Apple Wallet Adds Digital Driver’s Licenses for Residents in Participating States
Apple has announced a new feature that will allow users to store their driver’s license or state ID in their Apple Wallet. This move is part of Apple’s ongoing effort to make the iPhone a central hub for all of a user’s identification documents, payment methods, and more.
The new feature will first roll out in participating states, with Arizona and Georgia being the first two states to offer digital driver’s licenses and state IDs in the Apple Wallet. This means that residents of these states will be able to access their driver’s license or state ID directly from their iPhone, just like they would with a credit card or boarding pass.
“Apple Wallet is already a convenient way to store payment cards, transit passes, and more,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet. “We’re excited to now offer customers in participating states an easy, secure, and contactless way to carry their driver’s license or state ID with them wherever they go.”
To add a driver’s license or state ID to the Apple Wallet, users simply need to scan their physical ID using their iPhone’s camera and take a selfie for identity verification. The information is encrypted and stored securely on the device, which means that users can rely on Apple’s industry-leading security measures to protect their personal information.
In addition to providing a convenient way to access their ID, the digital driver’s license feature in the Apple Wallet also offers enhanced privacy and security benefits. For example, users can choose to share only the information that is necessary for a specific situation, such as just their age for age verification at a bar or restaurant. This means that users have greater control over who has access to their personal information, helping to protect their privacy in an increasingly digital world.
The digital driver’s license feature in the Apple Wallet is also designed to be accepted by various government agencies, businesses, and organizations. For example, users can present their digital ID to TSA agents at airport security checkpoints, law enforcement officers during a traffic stop, or bartenders when ordering a drink. This universal acceptance makes the digital ID in the Apple Wallet a versatile and practical solution for users who want to streamline their everyday interactions.
While the digital driver’s license feature is currently only available in Arizona and Georgia, Apple plans to expand to more states in the coming months. The company is working closely with state governments to ensure that the digital ID in the Apple Wallet meets all necessary security and privacy requirements, and that it complies with state-specific regulations and standards.
“We’re committed to working with state governments to bring the digital driver’s license feature to as many users as possible,” said Bailey. “Our goal is to offer a secure, convenient, and widely accepted way for people to carry their ID with them at all times, and we’re excited to continue expanding this feature to more states in the future.”
Overall, the addition of digital driver’s licenses and state IDs to the Apple Wallet represents a significant step forward in the digital transformation of identification documents. By offering a secure, convenient, and privacy-protecting solution for carrying important credentials, Apple is helping users to seamlessly integrate their physical and digital lives, making everyday tasks easier and more efficient.
