Two U.S. states—Florida and Rhode Island—have publicly declared they will not support Apple Wallet driver’s licenses in the near future, putting them at odds with a growing number of states planning or already using the feature. Despite momentum in other regions, both states are standing firm in their refusal, at least for now.
Florida’s resistance: Governor and timing
Florida recently unveiled a new physical driver’s license and ID card. While this kind of update often coincides with announcements of digital equivalents, the state made no indication it plans to introduce Apple Wallet driver’s licenses alongside the physical changes. This aligns with Governor Ron DeSantis’s public opposition to digital driver’s licenses. He has stated that convenience does not justify what he views as the risks of government overreach, and has made clear that a digital ID “is not going to happen in Florida.”
Previously, Florida did offer a digital ID, but that support was abruptly ended in 2024. With the state’s new license rollout, there’s been no hint that the digital version will be revived. Any change may depend on future leadership, especially during or after the 2026 gubernatorial transition.
Rhode Island’s view: cautious, cross-platform concerns
Meanwhile, Rhode Island, through Walter “Bud” Craddock—current Chair of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) International Board—has expressed reservation in adopting mobile driver’s licenses (MDLs), including those for Apple Wallet. On a recent podcast, Craddock questioned whether there is sufficient use, noting that up until recently no airport in New England could accept MDLs. He argued that spending state resources on digital licenses when major platforms do not universally support them, or when the operational need is unclear, is premature.
Rhode Island’s position might shift depending on who succeeds Craddock in coming months. As it stands, no concrete plans have been made to introduce digital driver’s licenses via Apple Wallet in 2027 or earlier.
Across the U.S., more states are adding or planning support for Apple Wallet driver’s licenses, but exact timelines vary widely. Some states are fully live; others are in testing, legislation, or planning stages. Florida and Rhode Island are among the few actively saying no—for now.
Analyst Take: The hesitance from Florida and Rhode Island highlights broader tensions between digital convenience and concerns about privacy, security, and interoperability. As more states weigh MDLs, look for whether all-in-one platforms (wallets, government agencies, TSA) reach alignment that pushes holdouts toward acceptance—and whether political changes could shift the current resistance.
