Starting today, Virginia residents can add a digital version of their driver’s license to the Apple Wallet app on iPhone and Apple Watch. Digital ID can be used to display proof of identity or age at TSA checkpoints at some airports, at some businesses, and in some apps, but the number of places where it is accepted is still quite limited.
Virginia is the 15th state to implement support for Apple Wallet IDs in the United States, joining Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, and West Virginia. The feature is also available in Puerto Rico and works with the Japanese My Number card.
Apple is preparing to launch the feature in North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Utah as soon as this year, and years ago it announced that Connecticut, Kentucky, and Mississippi had committed to launching the feature at some point.
To set up the feature, open the Wallet app on iPhone and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Next, tap Driver’s Licenses & ID Cards, select Virginia from the list, and follow the on-screen steps to complete the process. Then you can present your digital ID where it is accepted without handing over your device.
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You can present an Apple Wallet ID when it’s accepted by simply tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch on an ID reader. Then you will be able to view the specific information requested by TSA or the company. Only after authorization with Face ID or Touch ID is the requested identity information published on your device.
As mentioned, you don’t need to unlock, display, or hand over your device to present an Apple Wallet ID in person, ensuring user privacy.
Apple Wallet IDs are generally not accepted by law enforcement, so having a physical ID is still legally required for traffic stops. Additionally, the number of businesses accepting Apple Wallet IDs is still quite small. At least for now, Apple Wallet IDs are designed to be a convenient alternative where they are accepted.
Apple Wallet IDs are accepted at TSA checkpoints at more than 250 airports in the United States for domestic travel, according to Apple.
