GLEN BURNIE, MD (August 22, 2025) – The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is proud to announce that Merriweather Post Pavilion is now 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 innovative technology. This new option provides customers with State mDLs, including more than 300,000 Marylanders, with another convenient location to use their digital credentials. The Mobile ID is a digital version of a state-issued driver’s license or identification card stored on users' smartphones and can be used to purchase alcoholic beverages from Merriweather vendor stations. Staff simply scan the customer’s mDL using the Mobile ID Check by MD verification app to confirm age, while protecting the customers’ privacy, in just seconds.
“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 MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer. “Mobile driver's licenses are ultimately about protecting our customer’s privacy and only sharing the data that’s needed.” |
The State of Maryland’s mDL is certified using International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 18013-5 standards and privacy protections ensure that businesses cannot track its usage. Unlike physical IDs, customers can limit the data that they share with merchants, such as their name, home address and exact date of birth. Additionally, any other state mDL meeting the ISO standards can be accepted. “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.” 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. Maryland Mobile ID is currently accepted at select TSA checkpoints nationwide, including Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), participating BWI restaurants, participating Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services retail stores and self-service kiosks at MVA branch offices. ###
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