Americans can add driver’s license to iPhone in major upgrade – full list of states with virtual ID and how to add yours

CALIFORNIA is joining the growing list of states that let you add your driver's license to the iPhone.

The feature lets you store a driver's license or state ID inside the Apple Wallet app.

It means you can present either of them just by showing an iPhone or Apple Watch.

You can use this to verify your age at a store when you're buying a restricted product.

Or you could even use it to present your ID at select TSA security checkpoints.

"We’re excited to be working with the state of California to bring IDs in Apple Wallet to Apple’s home state soon," said Apple Pay boss Jennifer Bailey.

"And provide residents with an easy, secure, and private way to present their California driver’s license and state ID in person and in app using Apple Wallet.

"Whether using IDs in Apple Wallet to breeze through travel, or to securely verify age or identity at businesses, California driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet make ID presentment seamless.

"All with the security built into iPhone and Apple Watch."

Apple first announced the feature in 2021, but the roll-out to states has been slow.

When including California, which will launch the feature soon, the list of supporting states is:

• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Georgia
• Maryland
• Ohio

"This is a big step in our efforts to better serve all Californians, meeting people where they’re at and with technology people use every day," said Gavin Newsom, Governor of California.

HOW DO APPLE WALLET IDS ON IPHONE WORK

Make sure to update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS.

To do that, just go into Settings > General > Software Update.

Then simply go into the Apple Wallet and choose to add your type of ID.

If it's supported, you'll be guided through the process of scanning the physical card.

When you add your ID, the state authority issuing it will receive only the information necessary to approve it.

And when you present your ID via Apple Wallet, only the info needed for the transaction is presented.

You'll need to review and authorize it using Face ID or Touch ID before the info is shared.

And you won't need to unlock, show, or hand over your device to present your ID.

"A user’s ID information is encrypted and stored only on their device, so others, including Apple, cannot access it unless a user chooses to present it," Apple explains.

"Apple and the state-issuing authority do not know when or where or with whom a user presents their driver’s license or state ID.

"And Apple doesn’t see or retain any presentment information that can be tied back to a user.

APPLE EXPLAINS VIRTUAL IDS

Here's what Apple says about its Apple Wallet ID feature...

Present your ID in seconds

Keeping your ID in Wallet makes it simple to prove your age and identity in person for things like getting into select bars, concerts, festivals, and more.

Easily verify your age or identity in apps

When you add your ID to Wallet, apps that require age or identity verification are a snap. Whether renting a car or ordering alcohol delivery for a party, ⁠it’s all that much easier.

Breeze through airport security

Add an eligible driver’s license or state ID to the Wallet app and present it at select TSA checkpoints by tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch.

Private and transparent

You’ll always see which data you’re sharing, and your information will only be shared after you authorize with Face ID or Touch ID. Neither Apple nor your state issuing authority can see when or where you share your information.

"If a user misplaces their iPhone or Apple Watch, they can use the Find My app to lock their device and help locate it, or remotely erase it."