In recent years, Apple has introduced the ability to store digital state IDs and driver’s licenses in Apple Wallet, with its initial rollout announced back in 2021. This feature follows the industry-standard ISO 18013-5, providing users with a secure and private alternative to traditional forms of identification. It effectively addresses one of the lingering challenges that users face when they want to leave their home without carrying a physical wallet.
As of now, there are ten states and territories in the United States that support this innovative feature, with an additional eight expressing intentions to join soon. Below is a guide on how you can add your ID to the Wallet app on your iPhone and explore its benefits.
Steps to Incorporate Your State ID or Driver’s License into Apple Wallet
The process of adding your identification to Apple Wallet is straightforward:
- Launch the Wallet app.
- Select the “Add” (+) icon located at the top right corner.
- Choose “Driver’s License” or “State ID”, then select your respective state from the list provided.
- Follow prompts presented on your screen.
You will have an option to add your ID solely on your iPhone or extend it to an Apple Watch if connected. The procedure entails capturing images of both sides of your current identification card alongside taking selfies for verification purposes.
Your device will prompt you to ensure you’re situated in a brightly lit space against a dark backdrop while aligning yourself within the frame. Following this, you’ll need to follow instructions which may include turning your head or making specific facial expressions like blinking or smiling. This data is utilized for comparing your current appearance against what’s stored by state authorities—similar to having someone manually verify that you match what’s depicted on physical identification cards.
A Glimpse into Supported States/Territories
The states currently allowing digital IDs within Apple Wallet are as follows:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Iowa