Apple Wallet Driver's License Feature to Launch in Four More U.S. States

Had this for over 4 years-- TSA checkpoints have no idea what to do with it, law enforcement won't accept it, I haven't really found a single place that will use it or knows how to use it. Great idea, and I suppose this is how we move progress forward, but frustrating that nobody seems to know what to do with it.

I like the idea but Apple needs to make it so police officers have no access to your other personal files like iMessages and photos and social media accounts if they get nosy.

Please don't spread misinformation. This functionality is already built into the protocol.

I like the idea but Apple needs to make it so police officers have no access to your other personal files like iMessages and photos and social media accounts if they get nosy.

Do five seconds of research on how the technology works. You are not handing your phone over to law enforcement.

I like the idea but Apple needs to make it so police officers have no access to your other personal files like iMessages and photos and social media accounts if they get nosy.

Done and done. You tap your phone on an Apple Pay-esque reader and that's how they get your digital ID. You do not expose your personal files and stuff. This is like saying before you use Apple Pay you want Apple to prevent your cashier from accessing your personal files like iMessages and photos and social media accounts if they get nosy.

Gonna "sound like a boomer" here, but how many people drive around without a physical license? I think in 2026 law enforcement does not have the patience for digital IDs. And unlocking your phone in front of them? Uh... no.

Not many people are driving around without a physical license. You may be able to do that in Montana and that I think is the only state where they equip officers with a mobile reader (using the Apple system, not counting special state apps outside of Apple's system). You do not have to unlock your phone, you tap a reader and your phone never leaves your hand. This is like saying "Unlocking your phone in front of your cashier to use Apple Pay? Uh, no."

In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app ('https://learn.wallet.apple/id') on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. According to a new report and evidence within Apple's code, the feature is set to expand to four more states.



A few days ago, North Carolina's DMV announced that it plans to launch a mobile ID program ('https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/nc-mobile-id/Pages/nc-mobile-id.aspx') later this year. As reported by WRAL ('https://www.wral.com/news/local/dmv-mobile-id-divers-license-august-2026/'), North Carolina residents will be able to set up a digital ID through a new NC Wallet app starting in December, with Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet support to follow in "early 2027."

Given that Apple Wallet IDs are not accepted by law enforcement and at many businesses, carrying a physical ID is still highly recommended.

"Your mobile ID is a valid form of identification in North Carolina," the DMV said, in a FAQ on its website. "However, as retailers, restaurants and other businesses transition to mobile IDs, some may not be set up to accept them right away. For now, carrying your physical card gives you a backup when needed."

According to code seen by MacRumors, Apple Wallet IDs are also coming to Oklahoma, Utah, and Virginia, but there is no timeframe for availability.

All in all, Apple Wallet IDs are coming to these four states:

* North Carolina

* Oklahoma

* Utah

* Virginia

The following 14 states already offer Apple Wallet IDs:

* Arizona (since March 2022 ('https://www.macrumors.com/2022/03/23/apple-launches-ids-in-wallet-arizona/'))
* Maryland (since May 2022 ('https://www.macrumors.com/2022/05/25/iphone-drivers-license-wallet-app-maryland/'))
* Colorado (since November 2022 ('https://www.macrumors.com/2022/11/09/colorado-ids-wallet-app-support/'))
* Georgia (since May 2023 ('https://www.macrumors.com/2023/05/18/iphone-drivers-license-georgia/'))
* Ohio (since July 2024 ('https://www.macrumors.com/2024/07/31/iphone-drivers-licenses-ohio/'))
* Hawaii (since August 2024 ('https://www.macrumors.com/2024/08/28/iphone-wallet-app-ids-seventh-state/'))
* California (since September 2024 ('https://www.macrumors.com/2024/09/19/iphone-drivers-license-wallet-app-california/'))
* Iowa (since October 2024 ('https://www.macrumors.com/2024/10/23/iowa-wallet-iphone-drivers-license-support/'))
* New Mexico (since December 2024 ('https://www.macrumors.com/2024/12/05/iphone-drivers-license-support-new-mexico/'))
* Montana (since August 2025 ('https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/19/iphone-drivers-license-montana/'))
* North Dakota (since September 2025 ('https://www.macrumors.com/2025/09/25/iphone-drivers-license-north-dakota/'))
* West Virginia (since October 2025 ('https://www.macrumors.com/2025/10/23/iphone-wallet-drivers-license-12th-state/'))
* Illinois (since November 2025 ('https://www.macrumors.com/2025/11/19/apple-wallet-id-now-live-in-illinois/'))
* Arkansas (since May 2026 ('https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/27/apple-wallet-ids-14th-state/'))

The feature is also available in Puerto Rico ('https://www.macrumors.com/2024/12/12/apple-wallet-ids-expand-to-10th-location/').

Apple Wallet IDs are accepted at TSA checkpoints in more than 250 airports in the U.S. for domestic travel, and North Carolina's DMV said this will include Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Travelers should refer to TSA signage to confirm availability of the feature.

To set up the feature, open the Wallet app on the iPhone and tap on the plus sign in the top-right corner. Next, tap on Driver's License and ID Cards, select your state from the list, and follow the on-screen steps to complete the process.

Article Link: Apple Wallet Driver's License Feature to Launch in Four More U.S. States ('https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/17/apple-wallet-ids-expanding-to-four-more-states/')

@Joe Rossignol
PLEASE add a short paragraph to these articles that explains HOW this feature works.
Every time there are FUD comments like unlocking the phone and hand it over to the police.
Thank You!

Cmon New York and New Jersey! Let’s get moving on this.