A secure digital version of the NC driver license will be available ahead of holiday travel.
By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer
North Carolina — The plan to launch a new mobile ID program will come into play in NC this December. This will give residents in Brunswick, Columbus, and neighboring Horry County an optional digital version of their driver license that can be used during holiday travel.
The physical card remains fully valid; the mobile ID simply adds a second way to verify identity. North Carolina issues the credential as a state program, but its use at TSA checkpoints and across daily travel in the tri‑county region makes it a regional‑impact tool even as digital IDs expand nationally.
The digital credential is stored in a secure state‑approved app and cannot be accessed without the phone’s biometric unlock. Unlike a physical license, the mobile ID can share only the information needed for a specific interaction. At a grocery store, it can confirm “21+” without displaying a home address. At TSA checkpoints in Myrtle Beach, Wilmington, Charlotte, and Raleigh, digital ID readers are expected to speed up screening during peak travel periods.
Local residents who frequently cross county lines for work or appointments may also see convenience gains. The mobile ID reduces exposure during traffic stops by displaying only required fields, and it avoids the wear‑and‑tear issues common with physical cards in coastal conditions.
Enrollment will occur through the NC Wallet app, where users scan their physical license and complete a live selfie for verification. Broader wallet support is expected in early 2027.
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