Apple Wallet To Carry IDs & Driver’s Licenses In 8 States, Will Be Touch-Free
Image via Apple
Eight US states are about to enable the storing of driver’s licenses or state IDs on iPhones or Apple Watches for even more ease of access, with the tech giant working with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Arizona and Georgia will implement the feature first, followed by Connecticut, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Utah.
In its news release, Apple writes that “select airport security checkpoints and lanes in participating airports” will be the first locations to allow commuters to use their IDs stored in Wallet to travel.
“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,” says David Pekoske, TSA Administrator, in a statement.
“An additional level of convenience” is provided, he adds, “by enabling more opportunities for touchless TSA airport security screening.” As seen over the last year and a half of the pandemic, anything contactless is bound to be welcomed with open arms.
Users will be able to add their IDs to Wallet in a similar way to adding payment cards to the app. A selfie needs to be uploaded to verify identity, too.
When the information needs to be accessed at a TSA checkpoint, users will have to use Face ID or Touch ID to unlock the information, ensuring security and peace of mind.
Image via Apple
This feature offers “superior security” to a physical wallet, which we’re seeing less of nowadays as mobile payments continually rise in popularity. It takes advantage of Wallet’s existing security features, while allowing ID information to be encrypted and transferred between the device and identity reader.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont declares that the new addition to the state’s “modernization efforts” will “make residents’ lives easier, and keep their identities secure.”
“We’re pleased to be one of the first states working with Apple to deploy driver’s licenses and state identification cards in Apple Wallet, and we’re looking forward to taking the next steps to make sure this new feature benefits our residents.”
“This function will be available alongside the iOS 15 update, which is scheduled for release later this month.
Image via Apple
[via Engadget, images via Apple]
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