AASHTO Journal - Eight States Offering Driver Licenses/IDs via Apple Wallet

Arizona and Georgia are the first of eight states to offer their residents the ability to add driver’s licenses or state IDs to the Apple Wallet application on either an iPhone or Apple Watch device.

[Above image by Apple]

The Transportation Security Administration noted that it would enable select airport security checkpoints and lanes as the first locations where residents of those participating states – which will eventually include Connecticut, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Utah – can use their driver’s license or state ID in Apple Wallet for identification purposes.

“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,” said David Pekoske, TSA’s administrator, noted in a statement. “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.”

Apple said once a participating state begins offering this capability to its residents, customers will be able to add their driver’s license or state ID to Wallet and simply tap their iPhone or Apple Watch to present it to the TSA without taking out their physical ID card or physically handing over their device.

Participating states and the TSA plan to share more information at a later date about when support for mobile driver’s licenses and state IDs in Wallet will be available in each state, and which TSA airport security checkpoints and select lanes at which it will be available first.

“Arizona is at the leading edge of states making mobile IDs available to the public, and we are pleased to work with Apple and give Arizonans the choice, convenience, and security of adding their driver’s license to their Apple Wallet,” noted Eric Jorgensen, director of the Motor Vehicle Division within the Arizona Department of Transportation. “Beyond being innovative and exciting, a digital version of a driver’s license offers increased security and privacy for our residents, making it something everyone should consider.”

“A state-issued credential has become the standard for which institutions of all sectors use as a trusted source of identity proofing. The identity proofing bar has been raised significantly thanks to Apple and innovative states like Georgia,” added Spencer Moore, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Driver Services. “We will deliver customer convenience through touchless identity verification and enhanced security and privacy protection through technology.”

“The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is excited to be leading the pack through this innovative collaboration with Apple to further deliver on our pledge to take driver licensing to the next level,” said Matt Cole, commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Vehicle Regulation. “The potential for mobile driver’s licenses is limitless, and we look forward to taking steps to continue to offer modern conveniences to Kentuckians while maintaining our unwavering commitment to security and privacy.”