Mobile driver's licenses (mDLs) are rapidly transforming how we verify identity, providing convenience, security, and privacy for individuals and businesses. But the real magic happens when these digital IDs cross borders, allowing travelers to use them just as quickly abroad as they do in their home country. How is this possible? Thanks to the Digital Trust Service (DTS) — an mDL interoperability service compatible with mDL standard ISO 13013-5 designed to enable the seamless and secure use of mDLs domestically and internationally.
In this blog, we’ll follow Jane, a traveler from the U.S., as she embarks on a journey to Australia, using her mDL in various scenarios. We’ll also pull back the curtain to explain what’s happening in the background, showing how real-time global mDL interoperability through DTS works. From renting a car to attending a concert, we’ll see how Jane’s experience is powered by advanced cryptographic security and global public vital infrastructures.
1. Jane's Journey Begins: Arriving in Australia
Jane touches down in Sydney and heads straight to the rental car counter. Instead of reaching for her physical wallet, she opens her phone and accesses her mDL app, which she’s used many times back home in the U.S. As the rental agent asks for her driver's license, a QR code appears on the terminal screen. Jane scans it using her mDL app. What’s happening behind the scenes?
Real-Time Verification with DTS
When Jane scans the QR code, a verification request is sent. The mDL app shares only the necessary data (like her name, age, and driving eligibility) with the rental company’s system. This data is digitally signed by the issuing authority, in this case, Jane’s home state DMV in the U.S.
The rental company’s system uses a global public key directory — part of the DTS framework — to verify that Jane’s mDL was issued by a legitimate authority. It checks the cryptographic signature against a trusted public key from the U.S. DMV, confirming that the mDL data has not been tampered with. The verification was successful, and Jane got her rental car keys within a few minutes.
This global verification process is powered by DTS, which allows countries like Australia and the U.S. to trust each other’s digital credentials. All the public keys from participating states and countries are securely stored and managed in a global repository, making cross-border mDL verification seamless.
2. Checking into a Hotel
Later, Jane arrives at her hotel, where another QR code greets her at the front desk. Once again, she scans it using her mDL app, allowing the hotel system to pull the necessary details for her check-in.
The process is similar to what happened at the car rental counter: her mDL data is securely sent, digitally signed, and verified using the hotel’s system, which is connected to the same DTS. Because Australia and the U.S. participate in the DTS framework, the verification is instantaneous, and Jane’s identity is confirmed without needing her physical ID.
By relying on cryptographic signatures and a globally trusted system, businesses and authorities worldwide can ensure that digital IDs are legitimate, secure, and up-to-date. The DTS framework plays a key role here, ensuring Jane’s U.S.-issued mDL is trusted just as much in Sydney as it is back home.
3. Buying Concert Tickets
Later that day, Jane attends a concert at the Sydney Opera House. She buys tickets online, and during the checkout process, the site prompts her to verify her age. Jane uses her mDL app again, scanning a QR code on the website. What’s unique here is that her mDL provides only the specific information the site needs — in this case, her age — without revealing other personal details, like her address or driver’s license number.
Thanks to DTS-based selective disclosure, Jane’s privacy is protected. The concert website verifies her mDL in real time using the same global PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) that powered her previous verifications. The mDL app sends a digitally signed confirmation that Jane is of legal age, and the website confirms her age without needing to see the rest of her details. This reduces the risk of data exposure and ensures a fast, secure transaction.
4. Buying Beers at the Concert
At the concert venue, Jane wants to buy a drink. The bartender asks for ID, and Jane scans another QR code with her mDL app. The system quickly verifies her age using the same global process: the bartender’s system checks the digital signature from the U.S. DMV against DTS, and Jane’s identity and age are confirmed within seconds.
Again, selective disclosure means Jane only shares her age without needing to provide any other personal information. This protects her privacy while ensuring the bartender gets the information they need to comply with legal regulations.
The Magic Behind the Scenes: How DTS Makes It All Possible
The Digital Trust Service (DTS) enables mDLs to work seamlessly across borders and makes all these interactions possible. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s happening behind the scenes every time Jane uses her mDL:
QR Code Scanning: Each time Jane scans a QR code, her mDL securely sends the required data—such as her name, age, or driving privileges—to the verifier’s system.
Cryptographic Signature: The data transmitted by Jane’s mDL is digitally signed by her issuing authority (the U.S. DMV), ensuring that it is authentic and hasn’t been tampered with.
Global Public Key Directory: The verifier’s system checks the digital signature against a trusted global directory of public keys. This directory, part of the DTS framework, contains the public keys of all participating states and countries, as shown in the screenshot to the right.
Selective Disclosure: Jane’s mDL allows her to share only the needed information, such as her age for purchasing alcohol or her name for hotel check-in, enhancing her privacy and security.
Real-Time Data: When necessary, the mDL can retrieve real-time data from the issuing authority, ensuring that any updates, such as changes in driving eligibility, are reflected immediately.
Conclusion: A Future Powered by DTS
The global implementation of the Digital Trust Service (DTS) is revolutionizing how we use mDLs, making cross-border identity verification seamless, secure, and private. Jane’s journey in Australia highlights the key benefits of this system: whether she’s renting a car, checking into a hotel, or buying concert tickets, her mDL works effortlessly across different systems, all thanks to the global repository of public keys and the cryptographic verification process behind DTS.
As more countries adopt mDLs and align with DTS, we’re moving closer to a world where physical IDs are no longer necessary and digital credentials become the norm — all while ensuring security, privacy, and global trust.
Are you ready for a world where your mDL is accepted anywhere you go?
Disclaimers
I truly appreciate your understanding that the content is based on my secondary research.
Although the blog contains detailed information on several concepts, I have deliberately presented the content at a high level to ensure that it is easily comprehensible to everyone without compromising its accuracy.
Your feedback is invaluable, so please do not hesitate to share your comments if you come across any inconsistencies in the content.
Additionally, the images featured in the blog are original and are the exclusive property of my company, Demystify Biometrics.
To ensure the information's accuracy and tone, AI-based tools have been utilized for research and content refinement. Your support and understanding mean a lot—thank you for being part of this journey
Poll: Was the content useful?
Yes, very useful.
Somewhat useful.
Not useful at all.
Did you find the length of the blog post appropriate?
It was the perfect length.
A bit too long.
Too short, I wanted more details.
Any suggestions for improvement?
Poll_Editor_Answer_Placeholder
Comments