RICHMOND, Va. — Starting today, Virginians have the option to add their state-issued driver’s license or identification card to Apple Wallet, marking a significant milestone in the Commonwealth’s commitment to innovative, secure digital services.
ID in Apple Wallet allows individuals to present a digital version of their license or ID for verification using their iPhone and Apple Watch, without ever having to hand over their devices. Virginians can use this new feature to present their ID at over 250 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints across the country including Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Richmond International Airport (RIC) and Norfolk International Airport (ORF), among others.
Virginians can also use ID in Apple Wallet in select businesses apps and in-person at all Virginia DMV locations, pilot Virginia ABC stores, with Virginia State Police, as well as at hundreds of businesses and entertainment venues throughout the Commonwealth, including CarMax Park in Richmond, Ocean Breeze in Virginia Beach and Apple Federal Credit Union in Northern Virginia. Virginia residents must continue to carry their physical ID as a backup, especially when driving.
“The introduction of ID in Apple Wallet to Virginians marks a major moment of innovation for the Commonwealth, putting Virginians ahead of the curve when it comes to both technology and protecting personal information,” said Virginia Secretary of Transportation Nick Donohue. “Our residents have been asking for this, and we’re proud to work with Apple to offer ID in Apple Wallet as a seamless and secure resource for Virginians.”
ID in Apple Wallet allows users to verify their identity and provide age verification to participating businesses by only sharing the information that is requested. For example, when making an age-restricted purchase, users never have to share unnecessary information like their name, address or birthdate. Instead, they simply share their photo and verification that they are over 21.
“This is a momentous day in Virginia as we continue to expand our offering of cutting-edge, highly secure forms of identification for our customers,” said DMV Commissioner Saundra M. Jack. "We know how important it is to make identification easier to carry and use, and Virginians have been asking for more ways to do that. So much of our everyday life is on our phone and now so is your Virginia ID in Apple Wallet."
How to Add ID in Apple Wallet
Virginians can add their state-issued driver’s license or ID to Apple Wallet and begin using ID in Apple Wallet in just a few steps.
Users simply open their Apple Wallet, tap the + button at the top of the screen, select “Driver’s License and ID Cards” and follow the on-screen instructions to start the set-up and verification process.
To present an ID in Apple Wallet, users will hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a reader. The user’s device will then display what information is being requested. The requested information is released from a device only after the user reviews the data that is being shared and authorizes the release with Face ID or Touch ID.
Since the information is shared digitally through Near Field Communication (NFC), residents do not need to hand over their iPhone or Apple Watch to present an ID in Apple Wallet.
A Secure and Private Way to Present an ID
IDs in Apple Wallet use the privacy and security features that are built into Apple devices to help protect a user’s identity and personal information. IDs in Apple Wallet also support the ISO 18013-5 mobile driver’s license standard, which sets clear guidelines for the industry around protecting consumers’ privacy when presenting an ID or driver’s license through a mobile device.
When adding an ID to Apple Wallet, DMV receives only the information needed to approve or deny the request. Once an ID is added to Apple Wallet, the information is encrypted on a user’s device so Apple cannot access it, and it is only shared with others when a user chooses to present it. Neither Apple nor DMV know when or where a user presents their driver’s license or ID. A user’s presentment history is encrypted and stored only on their device, and neither Apple nor DMV can see or access this information.
For more information about downloading and using ID in Apple Wallet, visit learn.wallet.apple/id or visit the Virginia DMV’s website.