Verification Channels

Choose the right communication channel for your mDL verification use case.

The mDL SDK supports three verification channels as defined by ISO 18013-5. Each channel has different characteristics suited to various use cases.

Channel	Best For	Range	Setup Complexity
QR Code	Most scenarios, easy UX	Visual range	Low
NFC	Quick tap verification	< 4cm	Medium
Bluetooth LE	Hands-free, larger data	~10m	Medium

QR Code Verification

QR code verification is the most common and easiest to implement. Your app displays a QR code that the mDL holder scans with their wallet app, which then responds with their credential data.

When to Use

General-purpose age or identity verification
Retail and hospitality environments
When NFC/BLE hardware isn't available
Remote or contactless verification

Implementation

Tip: For QR code generation, you can use Core Image's CIQRCodeGenerator filter.

NFC Verification

NFC verification allows the holder to tap their phone against your device. This provides a quick, intuitive experience similar to contactless payments.

When to Use

Point-of-sale terminals
Access control systems
Quick repeated verifications
When both devices have NFC

Check NFC Availability

Implementation

Important: NFC is only available on iPhone 7 and later. It's not available on iPads or Macs.

Bluetooth LE Verification

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) verification allows wireless communication over a longer range than NFC. This is useful for hands-free scenarios or when transferring larger amounts of data.

When to Use

Hands-free verification scenarios
When larger data transfer is needed
Kiosk or automated systems
When NFC isn't available

Check BLE Availability

Implementation

Configuration Options

Configure channel-specific timeouts in your SDK configuration:

Choosing the Right Channel

Scenario	Recommended Channel
Retail checkout	QR Code or NFC
Bar/restaurant age check	QR Code
Building access control	NFC
Car rental verification	QR Code
Drive-through kiosk	Bluetooth LE
Remote/online verification	QR Code (via camera)

Next Steps

Claim Sets – Learn what data you can request from mDL holders
Session Management – Handle session lifecycle and state