Apple Hands Out First Driver’s License In-App Access In Arizona
Last year, Apple revealed it was working with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to allow for users to store their driver’s licenses or state identifications on their Apple Wallets, so they can be accessed any time on the go with a simple tap.
Now, one state has made that a reality, with Arizonan iPhone owners being the first in the country to be able to add their identification cards to their iPhones or Apple Watches.
“We’re thrilled to bring the first driver’s license and state ID in Wallet to Arizona today, and provide Arizonans with an easy, secure, and private way to present their ID when traveling,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s Vice President of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.
As per Apple, users will be made to take a verification selfie and scan the back and front of their identification cards to add them to their Wallets.
This portable digital ID will allow users to pass through TSA checkpoints at the state’s Sky Harbor International Airport, though the driver’s license will not be valid at police traffic stops.
Unfortunately, it still doesn’t mean users can ditch their physical IDs for good. At the moment, the mobile identification will not showcase a user’s picture or information, so you’ll still have to carry the actual card around for places that require photo verification.
According to CNBC, in addition to the previously announced states of Georgia, Connecticut, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Utah, an additional five states—Colorado, Hawaii, Mississippi, Ohio, and Puerto Rico—could be the next on the list to adopt the technology.
Arizonans who wish to add their IDs to Wallet will have to do so on iPhone 8 or later running iOS 15.4, or Apple Watch Series 4 or later running WatchOS 8.4 or later.
