Apple’s Digital ID initiative has gained momentum since its launch in late 2021, with the number of states allowing driver’s licenses to be added to Apple Wallet more than doubling in the past year.
Initially introduced at the June 2021 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) and officially rolled out in iOS 15.1, Digital IDs in Apple Wallet were a new feature aimed at providing a convenient and secure way to store official identification documents digitally. By September 2021, eight states had committed to adopting digital IDs, including Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Utah.
Over time, more states have joined the initiative, with Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, New Mexico, Ohio, and Puerto Rico now allowing residents to store digital driver’s licenses or state IDs in Apple Wallet. Google’s support for native Android digital IDs in late 2023 has also contributed to the increased adoption of digital IDs, with Android surpassing Apple by enabling users to securely digitize US passports.
Despite the progress, not all states that support Apple’s digital IDs have embraced the Android side yet. However, Google’s announcement of support for Arkansas, Montana, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia indicates that more states are likely to join the digital driver’s license club soon. This expansion is expected to enhance customer experiences and streamline processes at the DMV for users in these states.
Overall, the collaboration between Apple and Google in promoting digital IDs signifies a positive step towards modernizing identification systems and enhancing convenience for users across different platforms. With more states expected to join the initiative in the near future, the adoption of digital IDs is set to become more widespread and accessible.
