CHICAGO – Illinois driver’s licenses and state IDs will likely be available on Apple Wallet by the end of the year, Secretary Alexi Giannoulias announced Monday.
Illinois digital IDs
What we know:
The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is collaborating with Apple to introduce driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet, with the program expected to launch by the end of the year. The program aims to offer Illinois residents a secure and convenient way to carry their identification on their iPhone or Apple Watch, while physical cards will remain an option.
The program also plans to expand to other digital platforms, such as Google Wallet, ensuring accessibility for Android users. Illinois will join ten states and territories in adopting IDs in Apple Wallet.
Partnership with Apple
What they’re saying:
Giannoulias emphasized the importance of security and convenience of having IDs on digital platforms.
“We’re excited to have kickstarted our work with Apple – a company that shares our commitment to data security – to provide IDs in Apple Wallet that will offer convenience and privacy for Illinoisans. This is the first component of a multi-faceted approach to deliver a state-of-the-art mobile driver’s license and state ID program that leverages best-in-class technology for residents,” Giannoulias said in a statement.
Benefits of digital licenses
Why you should care:
The introduction of IDs in Apple Wallet provides several benefits for Illinois residents:
- Enhanced Security: Users can share only the necessary information during transactions, like age verification, without revealing sensitive personal data such as an address.
- Convenience: Residents can present their ID by simply tapping their device, reducing the need to carry a physical card.
- Modernization: Illinois joins a growing number of states implementing digital IDs, aligning with contemporary trends in technology and security.
How to sign up
What you can do:
Residents interested in staying informed about the mobile ID program can sign up for updates here. Participation in the mobile ID program is voluntary, allowing residents to use digital IDs as a complement to their physical cards.
By signing up, residents will receive timely updates on the program’s progress and availability, ensuring they’re among the first to take advantage of this innovation.
The Source: The information in this story was provided by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.
