Montana Now Lets You Use Mobile IDs During Traffic Stops

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On January 13, 2026, the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) announced that troopers will begin accepting Montana Mobile IDs and other mobile IDs from across the country during routine traffic stops. MHP said Montanans are not required to have a Montana Mobile ID and will always be able to continue using a physical driver’s license. 

The Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) launched Montana Mobile IDs last year, which allow Montanans to carry a digital version of their driver's license or state-issued ID securely on their iPhone, Apple Watch, and Android devices.  

MHP is currently the only law enforcement agency in the state accepting Montana Mobile IDs and other mobile IDs through a smartphone application called SmartMobile, which is installed on the trooper’s state-issued iPhone to function as the mobile ID reader. 

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“We are pleased to introduce the ability for the Montana Highway Patrol to accept mobile IDs,” said MHP Colonel Kurt Sager. “This new technology provides a secure and convenient way for drivers to carry and present their identification. The option will streamline traffic stops for our troopers and the public.” 

“We are excited to partner with the Montana Highway Patrol and work with them to seamlessly and privately accept Montana Mobile IDs and other states’ mobile IDs,” said MVD Administrator Laurie Bakri. “At the Motor Vehicle Division, we are committed to providing the best customer service possible as we move into the future.” 

To present a mobile ID, MHP said users will need to first let the trooper know they’d like to use one. Users can present their mobile ID by holding their device near the trooper’s mobile ID reader, or they can present a QR code. Users will never be required to hand over their device to law enforcement. According to MHP, Montanans who choose to present a mobile ID during a traffic stop share the same information as when presenting a physical driver's license for verification. No additional data or checks are collected. 

• For more information on how to add and use an ID in Apple Wallet, including more information about security and privacy, visit: gov/mobile-id/id-in-apple-wallet/. 

• For more information on how to add and use a mobile ID on an Android mobile device, visit: gov/mobile-id/google-wallet/