Apple iPhone Expanding Convenient New Feature to 7 More U.S. States
Over the past several years, Apple has been working with various states across the country to bring your identification card to your phone. Now, it sounds like the convenient new feature is set to roll out to seven more states.
The feature allows users to add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch. From there, users can use the digital ID to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps.
So far, the technology is only available in 13 different U.S. states and Puerto Rico, but Apple has recently announced that the feature will soon be coming to seven more states in the near future.
Currently Supported States:
- Arizona (since March 2022)
- Maryland (since May 2022)
- Colorado (since November 2022)
- Georgia (since May 2023)
- Ohio (since July 2024)
- Hawaii (since August 2024)
- California (since September 2024)
- Iowa (since October 2024)
- New Mexico (since December 2024)
- Montana (since August 2025)
- North Dakota (since September 2025)
- West Virginia (since October 2025)
- Illinois (since November 2025)
Coming Soon:
- Connecticut
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Oklahoma
- Utah
- Arkansas
- Virginia
Limitations of This Technology
While this technology is undeniably convenient, it's worth noting that there are limitations. For starters, Apple Wallet IDs are generally not accepted by law enforcement officials, especially during a traffic stop, as most states still require you to carry a physical ID card.
Additionally, many businesses might refuse to accept an Apple Wallet ID as a valid proof of age for purchasing alcohol or tobacco products, especially when the business requires its employees to scan the ID.
However, the Apple Wallet ID can be used to verify your identity at TSA checkpoints at more than 250 airports across the country. In fact, Apple even has a way to use your passport to create a Digital ID to use for domestic flights at the airport, even if your state does not offer Apple Wallet ID yet.
“With the launch of Digital ID, we’re excited to expand the ways users can store and present their identity — all with the security and privacy built into iPhone and Apple Watch,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, in a news release. “Since introducing the ability to add a driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet in 2022, we’ve seen how much users love having their ID right on their devices. Digital IDs brings this secure and convenient option to even more users across the country, as they can now add an ID to Wallet using information from their U.S. passport.”
However, it's always important to carry your physical form of identification just in case.