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See if you're eligible for Apple's new TSA-approved digital driver's license

Zach Honig
Articles
Zach Honig is Editor-at-Large at TPG, with contributions ranging from articles digging deep on loyalty programs and credit cards to delivery flight coverage to drone photography and much more.
Sept. 01, 2021
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2 min read
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See if you're eligible for Apple's new TSA-approved digital driver's license
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Update 9/1/21: Digital ID functionality isn't available just yet — once states begin enabling access, iPhone owners will need to update their device to iOS 15 before adding an electronic version of their state identification or driver's license.

Big news for iPhone owners in a handful of U.S. states: This week, Apple began rolling out support for digital versions of driver's licenses and state IDs, letting states begin the process of enabling eligible customers to access and display their identification via the Wallet app.

Once participating states flip the switch, iPhone owners with IDs issued by Arizona and Georgia will be able to add their documents first, with the service rolling out to customers in Connecticut, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma and Utah soon.

Related: 6 travel-friendly features coming to Apple’s newest iPhone software

While the new option isn't yet live, even for ID holders in Arizona and Georgia, once it's available you'll be able to head over to the Wallet app and hit the "+" in the top right to begin the process. You'll be prompted to scan your physical ID card and take a selfie. After your state approves your digital ID, it'll be available in your Apple Wallet.

(Image courtesy of Apple)

Best of all, the Transportation Security Administration is onboard — you'll be able to display your digital ID at checkpoints across the U.S. "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," TSA administrator David Pekoske said in Apple's press release.

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To pull up your digital identification at a checkpoint, you'll open the Wallet app and select your ID. After authenticating via Face ID or Touch ID, you'll be able to display your ID and present it to the TSA officer.

(Image courtesy of Apple)

Android users will have to wait a bit longer for OS-based support, but some states already issue their own digital wallets. For example, Louisiana's "LA Wallet" app supports Android and iOS, lets drivers access a digital version of their license that's accepted by businesses and law enforcement, and can be renewed electronically.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.