Apple Expands Support for Digital Driver's Licenses in Apple Wallet to Illinois
Starting tomorrow, iPhone users in Illinois will be able to add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app, providing a convenient and secure way to access their identification digitally. This move marks the latest expansion of Apple's digital ID initiative, which allows users to store digital versions of their government-issued IDs in the Apple Wallet app.
With the addition of Illinois, support for digital driver's licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet is now available in 13 states, as well as Puerto Rico. This growing list of supported states is a significant milestone for Apple's digital ID initiative, which was first announced in 2020.
The ability to add a driver's license or state ID to Apple Wallet provides users with a secure and easy way to access their identification when needed. The digital ID is stored securely in the Wallet app, and users can access it with Face ID or Touch ID authentication. This means that users can quickly and easily access their ID when checking in at hotels, accessing secure buildings, or verifying their age at bars and restaurants.
In addition to the convenience factor, digital IDs stored in Apple Wallet also offer an added layer of security. The digital ID is encrypted and stored securely on the user's device, making it more difficult for hackers to access sensitive information. Furthermore, the digital ID is not stored on Apple's servers, providing an additional layer of security and control for users.
The rollout of digital IDs in Apple Wallet has been a gradual process, with several states launching support over the past year. Apple has been working closely with state governments and other stakeholders to implement the necessary infrastructure and security protocols to support the digital ID initiative.
While the rollout of digital IDs in Apple Wallet is a significant development, it's worth noting that the feature still has some limitations. For example, not all businesses or organizations accept digital IDs, and some may still require a physical ID for verification. However, as more states and organizations begin to support digital IDs, it's likely that we'll see increased adoption and acceptance of this technology.
In Illinois, the digital ID feature will be available to all iPhone users who have a valid driver's license or state ID. To add a digital ID to Apple Wallet, users will need to go through a verification process, which involves taking a photo of the front and back of their ID, as well as a selfie. Once the ID is verified, it can be added to the Wallet app, where it can be accessed and used as needed.
Apple's digital ID initiative is part of a broader trend towards digital wallets and mobile payments. As more people use their smartphones to make payments, access information, and verify their identity, the need for digital IDs is likely to grow. With the addition of Illinois to the list of supported states, Apple is taking a significant step forward in making digital IDs a reality for more users.
Overall, the expansion of digital ID support in Apple Wallet to Illinois is a significant development for iPhone users in the state. With the added convenience, security, and control that digital IDs provide, it's likely that many users will take advantage of this feature and start using their digital ID in Apple Wallet. As more states and organizations begin to support digital IDs, we can expect to see increased adoption and acceptance of this technology, paving the way for a future where digital IDs become the norm.