Imagine breezing through airport security without ever fumbling for your wallet. That futuristic convenience is now a reality. Thanks to Apple Wallet, your iPhone can securely store a digital version of your driver’s license or state ID, and a growing number of states and TSA checkpoints are starting to accept it.
Is your state on the list? Are you ready to step into the future of identification? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is a Digital ID in Apple Wallet?
A digital ID is a secure, digitized version of your state-issued driver’s license or identification card stored directly in the Apple Wallet app on your iPhone and Apple Watch. It’s not just a picture of your ID; it’s an official credential that communicates with identity readers wirelessly using the same NFC technology as Apple Pay. This means you can present your ID without handing over your device, enhancing both convenience and privacy.
How to Add Your ID to Your iPhone Wallet
Adding your ID is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few requirements first: have a compatible iPhone, the latest version of iOS, and be a resident of a participating state.
- Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
- Tap the plus (+) button in the top-right corner.
- Select Driver’s License or State ID.
- Choose your state. If it’s not listed, the feature isn’t available for you yet.
- Follow the on-screen prompts, which will include scanning the front and back of your physical ID card and completing a series of facial recognition movements to verify your identity.
- Your state’s issuing authority will review and approve your request. Once approved, your ID will appear in your Wallet!
Which States Accept iPhone Digital IDs?
The rollout of this technology is happening on a state-by-state basis. As of early 2024, residents of the following states can add their IDs to Apple Wallet:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Maryland
Coming Soon: Apple has announced that many other states are working to implement this feature, so if your state isn’t on the list, be sure to check your local DMV’s website for the latest updates.
Where Can You Use Your Digital ID?
The most significant and widely available use for digital IDs is at participating Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints in airports across the country. When you see the designated sign at security, you can simply tap your iPhone or Apple Watch on the identity reader. Your phone will then prompt you to authorize the sharing of information via Face ID or Touch ID. You never have to unlock your phone or hand it to the TSA agent.
While airport security is the main use case right now, expect to see this technology expand to other areas, such as verifying your age for purchases or identifying yourself at other venues in the near future.
Is It Secure?
Absolutely. Apple designed the feature with privacy and security at its core. The data is encrypted and protected by the Secure Enclave on your device. Furthermore, you are always in control. Unlike showing a physical ID where all your information (name, address, birthdate) is visible, the digital ID only shares the specific information required for a given transaction (e.g., just confirming you are over 21), and it requires your biometric authentication to do so.
Ready to lighten your pockets? Adding your ID to your iPhone is a small step that signals a giant leap forward in digital convenience.