Prechecking beers is about to get a little easier at BWI

For some, there’s nothing better than a stiff pre-flight drink (a beer, a glass of wine, a cocktail, or some whiskey) to calm the nerves of those afraid of flying or to relax after clearing security.

The airport bar is a fixture in airports everywhere.

People who want to grab a pre-flight beer no longer need to carry their physical driver’s license with them at BWI Marshall Airport. Starting Monday, seven bars and restaurants here can verify your age using information called Mobile ID downloaded to your smartphone, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration announced Monday.

Since 2022, security checkpoints at BWI allow passengers to pass by downloading their mobile driver’s license to a digital wallet. But other common ID checkers, such as bar security guards or law enforcement in Maryland, have yet to adopt the switch. At BWI, Flying Dog Tap House, Firkin & Flyer, Obrycki’s, R&R Seafood Bar (both locations), La Cocina Mexicana and Brix & Vine will be the first.

This marks a small step toward a time when your Maryland flag-themed plastic rectangular ID card might collect dust in a shoebox, a relic of the past.

The announcement isn’t just about making it easier to relax with a pre-takeoff drink. Combating identity theft is part of MVA’s development.

“We are having to constantly evolve what our physical license looks like to keep up with scammers,” MVA executive Chrissy Nizer said in an interview.

Mobile ID is airtight with its own security measures, he said, and shares only the relevant information needed for a particular type of transaction, not everything on the card.

“The Maryland flag has a crab in the background and my first and last initials are at the bottom,” Nizer said while showing off his Mobile ID. “But this isn’t your driver’s license photo.”

Here’s how it works: First, you get verified; this is the first step, to take A photo of your license, but this photo is not stored for public viewing.

Open your phone’s wallet app, tap the plus sign and follow the instructions to load your driver’s license. Once verified, your Mobile ID stays in your phone’s digital wallet, just like Ravens, Orioles or concert tickets; Just open the app and show your Mobile ID to the bartender.

But businesses need a way to securely read and verify this information; That’s where MVA comes in and why Nizer is so proud of this progress. His team developed the new MD by Mobile ID Check app that bars and restaurants in BWI will use to make sure it’s you.

So when you go to Flying Dog, the bartender can tap your phone and verify your age.

Nizer’s team is already thinking about where else to take the app: bars and restaurants across the state, polling places, law enforcement. Other states may also be interested in the technology.

Find helpful videos on how to sign up for a Mobile ID and add yours to your phone’s digital wallet here: MVA website.