Gov. Andy Beshear on Tuesday announced the state-wide launch of Kentucky mobile ID, a free digital version of a driver’s license or state identification card that can be used at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints for domestic air travel. The mobile ID, stored securely on a smartphone, is now accepted at more than 250 airports nationwide, including all major commercial airports in Kentucky.
State officials framed the rollout as both a convenience and a safeguard against identity theft. Unlike a physical card, the digital ID is locked behind a phone’s PIN, fingerprint or facial recognition and can be deactivated if a device is lost or stolen.
Gov. Andy Beshear said, “We want our families to be safe and feel safe while they are traveling, and this is just another step Team Kentucky is taking to increase safety for our people.”
The new system does not replace a physical driver’s license or ID card, which Kentuckians are still required to carry. State law mandates that law enforcement request a physical license during traffic stops or crash investigations, and not all businesses or agencies will accept a mobile ID.
The authenticity of the Mobile ID is ensured through verification with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, based on records created when a user applies for a driver’s license or state ID.
The launch of the Kentucky Mobile ID app marks a significant step in the U.S. transition toward high-assurance mobile credentials, a movement that will be closely examined at Identity Week America 2026. Kentucky’s integration with the IDEMIA platform and its future compatibility with global wallet providers reflect broader industry trends discussed in the Mobile Drivers Licenses and Digital Wallets sessions. State officials’ emphasis on biometric authentication and privacy-preserving data sharing are core themes at the event where leaders from state agencies, TSA, and more will discuss the evolution of digital travel credentials and touchless airport journeys.
