iPhone Driver's License Feature in Apple Wallet App Now Live in Illinois

[smithrh]

One other point for electronic ID now that I think of it -

If you lose your wallet and someone else has it, they have both a treasure trove of information and access to purchase things until you are able to shut it down, plus whatever cash you might have been carrying.

If you lose your iPhone, nothing is at risk. It will absolutely still suck, of course, as you'll be greatly inconvenienced until you either get it back or buy another iPhone, but no one else will be able to gain from it.

Edit: I looked into the exact language the IL SOS used and I wish they would be more direct, but in any case this is only for identification purposes at this time. Bars, liquor stores, TSA. It's not usable at this time as an actual digital driver's license. I edited my other post to reflect that.

Bottom line, probably best to keep your physical DL with you when driving, especially across state lines.

Now, will a cop grudgingly accept the electronic version? Possibly, but it will depend on mood, circumstances and so on. It's likely a lot of people will start using the electronic version and will be pulled over and well, we'll see how that plays out over time.

 

[Corefile]

You shouldn't be handing ANY phone to a cop. You should be filming them with it so can't do that if they have it. BTW, only say to said cop "I plead the 5th. I want my lawyer. I do not consent to any searches or seizures."

 

[smithrh]

You shouldn't be handing ANY phone to a cop. You should be filming them with it so can't do that if they have it. BTW, only say to said cop "I plead the 5th. I want my lawyer. I do not consent to any searches or seizures."

You didn't read anything here before you posted this, got it.

 

[deeddawg]

Does it show your birthdate and photo? That's the only things I see bars looking at.

I've never been to a bar that scans the barcode. Some liquor stores do.

It shows no data on the screen.

All data is handled by NFC. You're prompted with what specific data is requested for your review before you authorize it being sent.

Be a while before this is widely adopted due to the reader equipment being needed.

 

[deeddawg]

You can see the image of your physical ID in the wallet if you want to show it to someone.

Not my experience with in GA.

Which state are you using it in, and how do you make it display the image of your physical ID?

 

[deeddawg]

I mean its already been this way for a long time.

Yep, already tons of tracking data just by carrying your phone with you.

 

[gank41]

I've never had anyone scan (or try to) my ID other than liquor stores. Where is this common otherwise?

The Marijuana Dispensary by my house scans our IDs when we walk in. Some liquor stores that have the tech. There's a craft brewery by my house that only accepts cards, no cash, and they scan IDs at the door..

 

[vpr611]

So any idea where the Illinois Secretary of State sends the verification code?

 

[jaytv111]

I can’t wait to add my mobile ID to my forehead so I can go around tapping it on payment terminals and TSA booths

Headbutt to pay will be the next big thing.

 

[Prof.]

What a JOKE!!! My state sucks as it always has when it comes to GOVT and tech !

I mean... why are we complaining about advanced security measures that are in place? I had to wait for a code to come via USPS to move my mail from my old address to my new one. Same thing applies here. We're talking about our identity. I appreciate all the extra steps I need to jump through to ensure my information stays as safe as possible.

In the meantime, I have my physical Drivers License.

 

[Pcar17]

It was super easy to add my state of Illinois drivers license! The Apple Wallet does show all of the info on the front of your physical license including your headshot picture when you drill down into your license in the Apple Wallet. It’s easily accessed. For everyone freaking out about showing the digital license to law enforcement by letting them have your phone, it’s best to carry your license with you in your car or backpack. I agree it best to never give them your phone!

 

[coolfactor]

So any idea where the Illinois Secretary of State sends the verification code?

To your home address.

 

[thomaspp]

"Illinois" doesn't show up as a state-option on my active 17_pro_max (iOS 26.1). Been trying since about 8:30 AM. Rebooted, Restarted, closed all the apps. Still no option. Contacted Apple Care and they were stumped. Got the brush off from senior support and the famous "give it till the end of the day. It should show up. We'll call you in the morning!" Meanwhile on my old 16_pro_max (also iOS 26.1) "Illinois" is available. Any luck for anyone who's also having this issue?

 

[gank41]

"Illinois" doesn't show up as a state-option on my active 17_pro_max (iOS 26.1). Been trying since about 8:30 AM. Rebooted, Restarted, closed all the apps. Still no option. Contacted Apple Care and they were stumped. Got the brush off from senior support and the famous "give it till the end of the day. It should show up. We'll call you in the morning!" Meanwhile on my old 16_pro_max (also iOS 26.1) "Illinois" is available. Any luck for anyone who's also having this issue?

FWIW, it's been listed for me all day, but I wasn't able to add it until just recently. At one point this morning I even received a message about high demand and that I'd get a notification.. In your case, the Apple Tech may be right. This feature was on WGN and other local stations here, so, not just the normal 'tech folks' setting this up, but also a lot of people reading about this or seeing it on the news.

Not ideal, but maybe try at like 3AM just to test? If you can? I bet it'd be fine tomorrow, though.

 

[ebika]

"Illinois" doesn't show up as a state-option on my active 17_pro_max (iOS 26.1). Been trying since about 8:30 AM. Rebooted, Restarted, closed all the apps. Still no option. Contacted Apple Care and they were stumped. Got the brush off from senior support and the famous "give it till the end of the day. It should show up. We'll call you in the morning!" Meanwhile on my old 16_pro_max (also iOS 26.1) "Illinois" is available. Any luck for anyone who's also having this issue?

I wouldn't be surprised if they are rolling it out in a ramp or in waves. It didn't show up on my phone until mid afternoon.

 

[thomaspp]

I wouldn't be surprised if they are rolling it out in a ramp or in waves. It didn't show up on my phone until mid afternoon.

Thank you. Did you do anything special before it showed up, or did you keep checking the Wallet > "+" > DL & ID Cards?

 

[Adysubman]

“Let’s go live to the comments section…”

 

[ebika]

Thank you. Did you do anything special before it showed up, or did you keep checking the Wallet > "+" > DL & ID Cards?

I tried restarting my phone a couple times this morning, but that seemingly didn't do anything for this. I just checked in the wallet periodically.

 

[thomaspp]

Thank you. Did you do anything special before it showed up, or did you keep checking the Wallet > "+" > DL & ID Cards?

And like that ... the option just showed up! Completed the setup and awaiting verification!

 

[thomaspp]

And like that ... the option just showed up! Completed the setup and awaiting verification!

Now being prompted to "Enter Code (Use the verification code you received from Illinois Secretary of State.)" with no clear steps to follow. I can only assume they mean a code I'll receive in the mail in about 3 to 5 business days. FYI: I moved back in July and had to go through an in-person verification process. Not sure if that's a factor or not. Message from the https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/drivers/mobile-id/support.html#Setting-up-your-Mobile-ID page:

I’ve gone through the steps and see a message to “Enter your mail-in code.” What is this, and where do I find the code?
This message typically means that the Illinois Secretary of State’s office needs to verify some of your information. In 3 to 5 days, the Secretary of State will mail you a letter with a unique PIN. This PIN will serve as your “mail-in code.” After you receive your PIN, return to Apple Wallet and enter the code to complete the sign-up process.

 

[Prof.]

Has anyone been verified yet?

 

[Alan Wynn]

I've never had anyone scan (or try to) my ID other than liquor stores. Where is this common otherwise?

Many clubs and sports venues use them to verify age. Most rental companies and some hotels scan ID now.

More and more will over time, just like ApplePay.

 

[Alan Wynn]

I'm not so sure how this will play out, in particular for stores.

To get the scanning entitlement one needs to state for what purpose it will be used.

Apple can't restrict what information they request from their payment terminals.

Actually they can. Part of the request for the entitlement, is a requirement that one provide a reason for needing ID presentment. If one’s reason is age verification, one is only able to receive an “age over” response from the device. To receive more data one needs a legally valid reason to request a broader entitlement.

My guess is most stores will request more information because they can use it for marketing purposes or sell it to data brokers.

In most states, taking someone’s information without permission is a felony.

Same reason why some stores now insist on scanning your DL rather than just taking a look at your DoB.

Do you have some proof of this? Most point of sale systems require ID scanning to unlock age-barred as a way of enabling cashiers to easily justify their refusal to see to minors without being accused of discrimination and without placing themselves and the merchant into legal jeopardy by misreading an ID, miscalculating the age or not even asking for one.

If there are stores doing what you claim, it should be easy to provide examples.

 

[KPOM]

Has anyone been verified yet?

Yes.

 

[KPOM]

So any idea where the Illinois Secretary of State sends the verification code?

My ID verified about 20 minutes after I submitted everything.