LOUISIANA, USA — The use of mobile drivers licenses - or MDLs - is convenient for those who want to use their phone as their wallet, too. In Louisiana, LA Wallet is a legal form of ID accepted by law enforcement, many venues and bars, and even voting booths.
It’s even expanded to include hunting and fishing licenses, some health records, and handgun permits.
Just this week, MSY joined the list of 27 airports now allowing TSA to take digital IDs.
But Louisiana is ahead of the curve. If you’re traveling, you can expect… inconsistency.
ID scanning software company ‘ID Scan’ says only nine states have fully operational digital driver’s license programs. Some are working on it, but 16 states have none at all.
So, even though MSY will take your LA Wallet on the way out of town, you might have trouble while at your destination or while getting back, without the physical card.
And just a reminder: in a little less than a year, every adult air traveler will need a Real-ID compliant ID card. The state began issuing Real IDs in 2016. To check if yours is a Real ID, look for a gold star in the top right corner. LA Wallet also only works with Real IDs.
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