The Montana Mobile ID Verifier app, developed by the Montana Department of Justice, aims to provide a secure and convenient method for verifying the age and authenticity of Montana Mobile Driver Licenses and Identification cards, and even those from other participating states. Its core function is to act as a digital age verification tool, leveraging cryptographic verification and biometric technologies to mitigate the risk of fraud.
The app's key features include cryptographic verification of the mobile ID, ensuring its authenticity and preventing the use of forged documents. This is supplemented by biometric verification using Face ID or Touch ID, adding an extra layer of security. Liveness detection further enhances security by confirming that a real person, and not a photograph or video, is presenting the ID. The use of NFC (Near Field Communication) allows for quick and seamless data transfer between the verifier's device and the mobile ID. The app boasts a free-to-use model, eliminating any cost barriers for both users and businesses.
The primary use case for this app is age verification in situations where proof of age is required. This includes businesses such as bars, liquor stores, casinos, and tobacco retailers, who can use the app to quickly and accurately verify the age of customers presenting a participating state's mobile ID. It also has potential applications in other scenarios requiring identity verification, although the app's current focus seems primarily geared toward age verification. The ability to verify mobile IDs from other states expands its utility beyond Montana's borders.
The target audience for the Montana Mobile ID Verifier app is twofold. Firstly, it targets businesses in regulated industries requiring age verification, providing them with a technological solution to streamline their processes and reduce the risk of serving underage individuals. Secondly, it indirectly targets individuals who possess a participating state's mobile driver's license or identification card, as the app facilitates the verification of their identity.
However, despite its promising features, a 0/5 rating suggests significant shortcomings. Without access to user reviews and specific details about the reported issues, it's difficult to definitively assess the app's flaws. Possible shortcomings could include unreliable biometric verification, inconsistent NFC functionality, a cumbersome user interface, insufficient support for various mobile ID formats from other states, or a lack of comprehensive error handling and user guidance. The absence of detailed information about the app's performance and user experience prevents a more thorough evaluation. A comprehensive investigation into the reasons behind the low rating is necessary before a fair and accurate assessment can be provided. The potential benefits of secure and efficient age verification are undeniable, but the app's current state, as indicated by the rating, requires significant improvement to achieve its intended purpose effectively and reliably.
Review published on August 26, 2025