Apple announces digital driver's license feature in Utah

To add a state ID or driver’s license to Apple Wallet, customers will be asked to scan their physical ID card and take a selfie, which is securely sent to the issuing state for verification. Photo: Apple

CUPERTINO, Calif. — On Wednesday, Apple announced that it is working with several states (one being Utah) on the ability for residents to add their driver’s license or state ID to their iPhone Wallet or Apple Watch.

Arizona and Georgia will be the first states to utilize the feature, followed by Utah, Connecticut, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, and Oklahoma.

“Utah has always been a forward-looking state. We regularly hear from people who want to access their driver license through their phones,” said Jess Anderson, commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety. “This is a great opportunity for Utah to work with Apple in an innovative use of technology. This secure mobile license adds convenience while helping keep Utah safe.”

The first locations where this feature will be available will be at certain Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport security checkpoints.

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iPhone users will be able to add their credentials by simply scanning their license or ID with their camera. They will also have to provide a selfie, which will be sent to the state for verification.

To use the mobile ID, users will just have to provide their Face or Touch ID to retrieve their digital identity information — similar to the other features in the Wallet app.

“The addition of driver’s licenses and state IDs to Apple Wallet is an important step in our vision of replacing the physical wallet with a secure and easy-to-use mobile wallet,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet. “We are excited that the TSA and so many states are already on board to help bring this to life for travelers across the country using only their iPhone and Apple Watch, and we are already in discussions with many more states as we’re working to offer this nationwide in the future.”

Apple said it will be announced later specifically where and when the feature will be enabled.

You can learn more here.