You can store your driver’s license in Apple Wallet if you live in these states
Thanks to your smartphone, consider all the things you no longer have to carry around. These incredible devices house a clock, camera, GPS, credit card, phone book, browser, gaming system, flashlight, notebook and much more.
You still need proof of vaccination, depending on where you go. If you’re going to fly, visit another country or attend an event, chances are you’ll need a vaccine card. Rather than carry the card everywhere, you can store a digital copy on your smartphone. Tap or click here to learn how.
If you think smartphones have come as far as possible, think again. Apple is working with several states to let residents store their driver’s licenses or state IDs in Apple Wallet. Now you can if you live in one of these states. We’ll show you how it works.
Available in these states, with more coming
If you live in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia or Maryland, you can add your driver’s license or state ID to your Apple Wallet. You can then present it at select Transport Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints.
This currently works at the following U.S. airports:
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
- Denver International Airport (DEN).
- Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT).
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
- Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN).
- Miami International Airport (MIA).
- Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC).
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).
The TSA notes that travelers must present alternative physical ID if requested.
Eligible travelers can tap their iPhone or Apple Watch at the TSA’s Credential Authentication Technology reader. The security officer will verify your identity and flight status.
The feature is only available to passengers with TSA PreCheck added to their boarding passes at this time. The capability will roll out to other passengers soon.
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How to add your ID to your iPhone
It takes just a few steps to add your ID or driver’s license to your phone:
- Open Settings and tap Wallet & Apple Pay.
- Under Payment Cards, tap Add Card.
- Tap Driver’s License or State ID and choose your state.
- Tap Continue and scan the front and back of your ID.
- Verify your identity via selfie.
- Send it to your state for approval.
You need an iPhone 8 or newer running the latest iOS and Apple Watch Series 4 or newer running the latest watchOS to add your ID. The feature is coming soon to residents of Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Utah and Puerto Rico.
Apple says that the driver’s license and state ID stored in your Wallet is presented digitally through encrypted communication between the device and the identity reader, so you don’t need to show or hand over your device.
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Some risks
While convenient, be aware of some risks, such as data tracking and surveillance. This makes it easier to increase the need to show your ID in any situation since so many people carry smartphones.
And what will Apple do with this information about you? Can it be shared with third parties? There is also always a chance of a data breach, which could expose your identity.
Don’t leave your physical one behind if you carry a digital ID. Your digital ID won’t be accepted everywhere, and you do not want to get caught in a situation where you need your physical ID but don’t have it (such as being pulled over by the police).
Something as simple as a dead battery could keep you from getting on your flight if you rely solely on your phone for identification.
Keep reading
Traveling this year? Don’t get fooled by these cancellation scams
Have an iPhone 14? How to send an emergency text when you don’t have a signal
Tags: airports, Apple, Apple iPhone, Apple Wallet, Apple Watch, battery, breaches, browser, camera, clock, credit card, data tracking, digital copy, flashlight, identity, phone book, PreCheck, proof of vaccination, security, smartphones, Surveillance, vaccination, vaccine card
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