Submitted by Frank Macey on
Arizona is breaking new ground as the first state to support Apple's digital state ID and driver's license. Residents can submit their digital ID for approval, which adds the document to the Wallet app on iPhone. Once added, the iPhone or Apple Watch can be used to present the digital ID in place of a traditional card at TSA checkpoints in Phoenix Sky Harbor airport. Apple plans to launch the technology in additional US locales soon.
The first places on the list after Arizona include Colorado, Hawaii, Ohio, and Puerto Rico. These jurisdictions join the states of Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Utah, which previously announced plans to adopt Apple Wallet for digital IDs. TSA will offer touchless airport security screening using Apple Wallet at participating airports as more areas introduce this capability to residents.
Apple explains that driver's licenses and state IDs in Wallet provide a seamless, secure, and convenient way for people to present their documents using iPhone or Apple Watch. No physical card is required, and thanks to NFC technology the owner does not have to hand over the device to authorities. Authorizing with Face ID or Touch ID is required to share any information when identity documents are requested. Apple and the issuing states do not receive any information about when a user presents their ID. All transfers of data are encrypted and support the ISO 18013-5 mDL (mobile driver's license) standard, which protects privacy.
iPhone 8 or later running iOS 15.4 or later is required to use digital ID. For those using Apple Watch, the Series 4 running watchOS 8.4 or later is required.