FAIRFAX, Va. — Apple Federal Credit Union has begun accepting Virginia Mobile ID for in-branch identity verification at all 23 of its Northern Virginia branches, becoming the first credit union on the East Coast to adopt the digital credential system across its entire branch network.
According to the $5.7-billion Apple Federal Credit Union, the rollout makes the Fairfax-based institution one of only three financial institutions nationwide to accept a digital form of identification for in-person banking transactions.
The credit union said the move is intended to provide members with a faster and more secure identity verification process while supporting Virginia’s broader effort to expand the use of digital credentials.
‘Simple, Yet Cutting Edge’
“Providing our members with simple, yet cutting-edge tech solutions while maintaining the highest levels of security is at the heart of what we do,” Annie Chamberlain, Apple FCU’s vice president of branch operations, said in a statement. “By accepting Virginia Mobile ID across all of our branches, we’re making banking a smoother, faster process while leading the way for financial institutions in an increasingly digital-first world.”
Virginia Mobile ID is a digital companion to a physical driver’s license or state identification card that allows residents to verify their identity using a smartphone while controlling what personal information is shared. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, no personal data is stored or tracked during the verification process.
Apple FCU said members can use the digital credential by displaying a QR code from the Virginia Mobile ID app during branch visits. Identity information is transmitted securely between the member’s smartphone and the branch’s scanning device.
The credit union’s adoption of Virginia Mobile ID follows the Virginia DMV’s broader initiative to expand acceptance of the digital credential throughout the commonwealth.
Where Mobile ID is Accepted
According to Apple FCU, Virginia Mobile ID is also accepted at:
- More than 350 Transportation Security Administration airport security checkpoints nationwide.
- All Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles offices.
- Select Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control stores participating in a pilot program.
- Virginia State Police.
- Local law enforcement agencies.
- A growing number of businesses across Virginia.
“Bringing Virginia Mobile ID to the financial sector is a significant milestone as it expands where customers can confidently use their digital credential,” Virginia DMV Commissioner Saundra M. Jack said in a statement. “Apple Federal Credit Union is demonstrating how trusted digital identity can simplify routine transactions while protecting personal information.”
According to Apple FCU, Virginia residents can obtain a Mobile ID by downloading the free Virginia Mobile ID application from the Apple App Store or Google Play, scanning their physical Virginia driver’s license or identification card and completing a facial verification process.
