Apple Announces That Users Can Upload Their Driver’s License To Wallet App

Apple announced today that it has worked with several states to allow residents to upload their driver’s licenses and state IDs to Wallet, the App that allows users to store their credit and bank card information and pay for products through their mobile device.

Arizona and Georgia will be the first states to introduce the ability to upload a driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet, with Connecticut, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Utah set to follow.

The TSA has also worked with Apple to allow people at airports flying domestically to present their photo ID through Apple Wallet.

“This new and innovative mobile driver’s license and state ID initiative with Apple and states around the country will enable a more seamless airport security screening experience for travelers,” said David Pekoske, TSA Administrator. “This initiative marks a major milestone by TSA to provide an additional level of convenience for the traveler by enabling more opportunities for touchless TSA airport security screening.”

To upload a license to a mobile device, the owner has to do more than simply take a picture of the card. Along with that, the license holder will have to take a selfie, which will be provided to the issuing state for verification. Users will also be prompted to complete a series of facial and head movements during the setup process in an attempt to ensure that no one is attempting fraud by taking a picture of a picture.

Apple says that when the license holder is trying to present their identification, they will be asked to either use Face ID or Touch ID to certify that they are, indeed, the one to whom it belongs and not, say, an unlicensed child trying to drive.

According to Apple, users never have to hand over their device or even unlock it because a specially designed identity reader will be used to read the identifying information. The tech company adds that neither the issuing state nor Apple is made aware of when users present their identification.

If a user misplaces their phone, the Find My app can be used to either remotely lock or erase the information on their device.

Participating states and the TSA will announce at later dates when support for the mobile driver’s license and ID will be available. Users with an Apple Watch will also be able to present their identifying documents through their smartwatch.