AI News Feed
Market watch
Blizzard to Revive StarCraft as Open-World Shooter in 2030TechRadar writer rides Volkswagen's 'world's safest e-bike' at IFA 2026TechRadar Calls Returnal a Must-Play as PS5 Exclusives Remain Scarce Six Years OnFly Language Model Ties Full Fruit Fly Connectome to Frozen 1.2B LLM; Controls Show No Gain From WiringDell UltraSharp U3226Q Review: Creator Monitor Wins Praise, Price Draws ScrutinyLG Denies Smart TV Recording Claims After Gamers Nexus Report
Blizzard to Revive StarCraft as Open-World Shooter in 2030TechRadar writer rides Volkswagen's 'world's safest e-bike' at IFA 2026TechRadar Calls Returnal a Must-Play as PS5 Exclusives Remain Scarce Six Years OnFly Language Model Ties Full Fruit Fly Connectome to Frozen 1.2B LLM; Controls Show No Gain From WiringDell UltraSharp U3226Q Review: Creator Monitor Wins Praise, Price Draws ScrutinyLG Denies Smart TV Recording Claims After Gamers Nexus Report
Products & Applications

Apple Wallet adds digital driver's licenses in 17 US states and territories: how to set one up

Drivers in 17 US states and territories can store a digital license in Apple Wallet, Engadget reports, letting iPhone and Apple Watch users prove identity or age without a physical card.

AI News Feed · 2026-09-13 03:49

Apple first offered storage for digital versions of personal identification on its devices several years ago, a feature the company says can speed up airport security checkpoints. State IDs and passports can also be kept in the Wallet app. The digital license is encrypted and stored on the device, and Apple says neither it nor the issuing authority can see where or when a user shares the digital ID. Before any scan, the holder sees which data the other party will receive; Engadget gives the example of a bartender who may see only confirmation that the customer is over 21 and that the photo matches. Information is released only after the user authenticates with Touch ID or Face ID.

Acceptance of digital IDs is not yet consistent or widespread, though some businesses and venues, including bars and restaurants, support them.

To set one up, open the Wallet app on an iPhone and tap the plus icon, then select Driver's License and ID Cards and choose the relevant region or state. Users decide whether the license lives on the iPhone alone or on an Apple Watch as well; it can be added to a watch later. The next step is scanning both sides of the physical license, which Apple recommends doing in a well-lit space against a neutral background. The user then confirms identity with a selfie or Live Photo, and may be asked to tilt their head in certain directions or smile; bright, even lighting and a plain background are advised, with sunglasses and head accessories removed. Authentication follows through Touch ID or Face ID, which links the license to a fingerprint or face; people who rely on iPhone accessibility features can use a passcode instead.

The issuing authority must approve the digital license before it can be used. If more information is required, a notification directs the user to the authority's website for further instructions. A license can exist on only one iPhone or Apple Watch at a time; to move it during the transfer to a new iPhone, the user taps Wallet, selects the ID and follows the on-screen directions.

Outside Japan's My Number Cards, availability is limited to the United States. Apple Wallet accepts driver's licenses from Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Virginia and West Virginia. The North Carolina DMV plans to support digital IDs in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet starting in early 2027, and reports suggest Utah will join the list soon.