A mobile driver’s license, or mDL, is a digital version of your driver’s license issued by the state department of motor vehicles (DMV). Typically, these are stored in a dedicated app or a digital wallet on the user’s mobile device. An mDL contains a driver’s identity and credentials in digital form.
Since mDL technology is so new, it comes as no surprise that law enforcement officers have plenty of questions about the new technology. Below are the answers to several frequently asked questions around mDLs and the L-Tron mDL Reader, built specifically for law enforcement to read mobile IDs at traffic stops.
Mobile Driver’s License FAQs
1. How do I collect information from a mobile driver’s license (mDL)?
In order to read an mDL, you will need a device designed to do so, with the ability to access an individual’s mobile ID.
Just as you have relied on L-Tron’s 4910LR Driver’s License Scanner to issue eCitations for the past two decades, you will be able to rely on L-Tron’s forthcoming mDL Reader (mDLR-1) to do the same.
Your mDL reader will request a secure connection with the mDL holder’s device. After the mDL holder’s approval, your reader will authenticate their mDL and you will be able to view their credentials (and confirm photo identity). Then, you will process any citations back at your patrol vehicle.
2. How can I verify that an mDL belongs to the individual presenting it?
When you receive the data that is transmitted from the individual’s mDL on your reader device, you will be able to view the mDL owner’s photograph, just as you currently compare a driver’s license photograph with the individual presenting the license to you.
3. How can I avoid physically handling an individual’s device?
With the L-Tron mDL Reader, you don’t have to ever touch a motorist’s mobile device. Scanning the mDL QR code with L-Tron’s mDL Reader will initiate an electronic request to establish a secure connection. Once connected and authenticated, you will have access to the individual motorist’s credentials on the mDL Reader, and this information will populate into your eCitation software upon docking the device.
4. Will it be difficult for me to ensure that an mDL is authentic?
Not at all. Unlike a traditional driver’s license, you don’t need to look for visual proof of authenticity. In fact, looking at an mDL should never be a means of verification. When you request a secure connection with the individual’s device using the L-Tron mDL Reader, a verification step will automatically occur.
5. What if an mDL is presented from another state or country?
As mDL technology becomes more common, issuing states and countries are encouraged to comply with international interoperability standards. This will allow officers to read any mDL using the L-Tron mDL Reader.
6. My municipality is in a remote region. Will I be able to process an mDL without cell coverage?
Cell coverage is unnecessary for mDL technology. A version of the mDL is stored securely on the owner’s device and can be transmitted without cellular or WiFI connectivity.
L-Tron’s mDL Reader FAQs (mDLR-1)
1. Does your company offer a Law Enforcement portable scanner/reader?
Yes! We do offer Law Enforcement a mobile Driver’s License scanner. Built directly from the voice of Law Enforcement, the L-Tron mobile driver’s license reader (mDLR-1) incorporates years of feedback from Law Enforcement agencies from all over the country. It is a standalone, wireless, handheld device made to read Mobile and Physical Drivers Licenses
2. Will the L-Tron mDL Reader scan both physical IDs and mobile IDs?
Yes, the L-Tron mDL reader can scan physical ID cards and read mobile IDs (mIDs).
3. Will the mDL Reader work with my existing eCitation software?
Yes, the L-Tron mDL Reader is built to work with most eCitation Software. The new mDL Reader mirrors our 4910LR Driver’s license scanner, which works with over 50 different ecitation software offerings and is being used all over the country.
4. Is there any recurring cost related to the new mDL Reader?
No, there is no subscription or recurring fee for the L-Tron mDL Reader. Once you purchase the hardware, you own it.
5. Was this created for Law Enforcement?
The L-Tron mDL Reader was modeled after our 4910LR Driver’s License Scanner and all features were added directly from Law Enforcement feedback.
We’ve been in business for over 50 years and we have over 100,000 units of the 4910LR currently in the field. The 4910LR scans physical driver’s license and was also built specifically for Law Enforcmeent. We have state agencies down to the smallest of villages using our products.
Efficient Traffic Stops with mDLs
L-Tron’s mDL reader is designed with the familiar feel of your current 4910LR Driver’s License Scanner and will plug and play into your existing IT infrastructure. With L-Tron’s mDL reader, your data will remain encrypted and secure. Officers will establish a mobile, wireless, and touch-free connection with the mDL holder’s device, wait for authentication, visually verify the mDL holder’s identity, and then complete the traffic stop.
Fast. Safe. Effective.
Have more questions on mobile IDs or want to add to our mDL Reader FAQs? Feel free to reach out to our team, or check out these resources:
