the phone screen. During a traffic stop, an officer without a compatible reader may use other lawful identification procedures, including requesting identifying information verbally or in writing. NCDMV recommends continuing to carry the physical card while acceptance expands.3
Is a digital ID available in North Carolina?
The tracked program status is Coming Soon. Wallet availability is shown above and can differ from state-issued app availability.
North Carolina digital ID wallet support
Digital ID ecosystems are issued and updated by state authorities and wallet providers. A “No” above means the bundled dataset does not currently list that wallet as supported for this jurisdiction; it does not mean support can never be added.
Where can you use it?
Acceptance varies by verifier and location. Mobile IDs may work at supported TSA checkpoints and at participating businesses or government services, but a digital credential should not be assumed to replace the physical card everywhere.
Do you still need the physical ID?
Yes. Current wallet-provider and issuing-authority guidance generally treats mobile ID as a companion to the physical credential, so carrying the physical card remains recommended.