Apple has expanded its digital driver’s license and state ID program in Apple Wallet, marking a significant step forward in mobile identity technology that builds upon the company’s initial launch in Arizona in 2022. The feature allows users to store a virtual copy of their driver’s license for identification purposes at various checkpoints and venues, following the ISO 18013-5 standard for mobile driving licenses.
Currently, ten jurisdictions have fully implemented support for digital driver’s licenses in Apple Wallet: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, New Mexico, Ohio, and Puerto Rico. An additional seven states – Connecticut, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Oklahoma, Utah, and West Virginia – are in various stages of implementing the technology. The expansion represents significant progress since the program’s inception, with California’s recent adoption marking a major milestone in digital ID adoption.
The digital ID system operates through Apple Wallet, enabling users to present their identification at TSA checkpoints and other participating locations. The verification process uses Face ID or Touch ID for authentication, providing a contactless experience that meets the latest ISO/IEC standards for remote identity verification.
Security measures include limited initial display of personal information, showing only the user’s full name until authenticated through biometric verification. Data transmission occurs exclusively via NFC using encrypted Bluetooth connections, preventing unauthorized copying of information. The security architecture follows guidelines from both the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) and international standards organizations.
The Transportation Security Administration serves as a primary federal partner in this initiative, implementing digital ID acceptance at airport security checkpoints nationwide. The system enables travelers to verify their identity by tapping their iPhone or Apple Watch on identity readers while maintaining control over what personal information is shared. Recent implementations at airports like Cleveland Hopkins International demonstrate the growing acceptance of this technology.
Implementation requires coordination with local government entities, including law enforcement agencies that need appropriate training and equipment for digital license verification during traffic stops. Municipal services are also updating their systems to accommodate these new identification formats, following similar approaches to states like Arkansas that have successfully deployed digital ID systems.
Users can add their digital driver’s license to Apple Wallet through a multi-step process that includes photographing both sides of their physical license and completing Face ID facial recognition in a well-lit environment with a plain background. The process incorporates security features that meet or exceed traditional physical ID verification methods.
The program’s infrastructure continues to expand as additional states proceed with regulatory approvals and necessary technological upgrades to support digital identification systems. The growth matches broader trends in digital identity adoption across the United States, as states increasingly embrace mobile-first solutions for government-issued identification.
Sources: Fox News, PC Outlet, Keesing Platform, MacDailyNews
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