Ohioans can now add their ID to their digital wallet

DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — A new program spearheaded by hometown Representative Willis Blackshear lets Ohioans forgo their physical state IDs — in most situations.

Ohioans now have the option to upload their state IDs and driver’s licenses into a secure digital format they can access from the Wallet app of their iPhone or Apple Watch.

This new project is a collaborative effort between Innovate Ohio, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and Apple. Originally pitched by local Representative Willis Blackshear (D-Dayton), the program has been in the works since September of 2022.

“This idea actually came from a constituent, she lost her ID,” said Blackshear. “We’ve all been in that situation where we’ve lost our IDs and just the hassle of having to go get another one.”

Ohio is now the fifth state to offer digital ID access through mobile Apple products. You can use the digital ID at select businesses, in certain mobile apps and at TSA checkpoints at both Columbus International Airport and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport.

Businesses looking to utilize this new method of identification can download the free app called “Ohio Mobile ID Check.” The program offers a secure way to verify IDs quickly.

“It’s a built-in privacy and encryption software from Apple and it’s made to make sure storing your ID is secure,” said Blackshear.

The process for setting up your digital ID is easy — open your iPhone Wallet app, select ‘Add Card,’ then select “State ID or Driver’s License.” Then, follow the on-screen instructions from there.

This November, though, make sure you bring a physical copy of your ID to the polls — the digital version is not valid on Election Day.

However, this is something Blackshear wants to consider for the future.

“You will have people who may run into a situation where they do lose their ID,” said Blackshear. “I think it is something we should most definitely look at to see if its something we’d like to see in Ohio.”

Android and Google Users shouldn’t have to wait too much longer for their own version of digital IDs. An expansion into having the same options on those platforms is currently in the works.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.