Underage drinkers thwarted as ADOT MVD activates mobile ID on iPhone app

Retailers using the app will only be provided the information necessary for age verification.

PUBLISHED JUL 31, 2024

In 2022, 3.2 million youth ages 12 to 20 reported binge drinking at least once in the past month.

Phoenix, Arizona: Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) has enabled mobile ID acceptance on iPhone with the Smart ID Verifier app. By using the Smart ID Verifier app, Arizona retailers can easily and securely accept mobile IDs in person to verify the ages of customers purchasing alcohol directly on their iPhones, no additional hardware needed.

ADOT MVD is partnering with the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control to enable Mobile ID Acceptance on iPhone with the Smart ID Verifier app, available in the App Store. Participating retailers selling age-restricted beverages have an efficient and secure way to verify a customer’s age. Retailers using the Smart ID Verifier app will only be provided the required information necessary for age verification, such as a customer's age and ID photo. The information is encrypted between devices, so customers do not need to hand over their smartphones.

The prevalence of underage drinking increases with age.

“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.”

Mobile IDs, including IDs in Apple Wallet and IDs in Google Wallet, as well as the physical MVD-issued ID card can be accepted using the Smart ID Verifier app. Businesses will now be able to verify age and properly record the verification for compliance with alcohol sales laws. Neither MVD nor Apple have access to users’ personal information and neither can see when or where users present their mobile IDs.

“The Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control is excited to partner with the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division in the announcement of Mobile ID Acceptance on iPhone with the Smart ID Verifier app,” said Ben Henry, Department of Liquor Licenses and Control Director.

“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.”

Participation in the acceptance of mobile IDs is optional. Arizonans should continue to carry their physical driver licenses or state ID cards for those retailers who don’t yet accept the digital option.

Research shows that people who start drinking before the age of 15 are at a higher risk for developing alcohol use disorder (AUD) later in life.

Underage drinking rates are falling, but it's still a problem

According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), about 7.0 million people aged 12 to 20 reported drinking alcohol in the past month. This represents 18.5% of this age group. Among these underage drinkers, 4.2 million were binge drinkers (defined as consuming five or more drinks on the same occasion on at least one day in the past 30 days).

The prevalence of underage drinking increases with age. For instance, 7.0% of 12- to 13-year-olds reported drinking alcohol in the past month, compared to 29.4% of 18- to 20-year-olds. Males in this age group are more likely to engage in binge drinking compared to females.