North Dakota is set to become the latest state to integrate digital driver’s licenses and state IDs into Apple Wallet, allowing residents to store and present their credentials securely on iPhones and Apple Watches. This initiative marks a significant advancement in digital identification, offering enhanced convenience and security for North Dakota residents.
Implementation and Availability
Apple has updated its Apple Wallet webpage to include North Dakota among the states supporting digital driver’s licenses. This update indicates that the feature will be available to residents imminently. The North Dakota Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced that mobile IDs will be accessible to drivers within the next month. To add a license or state ID to Apple Wallet, residents can open the Wallet app, tap the + button, and follow the on-screen instructions. It’s important to note that the North Dakota DOT requires a $5 fee to obtain a mobile driver’s license.
Usage and Acceptance
Once added to Apple Wallet, the digital ID can be used at select Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints across more than 250 airports in the United States. This functionality aims to streamline the identification process during air travel. However, it’s crucial to understand that digital IDs are not universally accepted. For instance, purchasing alcohol or during traffic stops will still require a physical ID or license. Therefore, residents should continue to carry their physical licenses until digital IDs gain broader acceptance.
Security and Privacy Features
Digital IDs in Apple Wallet leverage the privacy and security features inherent in iPhone and Apple Watch devices. The driver’s license or ID data is encrypted, and neither the issuing authority nor Apple can track when and where the ID is used. Biometric authentication through Face ID or Touch ID ensures that only the device owner can access and present the ID, providing an additional layer of security.
Adding Your Driver’s License to Apple Wallet
To add a driver’s license to Apple Wallet, users need an iPhone 8 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 4 or later, with the latest version of iOS or watchOS. The process involves opening the Wallet app, tapping the + button, selecting Driver’s License or State ID, and following the on-screen instructions to scan the front and back of the physical license. Users will also be prompted to take a selfie for verification purposes. It’s essential to perform these steps in a well-lit area with a plain background to ensure clarity and accuracy.
Current State Adoption and Future Prospects
Apple announced digital IDs for the Wallet app in 2021, and states have been gradually adopting the feature. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, New Mexico, Iowa, California, Hawaii, and Ohio have implemented support, as has Puerto Rico. North Dakota’s inclusion brings the total to 11 states. Other states, including Mississippi, Illinois, Connecticut, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Utah, and West Virginia, are working on support. The gradual adoption reflects a growing trend toward digital identification solutions, although widespread acceptance and usage are still developing.
Conclusion
The integration of digital driver’s licenses into Apple Wallet represents a significant step toward modernizing identification processes. For North Dakota residents, this development offers a convenient and secure way to carry and present their IDs. However, until digital IDs are universally accepted, it’s advisable to continue carrying physical licenses for situations where digital versions may not be recognized. As more states adopt this technology and acceptance grows, digital IDs are poised to become a standard component of personal identification.
