Apple Wallet bringing driver’s license and state IDs support in California

Apple has announced a way to verify your age or identity at select TSA security checkpoints, businesses, and selected apps by supporting driver’s licenses and state IDs coming to the Wallet app in California. With this, you can show a license or state ID with your iPhone or Apple Watch.

Apple is working with the California state government to bring IDs to Apple Wallet and provide a way to show their license and state ID in person and in-app.

The Cupertino-based tech company said this new capability will be secured by iPhone and Apple Watch’s security features. That will keep a cover on identity and personal information.

To add a state ID or license to the Apple Wallet, the app will contact the state issuing authority. At that time, the authority will receive only the information required to approve or deny this process of associating the ID to Apple Wallet.

Driver’s License and State IDs added to Apple Wallet in iPhone and Apple Watch in California (Source – Apple)

Such authentication will also be used during a transaction with only required information will be processed. Eventually, the user will have the option to review and authorize the information via Face ID or Touch ID before it can be shared.

However, users don’t need to unlock, show, or hand over their device to show the ID. Further information suggests that this ID information is encrypted in the device and cannot be decrypted.

“Apple and the state-issuing authority do not know when or where or with whom a user presents their driver’s license or state ID, and Apple doesn’t see or retain any presentment information that can be tied back to a user,” wrote the company in a press release.

As usual, users can locate or lock their devices via the Find My app in case anyone misplaced an iPhone or Apple Watch. You will also have an option to erase it.

IDs with Apple Wallet are available in five other states including Arizona, Maryland, Colorado, Georgia, and Ohio.

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