Apple confirmed seven additional U.S. states will support iPhone driver's licenses in Apple Wallet, expanding digital ID availability to at least 20 states plus Puerto Rico. Connecticut, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Utah, Arkansas, and Virginia signed on to the program, though specific launch dates remain undisclosed.
The expansion builds on existing support in 13 states where residents already store digital credentials. Arizona launched the feature first in March 2022, followed by Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Hawaii, Ohio, Montana, California, Iowa, New Mexico, North Dakota, West Virginia, and Illinois. Illinois became the most recent state to go live in late 2025.
These credentials work at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints in more than 250 U.S. airports for domestic travel. Travelers present their iPhone or Apple Watch instead of physical identification, authenticating with Face ID or Touch ID before information transmits via NFC.
Apple's system uses the ISO 18013-5 standard, storing credentials in the iPhone's Secure Element hardware chip and transmitting only specific data fields requested by verifiers.
Residents add digital IDs through the Wallet app by scanning their physical driver's license, taking a selfie, and completing facial recognition checks. State authorities verify submissions, a process that can take minutes or several days.
The feature requires iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26.1 or later, or Apple Watch Series 6 or later with watchOS 26.1 or later.
For states without driver's license support, Apple offers a separate Digital ID option based on U.S. passports. This passport-based ID works at the same TSA checkpoints but cannot replace physical passports for international travel.
Physical IDs remain mandatory for law enforcement interactions and most other situations. Apple emphasized digital IDs serve as supplements rather than replacements for physical cards.
Law enforcement agencies generally do not accept Apple Wallet IDs, requiring traditional driver's licenses during traffic stops.
More than 500,000 Californians added mobile driver's licenses to their phones using the California DMV Wallet app, according to state data. Ohio reported its digital ID program saved residents over 7 million trips to BMV locations and more than 641,000 hours waiting in line since 2019.
Privacy advocates raised concerns about digital equity and law enforcement encounters. Not everyone owns recent iPhone models or has reliable internet access required for setup.
Apple designed the system so phones remain locked during ID presentations, with only necessary information transmitted via NFC.
Google pursues a parallel effort with Google Wallet on Android devices. Several states supporting Apple Wallet digital IDs also support the Android equivalent.
Apple continues discussions with additional states about digital ID implementation. Rollout timing depends on coordination with individual state motor vehicle departments and local regulatory approval.
The REAL ID enforcement deadline, repeatedly postponed by the federal government, may accelerate adoption as states upgrade identification infrastructure for compliance.
The practical benefits are clear, with Ohio's program alone saving residents over 7 million trips to BMV locations and more than 641,000 hours waiting in line since 2019.
