Apple is expanding its digital driver’s license program to seven additional U.S. States, building on an existing rollout in 13 states where Apple Wallet already supports state-issued identification. The technology, which allows users to securely store and present a digital version of their driver’s license or state ID on iPhone and Apple Watch, continues to grow as more state transportation departments partner with Apple to modernize identification systems.
The expansion reflects increasing adoption of mobile ID technology across the United States, with Apple working directly with state agencies to ensure compliance with security and privacy standards set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA). Users in participating states can add their license to Apple Wallet through the official state DMV app or website, after which the ID can be used at select airport security checkpoints, participating businesses, and for age verification where accepted.
According to Apple’s official announcement, the digital ID feature uses encryption and device-specific authentication to protect user data, requiring Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode to access the information. The company emphasizes that the ID is stored only on the user’s device and not on Apple’s servers, reinforcing its privacy-focused approach to digital identity.
West Virginia became one of the first states to launch support for Apple Wallet digital IDs in early 2024, with Governor Jim Justice announcing the initiative as part of a broader effort to expand digital government services. The state’s Department of Motor Vehicles partnered with Apple to enable residents to add their driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet, marking a significant step in rural-state adoption of mobile identification technology.
Similarly, Arizona was among the initial states to support Apple Wallet IDs, launching the feature in 2022 after legislation enabled digital identification options. The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (AZ MVD) worked with Apple to ensure the digital IDs meet state and federal requirements for use at TSA checkpoints and other verification points.
Other states that have implemented or announced plans for Apple Wallet digital IDs include Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Mississippi, Ohio, and Puerto Rico, though availability and functionality may vary by jurisdiction. Each state maintains control over eligibility, issuance processes, and where the digital ID can be used, with Apple providing the technical framework through its Wallet platform.
The TSA has been gradually accepting digital IDs at airport security checkpoints since 2022, beginning with a pilot program in select locations. As of 2024, travelers in participating states can use their Apple Wallet ID at designated TSA lanes, where identity verification officers use specialized readers to validate the digital credential without requiring physical contact with the device.
Privacy advocates have noted that whereas digital IDs offer convenience, they also raise questions about data security, surveillance potential, and equitable access for individuals without smartphones or reliable internet. Apple addresses these concerns by stating that the digital ID does not share personal data with Apple or third parties during use, and that users retain full control over when and how their information is presented.
To add a driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet, users must first verify that their state supports the feature, then follow the enrollment process through their state’s official DMV portal. Once added, the ID appears in Apple Wallet alongside payment cards and transit passes, and can be accessed with a double-click of the side button on iPhone or Apple Watch when needed.
Apple continues to function with state governments to expand the digital ID ecosystem, with plans to support additional use cases such as in-app identity verification and integration with third-party apps that require age or identity confirmation. The company has not announced a timeline for when all 50 states will support the feature, citing the decentralized nature of U.S. Motor vehicle administration as a factor in rollout speed.
As mobile identification becomes more widespread, Apple Wallet’s digital ID feature represents a shift toward secure, user-controlled digital credentials that could eventually replace physical wallets for many everyday transactions. For the latest updates on which states support Apple Wallet driver’s licenses, users are encouraged to consult their state’s DMV website or Apple’s official support page on digital IDs in Wallet.
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