Ohioans can now add their driver’s license to Apple Wallet

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Ohioans with iPhones or Apple Watches are one step closer to being able to ditch their physical wallet for good.

In a news release on Wednesday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced that Apple Wallet users can load their Ohio-issued driver’s license or state identification card to the app.

The digital version can be used “in-person at select businesses, in select apps and at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints.”

“This marks another milestone in TSA’s efforts to continue providing a secure and seamless screening process at Ohio airports,” TSA’s Ohio Federal Security Director Donald Barker said. “Travelers who want to take advantage of this new capability will find that their mobile Ohio driver’s license and state ID is a convenient option when going through the security process.”

DeWine noted that Ohio has joined only four other states to allow people to add their driver’s license via Apple Wallet in a secure method.

InnovateOhio, an initiative created by Husted, worked with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and Apple to bring the update to the Buckeye State.

“Since 2019, these modernizations and added conveniences have saved Ohioans over 7 million trips to BMV locations and more than 641,000 hours of standing in line,” said Ohio BMV Registrar Charlie Norman.

“Adding your Ohio driver’s license or ID to Apple Wallet is the latest example of modernizing the BMV and simplifying processes for Ohioans,” Husted said. “We’ve also launched an app for businesses to read Ohio Mobile IDs, enabling them to utilize this new service.”

The free age verification app allows businesses to “securely and privately accept customers’ mobile driver’s licenses and ID cards in person using an iPhone,” according to the announcement.

How to add your Ohio driver’s license or ID to your Apple Wallet:

• Open the Apple Wallet app
• Tap the + sign at the top of the screen to add a new item to your wallet
• On the next screen, tap on Driver’s License or State ID
• Choose Ohio on the next screen
• Tap “Continue” on the next screen
• Scan the front and back of your physical license or ID

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