If you travel on vacation, you have a lot to keep track of as you drive through the airport. Tickets, boarding passes, luggage, loved ones and, of course, IDs.
Almost all airlines allow you to board using a digital version of your boarding pass, but some states allow residents to store their driver’s license or other recognized identification in Apple Wallet. and you just need to flash your iPhone or Apple Watch. Instead of rooting the notebook for an ID,
Apple announced an initiative in 2021 to bring the technology into iOS 15 for iPhone.
“Adding your driver’s license and state ID to Apple Wallet is important to our vision of replacing physical wallets with secure and easy-to-use mobile wallets,” said Jennifer Bailey, vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet. It’s a big step,” he said. statement at the time.
Twelve states have committed to allowing digital identities, but only three have officially started accepting them.
Also, while you may be able to pick up your driver’s license on your Apple Watch at the airport of departure, the same benefits may not apply on your return trip.
However, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) already supports the technology at some airport security checkpoints at participating airports.
“Digital IDs can improve airport security and improve the passenger experience by reducing touchpoints, enhancing privacy and more accurately verifying identities,” the agency said in a statement. I’m here. So the question is not if the option will become standard nationwide, but when.
Here’s what you need to know, including how to put your driver’s license in Apple Wallet and which states recognize your digital ID.
read: Homeland Security postpones physical ID deadline at airports
How do I add my driver’s license to Apple Wallet?
Adding a driver’s license or other state ID is similar to adding a new credit card to Apple Wallet.
First, tap the “+” button at the top of the Wallet screen. (If you’ve paired your Apple Watch to your iPhone, you’ll also be asked about adding licenses there.)
Dan Avery/CNET
Then scan your physical driver’s license with your iPhone’s camera and take a selfie. This is “securely provided to the issuing country for verification,” he said, Apple said.
You will also be asked to complete a series of face and head movements “as an additional security step”.
Once your ID is verified by the issuing state, it will be added to your wallet.
To add a license or ID to Apple Wallet, it must be issued by a participating state. Additionally, you need:
- iPhone 8 or later with the latest version of iOS or WatchOS, or Apple Watch Series 4 or later
- Face ID or Touch ID turned on
- An Apple ID with two-factor authentication turned on
- Device region is set to United States
also, TSA pre-check The TSA website says they are eligible to have their boarding pass flashed with a digital license, but they plan to add options for other passengers in the future.
Only one license or ID can be added to an Apple Watch paired with an iPhone at a time.
At this time, only Arizona, Colorado, and Maryland residents can upload licenses.
Dan Avery/CNET
In which states can I use my digital driver’s license on my iPhone?
Apple originally announced that eight states will be participating in the program in 2021, but has increased that number to 12 this year. However, these are the states that have committed to accepting Apple Wallet ID, but not currently.
Currently, only Arizona, Colorado, and Maryland support the Digital ID feature, and only at select security checkpoints at those airports.
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
- Baltimore Washington International Airport Thurgood Marshall Airport
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Utah have pledged to support the initiative, as has Puerto Rico, though no specific timetable has been announced.
Other states will soon join the roster. Last year, Bailey said Apple was “in talks with more states.”
In November, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles announced that it was “under consideration” for digital ID options.
“There is a caveat that a committee has been set up to investigate this idea, which is still being investigated,” said Maranda Williams, a spokeswoman for The State, a Columbia, South Carolina, news agency.
Apart from Apple’s efforts, some states allow residents to upload their driver’s licenses to their phones through state-run apps, such as Louisiana’s LA Wallet. However, these are for driving and age verification purposes and are not yet accepted by the TSA.
apple
How can I use licenses stored in Apple Wallet with TSA?
To present your digital ID, tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to the ID reader at the security checkpoint.
Next, you’ll be asked to verify your identity with Face ID or Touch ID.
If successful, a check mark will appear on the screen.
According to Apple, “You don’t have to unlock the device, show it, or hand it over. [to a TSA agent].”
Is this technology safe?
According to Apple, yes. According to a statement on the Apple Support website, the program uses the same privacy and security features found on the iPhone and Apple Watch to prevent tampering and theft.
“Your driver’s license or state ID data is encrypted,” it said. “Neither state issuing agencies nor Apple can verify when and where a user has used a license or ID. It helps make it possible.”
If my state accepts digital IDs, do I still need a physical license at the airport?
yes. This program is just getting started and there is no guarantee that the TSA agent you encounter will be able to accept your driver’s license in your Apple Wallet.
“All passengers must have their physical driver’s license readily available,” the TSA said on its website. “TSA officials may request this physical ID in addition to your digital ID.”
Where else can I use my Digital ID?
with iOS 16 rollout In June, apps that require age or identity verification will be able to accept ID cards stored in the Apple Wallet app, Apple said.
According to MacRumors, Uber Eats and car-sharing service Turo are two apps that may offer this feature, though neither offer it officially.
Apple also says retail stores, restaurants, and other locations will take advantage of the feature in the future.
I have an android phone. Can I upload my ID to Google Wallet?
In a December 2022 system update, Google announced it is conducting a beta test that will allow Android smartphone users to upload their driver’s license to Google Wallet for “convenient, private and secure presentations.” Did.
The company said the feature will be available in “select US states,” but didn’t specify which states or when.
read: Smartphones replaced Wow Factor for peace of mind in 2022
