Driver’s licenses have been around in the United States for approximately 122 years, with Massachusetts and Missouri becoming the first states to make a driving license compulsory in 1903. This decision was driven by a need to address increasing fatalities and ensure drivers had the appropriate skills to drive vehicles safely. While the cause for a license has not changed much in the last 122 years, its physical appearance has changed numerous times. Now, another major change has been approved in these 16 states.
The major change to driving licenses
Change is inevitable, as was recently seen with the changes to US citizens’ identification documentation. First, Real IDs were being enforced; now, at least 16 states are switching to digital driving licenses. Digital licenses are becoming more popular in the US due to increased convenience, improved security, and better data management.
iPhone and Apple Watch users will be able to present digital identification with Apple Wallet thanks to an authenticated Face ID or Touch ID, which will be encrypted when stored. The location where an ID is used is excluded. Officials believe that digital driving licenses will offer a more efficient experience, allowing users to access licenses with their smartphones and lowering the risk of identity theft.
“While digital IDs do not replace physical driver’s licenses or state IDs, they provide a convenient alternative for situations where a mobile ID is accepted.” – PC outlet newsstory.
The states that will use digital licenses
Not all states will allow a digital driving license, and Alabama is one of them. Instead, government officials advise Alabamians to apply for Real IDs (the IDs with the star) by May 7. Other states, like California, developed a digital system to link their drivers to the DMV. New York is already executing digital licenses, with New Jersey possibly following suit.
The following states and territories allow digital driving licenses at TSA checkpoints, participating businesses, and other locations:
- Arizona – Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet
- California – California DMV Wallet App, Apple Wallet, and Google Wallet
- Colorado – Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet
- Georgia – Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet
- Hawaii – Apple Wallet
- Iowa – Iowa Mobile ID app, Apple Wallet, and Samsung Wallet
- Louisiana – LA Wallet
- Maryland – Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet
- New Mexico – Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet
- New York – NY MiD App
- Ohio – Apple Wallet
- Puerto Rico – Apple Wallet
- Connecticut
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Oklahoma
- Utah – GET Mobile App
- Virginia – Virginia Mobile ID App
- West Virginia – WV MiD App
These states won’t be going digital very soon, and this is why
Pennsylvania and New Jersey aren’t set on digital driving licenses yet. Pennsylvania must still adopt the technology and New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission must still embrace it. One of the reasons that Pennsylvania has not adopted the technology could be its security concern. Another factor could be the Real ID deadline on May 7. This means it may take some time before Pennsylvania drivers can access their digital licenses on their iPhones or Google Pixels.
In the meantime, Apple continues to grow its partnerships with more states to create Wallet-compatible IDs. Connecticut, for example, was one of the first states to announce a digital ID rollout but hasn’t yet launched it, and lawmakers in Montana have said digital driver’s licenses are a priority.
If you are a resident of one of the states that embraced the major change to digital driving licenses and you want to figure out how to access your digital driving license, visit the official Apple Support website to learn how. Remember, licenses have been around for a long time and they are not going anywhere soon, but if you want to continue to travel, you better adapt proactively.