GLEN BURNIE, Md. — The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration announced Aug. 22 that Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia has begun accepting Maryland Mobile ID for age verification, allowing concertgoers to use digital driver’s licenses or IDs on their smartphones to buy alcoholic beverages more quickly and securely. This makes the venue one of the first nationwide to adopt the technology, benefiting over 300,000 Maryland residents with Maryland Mobile ID credentials.
At Merriweather Post Pavilion, staff scan a customer’s Maryland Mobile ID using the Mobile ID Check by MD app, confirming age in seconds while limiting shared personal data. The system adheres to International Organization for Standardization 18013-5 standards, ensuring privacy by letting users control what information—like name, address or exact birth date—is revealed. It also accepts compatible mobile IDs from other states, reducing risks of fraud or counterfeiting.
“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.”
“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, a free digital version of a state-issued driver’s license or ID card, is stored in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet or Samsung Wallet. Residents with valid physical credentials can enroll via the MVA website, where they verify identity through a secure process involving facial recognition and document scans. The program emphasizes data protection, as businesses cannot track usage, and it prevents unnecessary sharing of sensitive details common with physical cards.
The announcement aligns with Maryland’s ongoing expansion of Maryland Mobile ID acceptance. Currently, it’s valid at select Transportation Security Administration checkpoints, including Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Participating restaurants at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, certain Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services stores and self-service kiosks at MVA branches also accept it. This builds on the state’s efforts to modernize identity verification, reducing reliance on physical wallets while enhancing security.
Maryland launched Maryland Mobile ID in Apple Wallet in 2022, becoming one of the early adopters among states. It expanded to Google Wallet in 2023 and Samsung Wallet in June 2024, broadening accessibility for Android users. The technology uses encrypted data transmission, making it harder for counterfeiters to replicate compared to traditional plastic cards. State officials highlight its role in combating identity theft, with privacy features allowing selective data release—for instance, only confirming a user is over 21 without showing full birth details.
For Southern Maryland residents, this development offers practical benefits. Merriweather Post Pavilion, about a 45-minute drive from areas like Waldorf or Lexington Park, hosts major acts and draws regional crowds. Upcoming shows include The Black Keys on Aug. 28, WPOC’s Saturday in the Country with Kane Brown on Aug. 30, Leon Bridges and Charley Crockett on Sept. 7, and Lainey Wilson on Sept. 10, where attendees can now use Maryland Mobile ID for faster bar service. Closer to home, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport—serving many Southern Maryland travelers—already supports Maryland Mobile ID at checkpoints and eateries, streamlining trips.
The MVA encourages eligible residents to add Maryland Mobile ID, noting its compatibility with growing numbers of venues and services. Enrollment requires a compatible smartphone and valid Maryland credential; users must keep physical IDs as backups, since not all locations accept digital versions yet. As adoption spreads, Maryland Mobile ID could extend to more retail, events and government interactions, reflecting a shift toward digital-first identity solutions.
This initiative supports broader state goals for efficient, secure services. Howard County, home to Merriweather, partners with police for enforcement, ensuring responsible alcohol sales. With concerts resuming post-summer, the timing allows fans to test Maryland Mobile ID at high-profile events, potentially setting a model for other Maryland venues like those in Ocean City or Baltimore.
