Quick Read · Concepts

Digital Identity vs Mobile Driver's License (mDL)

Digital identity is the broad concept of proving who someone is using digital credentials. An mDL is one specific credential within that system.

ConceptsmDLQuick Read

The broad concept

Digital Identity

Digital identity represents a person or organization in digital systems using verifiable credentials instead of physical documents.

Digital identity systems define how credentials are issued, stored, shared, and verified across online and in-person services. The concept covers many credential types across many industries.

Mobile driver's licenses

Government-issued digital ID stored in a phone wallet.

Digital passports

Cryptographically signed travel documents for border and identity checks.

Employee badges

Workplace credentials issued by an employer for access and verification.

Student IDs

University-issued credentials for students and alumni.

Professional licenses

Certifications and licenses issued by regulatory bodies.

Age verification credentials

Purpose-built credentials that confirm age without revealing full identity data.

A specific credential

Mobile Driver's License (mDL)

An mDL is one specific type of digital identity credential — the digital version of a driver's license issued by a state DMV.

An mDL contains the same core information as a physical license and is stored in a smartphone wallet. It is designed specifically for secure identity verification both online and in person.

Contains

Core license attributes

Name, date of birth, address, license number, and photo — the same data as the physical card.

Built on

ISO/IEC 18013-5

The global standard for mDLs that defines the credential format, cryptographic protection, and verification protocol.

Key difference

How they relate

Digital identity is the system. An mDL is one type of credential that operates within it.

: Scope
Digital Identity: Broad concept for representing identity digitally
Mobile Driver's License: A specific government-issued credential

: Credential types
Digital Identity: Can include many credential types
Mobile Driver's License: Only a digital driver's license

: Issuer
Digital Identity: Used across many identity systems
Mobile Driver's License: Issued by a DMV or licensing authority

: Standards
Digital Identity: May use multiple standards
Mobile Driver's License: Commonly uses ISO/IEC 18013-5

	Digital Identity	Mobile Driver's License
Scope	Broad concept for representing identity digitally	A specific government-issued credential
Credential types	Can include many credential types	Only a digital driver's license
Issuer	Used across many identity systems	Issued by a DMV or licensing authority
Standards	May use multiple standards	Commonly uses ISO/IEC 18013-5

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In simple terms

Digital identity is the overall system for proving identity digitally. An mDL is one specific credential within that system — the government-issued, DMV-backed digital driver's license.