Arizona Launches Smart ID Verifier App for Age Verification

Arizona introduces the Smart ID Verifier app, enabling retailers to verify customer ages for alcohol purchases using iPhones.Photo bySara KurfeßonUnsplash

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (ADOT MVD) launched the Smart ID Verifier app today, offering a new method for verifying ages of customers purchasing age-restricted beverages like alcohol.

Available on the App Store, the app enables Arizona retailers to use iPhones to verify customer ages without needing additional hardware. According to ADOT MVD officials, neither ADOT MVD nor Apple has access to users' personal information or their verification history.

“ADOT MVD is proud to once again provide new ways for Arizonans to seamlessly conduct business,” said Eric Jorgensen, ADOT MVD director. “This digital verification process is a more secure and private way to present identification.”

Participation in mobile ID acceptance remains optional for retailers. Arizonans are advised to carry their physical driver licenses or state ID cards for transactions at retailers who do not yet accept the digital option.

“The Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control is excited to partner with ADOT MVD in the announcement of Mobile ID Acceptance on iPhone with the Smart ID Verifier app,” said Ben Henry, director of the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control.

“With this new capability, establishments can securely verify patrons' identification and determine they are of legal drinking age—right on iPhone. This will provide additional ease while maintaining compliance with Arizona liquor laws.”

Alcohol Related Fatalities

In Arizona, alcohol-related fatalities have risen each year for the past four years, with 332 deaths in 2023, representing 25.4% of all traffic fatalities.

Male drivers were involved in 72.7% of alcohol-related crashes, and drivers aged 25 to 34 accounted for 35.4%, according to the 2023 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report.

Notably, in 2022, Arizona was the first state to add Apple Wallet. Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet for Android devices became available for Arizona driver licenses or ID cards in 2023.

To learn more about mobile options for Arizona driver licenses and state IDs, please visit azdot.gov/DigitalIDs.

For more information about the Smart ID Verifier app, visit azdot.gov/smart-id-verifier-app.