Earlier this year, Apple launched a feature allowing residents of participating US states to add their driver’s license or ID card to the Wallet app on iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and without contact to display proof of identity or age.
While we wait for the Wallet app IDs to expand to other US states, here’s everything you need to know about how the feature works.
Which US states support the feature so far?
Which US states have pledged to support the feature?
In March, Apple said the 10 additional states listed below would “soon” allow residents to add their driver’s license or ID to the Wallet app, but it’s unclear when each state is planning to. deploy support for the feature.
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Utah
Apple said the feature will also be supported in Puerto Rico.
Last year, Apple executive Jennifer Bailey said the company was “already in discussions with many other states” and working to bring the feature nationwide in the future. Apple has yet to announce plans to expand the feature to other countries.
Note that some states like Florida and Louisiana offer iPhone driver’s licenses through their own state-run apps, separate from this Wallet app feature.
Where can Wallet app credentials be used?
Driver’s licenses and state ID cards stored in the Wallet app can currently be used at select TSA checkpoints at three US airports:
- Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (BWI)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Apple says travelers should refer to TSA checkpoint signage to confirm the feature’s availability.
Starting with iOS 16, you can present ID cards stored in the Wallet app in supported iPhone apps that require ID or age verification. Apple showed Uber Eats and Turo as two examples of apps that could offer this functionality.
Apple’s website previously said Wallet app credentials would also be available in the future at select retailers and sites.
The feature does not yet replace a physical ID in all situations. For example, Apple makes no mention of accepting IDs in the Wallet app from law enforcement or the government, so carrying a physical ID is still a necessity for now.
Which iPhone and Apple Watch models are supported?
The feature requires an iPhone 8 or newer running iOS 15.4 or later. If used on the Apple Watch, the feature requires a Series 4 or newer model running watchOS 8.4 or later.
For security reasons, Face ID or Touch ID must be enabled on the iPhone and the device region must be set to United States. An Apple ID account with two-factor authentication enabled is also required.
How do I add my driver’s license or ID card to the Wallet app?
In participating states, you can simply tap the “+” button in the upper right corner of the Wallet app and follow the onscreen instructions to add your driver’s license or state ID to the iPhone and to a paired Apple Watch. The process involves scanning the front and back of your driver’s license or ID card, confirming your identity by taking a photo of your face, and performing a series of facial and head movements.
You can only add one license or ID to an iPhone and paired Apple Watch at a time.
How do I use a stored ID in the Wallet app?
To present ID stored in the Wallet app at participating TSA checkpoints, simply tap your iPhone or Apple Watch on the ID reader. A prompt on the device will display specific information requested by the TSA, such as your name and date of birth, and this information will only be released after you authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. A check mark will appear on the screen when you have successfully presented your license or ID.
According to Apple, you don’t need to unlock, show, or hand your device to a TSA agent to present your ID in the Wallet app.
Is the feature secure?
Apple claims that the identity data is encrypted and neither Apple nor the state issuing authority can see when and where you use your license or ID in the Wallet app. And if your device is locked when you show your ID, it stays locked afterwards.
Apple has a detailed privacy and security overview of the feature on its website with more details.
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