Standardized data fields
The data is organized into fields defined by ISO/IEC 18013-5, allowing verifiers to interpret the information consistently across jurisdictions.
Every verifier — whether at an airport, retail checkout, or online service — uses the same field definitions to request and read credential data. This standardization is what makes an mDL issued in one state readable by a verifier in another.
Core identity fields
Every mDL includes a baseline set of identity attributes used for identification.
- Field
- Family name
- Description
- Last name as recorded by the issuing authority
- Field
- Given name
- Description
- First name as recorded by the issuing authority
- Field
- Birth date
- Description
- Date of birth in ISO format
- Field
- Issue date
- Description
- Date the credential was issued
- Field
- Expiration date
- Description
- Date the credential expires
- Field
- Document number
- Description
- License number assigned by the issuing authority
- Field
- Issuing authority
- Description
- The DMV or government body that issued the credential
- Field
- Portrait photo
- Description
- Facial image of the credential holder
- Field
- Driving privileges
- Description
- Vehicle classes, restrictions, and endorsements
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Family name | Last name as recorded by the issuing authority |
| Given name | First name as recorded by the issuing authority |
| Birth date | Date of birth in ISO format |
| Issue date | Date the credential was issued |
| Expiration date | Date the credential expires |
| Document number | License number assigned by the issuing authority |
| Issuing authority | The DMV or government body that issued the credential |
| Portrait photo | Facial image of the credential holder |
| Driving privileges | Vehicle classes, restrictions, and endorsements |
These standardized fields ensure that any compliant verifier can understand and process the credential without custom integration per issuer.
Additional identity attributes
In the United States, the AAMVA mDL specification expands the data set to include additional attributes used in identity verification.
These fields help verifiers confirm identity quickly and consistently across states.
Derived verification attributes
mDLs may include derived attributes designed for privacy-preserving verification — sharing only a yes/no answer instead of raw data.
Instead of revealing a full birth date, the credential provides a simple confirmation for age-restricted scenarios. The verifier gets only what it asked for.
Optional data fields
Some jurisdictions include additional attributes depending on their requirements and use cases.
Structured, standardized, privacy-aware
An mDL is more than a digital copy of a plastic card — it's a structured credential designed for selective, verifiable sharing.