--- url: 'https://www.corbado.com/glossary/iso-18013-5' title: 'ISO 18013-5 NFC, BLE, QR' description: 'Learn about ISO 18013-5 NFC, BLE, QR standard, its role in secure mobile driver’s licenses (mDL), and implications for digital identity and authentication.' lang: 'en' keywords: 'ISO 18013-5' --- # ISO 18013-5 NFC, BLE, QR ## What is ISO 18013-5 NFC, BLE, QR? **ISO 18013-5 NFC, BLE, QR** is an international technical standard defining how mobile driver's licenses (mDLs) are securely stored, transmitted, and verified digitally using Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth Low [Energy](https://www.corbado.com/passkeys-for-energy) (BLE), and Quick Response (QR) codes. It ensures interoperability, security, and privacy when digital identities are shared between individuals and verifying parties, like authorities or service providers. The ISO 18013-5 standard specifically covers: - **Secure Data Storage**: Digital licenses securely stored on smartphones or mobile devices. - **Secure Communication Protocols**: Using NFC for short-range tap-to-share verification, BLE for longer-distance verification, and QR codes for flexible, widely available verification scenarios. - **Privacy Protection**: Allowing users control over shared data by enabling selective disclosure of license attributes (e.g., only name and age). - **Cryptographic Security**: Ensuring data integrity and authenticity through robust cryptographic protocols. > **Key Takeaways:** > > - **ISO 18013-5 NFC, BLE, QR** defines secure and standardized mobile driver’s licenses > (mDLs) using NFC, BLE, and QR codes. > - It provides secure [digital identity verification](https://www.corbado.com/blog/digital-identity-verification), > privacy protection, and interoperability across global systems. > - Users retain full control over their personal data through selective disclosure. --- ## Understanding ISO 18013-5 NFC, BLE, QR in Depth ISO 18013-5 is part of the broader ISO 18013 standard for digital driver’s licenses, specifically focusing on how digital identities (mobile driver's licenses, or [mDLs](https://www.corbado.com/blog/mobile-drivers-license)) are securely presented and verified using mobile devices. ### Core Technologies Explained **Near Field Communication (NFC)**: - Short-range wireless technology (typically within a few centimeters) - Enables contactless, tap-to-share verification, ideal for scenarios needing quick and secure interactions (e.g., airport security, point-of-sale age verification). **Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)**: - Longer-range wireless communication (typically within several meters) - Enables verification without direct contact, beneficial in drive-through checks or scenarios where physical contact isn't practical. **Quick Response (QR) Codes**: - Machine-readable codes scanned by cameras - Highly flexible for [identity verification](https://www.corbado.com/blog/digital-identity-guide), compatible with almost any smartphone or tablet, providing broad accessibility and compatibility. ## Privacy and Security Considerations ISO 18013-5 ensures the highest standards of privacy and security: - **Cryptographic Protection**: Credentials stored in [mDL](https://www.corbado.com/blog/mobile-drivers-license) apps are cryptographically secured, preventing unauthorized access or alteration. - **Selective Disclosure**: Users can choose precisely which information to disclose (e.g., sharing only birthdate to verify age), adhering to privacy regulations such as GDPR. - **Offline Verification Capability**: Authorities or businesses can verify the authenticity of [mDLs](https://www.corbado.com/blog/mobile-drivers-license) without constant online connectivity, enhancing reliability and speed. ## Real-world Use Cases and Adoption ISO 18013-5 is becoming widely adopted globally: - **Airport and Border Control**: Airports using NFC for rapid passenger identity verification at security checks, improving traveler experience and operational efficiency. - **Traffic Stops**: Law enforcement using BLE-based [identity verification](https://www.corbado.com/blog/digital-identity-guide) at traffic stops, reducing risks and enhancing officer safety. - **Retail and Hospitality**: Businesses employing QR codes for age verification in [retail](https://www.corbado.com/passkeys-for-e-commerce) scenarios, streamlining compliance and enhancing customer privacy. ![Use cases for ISO18013-5](https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/corbado-cloud-staging-website-assets/Use_cases_for_ISO_18013_5_e215f7e9fb.png) ## Relationship with Digital Authentication Methods ISO 18013-5 complements advanced digital authentication methods, such as passkeys (WebAuthn/[FIDO2](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/fido2)), by providing robust [digital identity verification](https://www.corbado.com/blog/digital-identity-verification) foundations. Combining [mDLs](https://www.corbado.com/blog/mobile-drivers-license) with modern passkey-based authentication results in secure, frictionless, and privacy-preserving user experiences. In short, ISO 18013-5 NFC, BLE, QR is fundamental for secure, global, and user-friendly [digital identity verification](https://www.corbado.com/blog/digital-identity-verification), aligning perfectly with modern digital transformation strategies. ![mDL authentication for online Services](https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/corbado-cloud-staging-website-assets/m_DL_authentication_for_online_Services_7691572646.png) ## ISO 18013-5 NFC, BLE, QR FAQs ### What is ISO 18013-5? ISO 18013-5 defines a secure global standard for digital mobile driver's licenses (mDL), specifying how credentials are presented and verified using NFC, BLE, and QR codes. ### How does ISO 18013-5 protect user privacy? ISO 18013-5 enables selective disclosure, allowing users to choose exactly which personal details they share during verification, thus maximizing privacy protection. ### What is the difference between NFC, BLE, and QR in ISO 18013-5? NFC is short-range, secure, and contactless; BLE supports longer-range wireless communication; QR codes offer flexible scanning compatibility with most devices. ### Who uses ISO 18013-5 standard? It’s widely adopted by [government](https://www.corbado.com/passkeys-for-public-sector) agencies (for driver licenses and [identity verification](https://www.corbado.com/blog/digital-identity-guide)), law enforcement, airports, hospitality, [retail](https://www.corbado.com/passkeys-for-e-commerce) sectors, and any service requiring secure identity checks. ### Can ISO 18013-5 credentials be used offline? Yes, ISO 18013-5 supports offline verification, allowing [mDL](https://www.corbado.com/blog/mobile-drivers-license) authenticity to be validated securely without continuous internet access.