Attending a concert or event at Merriweather Post Pavilion just got simpler, as now the venue is accepting Mobile Driver’s Licenses (mDL) and Mobile IDs for age verification, making it one of the first concert venues in the nation to adopt this technology.
The Motor Vehicle Administration’s (MVA) announced the new option, which will be available to more than 300,000 Marylanders.
The Mobile ID is a digital version of a state-issued driver’s license or identification card. Users store them on their smartphones and now, when at Merriweather, customers can show them when purchasing alcoholic beverages from vendors. Staff can scan the mDL using the Mobile ID Check to confirm the purchaser’s age while protecting the customer’s privacy. This takes mere seconds, cutting down on the time it takes to take an ID out of one’s wallet or bag.
“By utilizing mDL at Merriweather Post Pavilion, we’re taking a step towards innovation in responsible service,” said Samantha Rocco-Canfield, director of JL Hospitality, the company that provides food and beverage services at Merriweather. “We see significant potential for this technology to reduce fraud, prevent counterfeiting, and ultimately streamline transaction times. Just as importantly, it reflects our continued commitment to responsible service and reinforces our partnership with the Howard County Police Department and their enforcement efforts.”
Businesses cannot track the usage of mDLs, as Maryland’s Mobile Driver’s Licenses are certified using International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 18013-5 standards and privacy protections. Unlike physical IDs, customers can limit the data they share with merchants when they use mobile IDs, like their name, home address, and exact date of birth. Merriweather will also accept any other state’s mDL that meets the ISO standards.
“We’re thrilled to see Merriweather leading the way in bringing this convenience to Maryland residents and all who attend live events at this concert venue,” said Chrissy Nizer, MVA administrator. “Mobile driver’s licenses are ultimately about protecting our customer’s privacy and only sharing the data that’s needed.”
Maryland Mobile ID is free and available for download through the Apple Wallet, Google Wallet or Samsung Wallet for residents with a valid Maryland driver’s license or state-issued ID. For more information and to enroll, visit here.
