The digital transformation of official documents is accelerating in the United States, and driver’s licenses are no exception. More states are now implementing the option to link state IDs and driver’s licenses to digital wallets on devices like the iPhone or Apple Watch. This innovation aims to simplify identity verification at airports, stores, and other institutions without requiring a physical document.
Recently, California joined this initiative, allowing its residents to integrate their IDs into Apple Wallet. This update places the state among the pioneers of this technology, which has been gradually rolling out since 2021. Additionally, digital licenses are not just limited to Apple devices—Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet also support them in certain states.
States That Now Support Digital Driver’s Licenses
Residents in these states can store and use their driver’s licenses digitally, though physical copies are still required in some situations:
- Arizona: Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet
- California: California DMV Wallet, Apple Wallet, Google Wallet
- Colorado: Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet
- Georgia: Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet
- Hawaii: Apple Wallet
- Iowa: Iowa Mobile ID app, Apple Wallet, Samsung Wallet
- Louisiana: LA Wallet
- Maryland: Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet
- New Mexico: Apple Wallet, Google Wallet
- New York: NY MiD App
- Ohio: Apple Wallet
- Puerto Rico: Apple Wallet
- Utah: GET Mobile App
- Virginia: Virginia Mobile App
- West Virginia: WV MiD App
California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted that this technology will allow residents to use the tools they already rely on daily to streamline identification processes.
Benefits and Limitations of Digital IDs
Digital IDs make it easier to verify identity at security checkpoints, retail stores, and other institutions without carrying a physical license. However, they cannot fully replace traditional IDs just yet, as not all businesses and organizations accept digital versions. This limitation is especially relevant outside the U.S., where the necessary infrastructure to support digital identification is still lacking.
As technology continues to evolve, more states are expected to adopt digital IDs in the future. States like Montana, West Virginia, Connecticut, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Utah have already announced plans to roll out digital driver’s licenses in the coming months.
The shift toward digital identification is undeniable. With support expanding across multiple platforms, digital IDs could soon become the standard for identification nationwide.
