DMV Pilots New App to Cut Down on Underage Drinking

By Brigitt Earley October 29, 2018

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is the first in the nation to test new technology to reduce instances of underage drinking in the state of New York, according to New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo. The DMV will is "using state-of-the-art technology to crack down on underage drinking and the use of fake IDs," says Cuomo.

The technology, developed by a New York-based company, "enables investigators to scan a license or ID using the Itellicheck 'Law ID' app on the investigator's smartphone and match it against driving records from all 50 states." When an ID is scanned, the program instantly determines whether it's authentic or fake.

"Law ID provides instant, accurate identification and authentication and access to the DMV records that investigators need to address the challenges they face every day," Intellicheck CEO Bryan Lewis said in a statement. "This cutting-edge technology solution delivers the significant safety, cost, and time-saving benefits that are making an important difference for the department and the citizens of New York."

New York is the first state in the nation to pilot the program, and so far 211 people have been arrested with fake IDs as part of the new campaign to prevent underage drinking.

"Underage drinking can lead to bad decisions and situations with potentially lifelong consequences," Cuomo said. "I'm proud to launch this new pilot program that capitalizes on exciting new technology developed right here in the Empire State and will aid in our efforts to crack down on this reckless and dangerous behavior.”

DMV investigators will be stationed at concerts and bars across the state to check IDs and prevent minors from purchasing alcohol.

“We want people to enjoy [concerts] responsibly,” said Terri Egan, DMV executive deputy commissioner and acting chair of the governor's Traffic Safety Committee. “Do not drink and drive, do not try to buy alcohol when you are not old enough, and never let anyone else use your license to buy beer or other alcoholic beverages.”