iPhone Driver's License Feature Slow to Expand, Only Available in Three States

[MacRumors]

In 2021, Apple introduced a feature that lets residents of participating U.S. states add their driver's license or ID to the Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age.

Unfortunately, states have been slow to adopt the feature since it was first announced in September 2021, with Wallet app IDs only supported in Arizona, Colorado, and Maryland so far. Apple shared a list of additional states committed to supporting the feature in the future, but none of the states in the list have revealed any plans yet.

Which U.S. states support the feature?

• Arizona (as of March 2022)
• Maryland (as of May 2022)
• Colorado (as of November 2022)

Which U.S. states are committed to supporting the feature?

In March 2022, Apple said the additional nine states listed below would "soon" allow residents to add their driver's license or state ID to the Wallet app, but it's unclear exactly when each state plans to roll out support for the feature.

• Connecticut
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Mississippi
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Utah

Apple said the feature would also be supported in Puerto Rico.

In 2021, Apple Wallet VP Jennifer Bailey said the company was "already in discussions with many more states" and working to offer the feature nationwide in the future. Apple has yet to announce any plans to expand the feature to other countries.

Note that some states like Florida and Louisiana offer iPhone driver's licenses through their own state-operated apps, separate from this Wallet app feature.

Where can IDs in the Wallet app be used?

Driver's licenses and state ID cards stored in the Wallet app can currently be used at select TSA checkpoints within select U.S. airports:

• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)

Apple says travelers should refer to TSA checkpoint signage to confirm availability of the feature.

For more details about IDs in the Wallet app, read our previous coverage.

Article Link: iPhone Driver's License Feature Slow to Expand, Only Available in Three States

 

[TheLisnakFactor]

This is just so disappointing. I've been looking forward to it. I am down to carrying three things on me at all times - a credit card, a debit card and an ID. I would love to carry less and this would be a big push in that direction! Great technology. Needs more adoption.

 

[mrat93]

I know that it’s just a start, but still weird for me that the only place to use this is airports. You still need a physical ID for your return trip if you’re not traveling between AZ, CO, or MD. I feel like this is hardly convenient.

I’ll be much more excited for this when I don’t need to carry my physical license when driving within my state, at least.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Where is Las Vegas, Nevada on the list?

Seeing how long this is taking.. it's going to take good 10+ years before it can cover all 50 states in the 🇺🇸 USA.

 

[dannyyankou]

Supposedly New York is working on their own digital ID. I'd rather they spend their money on other things, but that's just me.

 

[zinacef]

Since its release I’ve only used it once at PHX. Now I either use the actual card or the AZ state issued app.

 

[tliede20]

California is also working on their own ID too apparently.

Digital IDs could arrive for Californians this spring. Here’s how they’ll work

California Governor Gavin Newsom spoke about the future of digital driver’s licenses in the state when sharing his new budget proposal in Sacramento this week.

ktla.com

 

[k1121j]

Cause some states are stuck in the dark ages. cough….. New Hampshire

 

[uncle.zed]

Europe, Poland. I carry around only iPhone here.
Apple Pay works everywhare, havent used cash for ages.
ID, Driver's license, and other documents in APP.
I wonder why USA is so slow with this stuff.

 

[Shirasaki]

Seeing how slow Australia adapting Apple Pay, I don’t see this digital drivers licence thing happening in Australia anytime soon, definitely not when US domestic adoption is so slow.

 

[vegetassj4]

If it can't be used in lieu of my physical license, no thanks.

 

[Paddle1]

Weird that not even Apple's own state supports it.

 

[macsplusmacs]

California is also working on their own ID too apparently.

Digital IDs could arrive for Californians this spring. Here’s how they’ll work

California Governor Gavin Newsom spoke about the future of digital driver’s licenses in the state when sharing his new budget proposal in Sacramento this week.

ktla.com

HURRRRREEYYYY UP CA.

Here I am carrying one extra thing in my pocket like a loser!

I have the mag safe apple wallet. all I need, but would love to carry one more (max 3 items in the mag safe) in it, having the DL in my phone would create one more "slot".

 

[temende]

It's pretty funny that it's not available in California, meaning a large number of Apple employees (and almost all of the executives) won't be able to take advantage of it.

 

[anson42]

Is this a surprise? Trying to get all the state and local governments to make anything happen is nigh impossible. Consider the various technologies in use or the politics at play or the funding available or perceived value, etc.

 

[Rychiar]

i was eagerly awaiting there CT one but the more i think about it It really doesn’t have much function unless ya travel a lot and you’re still gonna need your physical license even then 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂

 

[aranhamo76]

Utah just released their own mobile id app, and it can only be used at select businesses. It can’t be used to drive.

 

[compwiz1202]

Cause some states are stuck in the dark ages. cough….. New Hampshire

More like PA. We will be after every state and DC and all the Territories.

 

[mcilwraith]

i took photos of both sides of my driving licence. keep it in notes. kinda works.

here in UK, we might see official version by 2030??

 

[compwiz1202]

If it can't be used in lieu of my physical license, no thanks.

View attachment 2169246

Yes, what is even the point then. That would be like having AP but still having to present your card.

 

[_Spinn_]

Not surprised that this is taking forever to rollout.

 

[compwiz1202]

I don't know if I would trust this anyhow with how easy it is to do anything on an iPhone with just the passcode.

 

[JosephAW]

Living in the armpit of America. Pennsylvania. Everything is 5 years behind.

 

[rjohnstone]

I just went to DC via Reagan National back in Feb. TSA didn't have the equipment for it running yet.
Same with Phoenix Sky Harbor (where I live.) Agent said they don't have the readers at all checkpoints yet.

 

[RevTEG]

Europe, Poland. I carry around only iPhone here.
Apple Pay works everywhare, havent used cash for ages.
ID, Driver's license, and other documents in APP.
I wonder why USA is so slow with this stuff.

Many people from the States, including myself, love to think we are the most advanced country in the world. While I love the US, I’ve traveled enough to know we are far behind the technology curve. Many countries across Asia and Europe are far more technologically advanced at least on an application level.