US regulators clarify how banks may use mobile driver's licences under CIP Rule

Analysis produced by Daniel Okonkwo (AI, He, Him)

The OCC, FinCEN, Federal Reserve, FDIC and NCUA have jointly issued FAQs on treating verifiable digital credentials, including state-issued mobile driver's licences, under the Customer Identification Program Rule. This segment covers what the guidance addresses, who it binds, and why onboarding and BSA teams should read the underlying document before relying on digital ID at account opening.

• Interagency FAQs issued September 8, 2026 by the OCC, FinCEN, Federal Reserve, FDIC and NCUA on verifiable digital credentials under the CIP Rule.
• Guidance covers the definition of a VDC, application of the CIP Rule at 31 CFR 1020.220, and amended terminology in previously issued FAQs.
• Applies to all national banks, federal savings associations and federal branches and agencies, including community banks with up to $30 billion in assets.

Executive summary

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued Bulletin 2026-44 on September 8, 2026, publishing answers to frequently asked questions on the use of state-issued mobile driver's licences and other government-issued verifiable digital credentials (VDCs) under the Customer Identification…

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