Apple Unveils Feature To Let Users Keep Digital Driver’s License On iPhone

Apple announced on Wednesday that it will roll out a new feature that will offer users the ability to seamlessly and securely add their driver’s license or state ID to Wallet on their iPhone and Apple Watch.

Arizona and Georgia will be the first states to introduce this new innovation to their residents, with Connecticut, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Utah to follow.

Apple said that the update is a crucial step in Apple’s plan to replace physical wallets and will offer more convenience to travelers looking for a touchless airport experience.

Vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, Jennifer Bailey said that adding IDs to the Wallet app works similarly to uploading credit cards and transit passes. Once users scan the ID, they will also be asked to complete facial and head movements as an additional security measure.

“The addition of driver’s licenses and state IDs to Apple Wallet is an important step in our vision of replacing the physical wallet with a secure and easy-to-use mobile wallet,”

“We are excited that the TSA and so many states are already on board to help bring this to life for travelers across the country using only their iPhone and Apple Watch, and we are already in discussions with many more states as we’re working to offer this nationwide in the future.”

Apple said that the ID can only be viewed by the owner and the data is “encrypted and protected against tampering and theft.” Users are required to approve a note from TSA using Face ID or Touch ID after tapping their mobile ID at identity reader in airports.

Currently, Apple offers mobile student IDs that allow people to access campus buildings and make purchases without a physical card, a feature expanded to additional universities in the U.S. and Canada this summer.

TSA Administrator, David Pekoske said that “this new and innovative mobile driver’s license and state ID initiative with Apple and states around the country will enable a more seamless airport security screening experience for travelers,”

“This initiative marks a major milestone by TSA to provide an additional level of convenience for the traveler by enabling more opportunities for touchless TSA airport security screening.”