Apple Digital Driver’s Licenses: First States & Privacy Concerns

Apple's Expanding Digital Wallet Capabilities

Apple is progressively realizing its vision for a fully digital wallet. Initially focused on boarding passes and event tickets, the functionality has expanded to include credit cards, public transportation passes, and student identification. The company now intends to incorporate driver’s licenses and state IDs into its iOS 15 update, anticipated later this year.

Collaboration with State Governments is Key

Successful implementation hinges on cooperation with individual state governments. As the issuers of driver’s licenses and state identification, and given the varying issuance procedures across states, Apple requires their partnership. The company has currently confirmed agreements with Arizona and Georgia to support digital driver’s licenses and state IDs.

Further expansion is planned, with Connecticut, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Utah expected to participate. However, a specific rollout schedule for these states remains undisclosed.

TSA Acceptance and Security Features

Apple announced in June its intention to support digital licenses and IDs. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will be the first federal agency to accept digital IDs presented from iPhones at select airports. Domestic air travel within the U.S. only requires a state ID.

The TSA will utilize identity readers activated by tapping your digital wallet. Apple emphasizes the security of this feature, stating it doesn’t necessitate handing over or unlocking your phone.

Data Storage and Verification

The digital license and ID data is securely stored on your iPhone. However, verification of a driver’s license must be conducted by the participating state. This process needs to be scalable and efficient to accommodate millions of drivers and travelers, while simultaneously preventing fraudulent IDs.

Convenience and Privacy Concerns

The primary motivation behind digitizing licenses and IDs is increased convenience, rather than addressing a specific existing issue. Nevertheless, this move has prompted concerns from privacy advocates. They criticize Apple’s limited transparency regarding the technology’s development and the potential benefits Apple derives from it.

Apple has yet to fully detail the operational mechanics of the digital ID technology. Information regarding the data collected by state governments during the digital license enrollment process remains unclear. Furthermore, Apple is developing an unannounced security feature involving selfie verification to prevent unauthorized use of a digital license.

A Fragmented Implementation Landscape

The rollout of digital licenses and IDs across the U.S. is expected to be a gradual process. Public records requests, such as one conducted by MuckRock, reveal Apple initiated discussions with states like California and Illinois as early as 2019. Despite these early conversations, neither state has been included in Apple’s initial announcements.

Wisconsin, South Carolina, and Rhode Island appear to be at an earlier stage, only learning about Apple’s digital license plans concurrently with the public announcement at WWDC.

Digital identification is evolving, and Apple's role is significant.