SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Starting Wednesday, November 19th, iPhone users will be able to add their Illinois driver’s license or state ID in Apple Wallet and present their ID using their iPhone and Apple Watch.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias made the announcement on Tuesday.
This marks a new era of convenience and digital innovation for the state, enabling residents to present their driver’s license or state ID in Apple Wallet in person, online and in apps at select businesses and organizations, including TSA checkpoints at over 250-plus airports nationwide, including O’Hare, Midway and Lambert.
Giannoulias says Illinois’ Mobile ID program will soon expand to Google and Samsung Wallets, ensuring that every Illinois resident with a mobile phone has access to secure, digital identification.
“This is a game changer for Illinois residents,” said Giannoulias. “Your ID can live right on your iPhone — ready to use at airports, restaurants, and bars across the state. This launch brings together security, privacy, and convenience in a way that will make life easier for millions of people. We promised innovative solutions, and today, we’re delivering.”
“Driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet bring users one step closer towards replacing the physical wallet with an easy, secure and private digital wallet, and we’re thrilled to bring this to Illinoisans today,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet. “The launch of Illinois driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet makes everyday moments even more seamless — whether you’re traveling through airport checkpoints this holiday season, grabbing a drink at a restaurant, and more — all while keeping users’ information secure and private.”
“The identity verification process is the cornerstone of transportation security. Technology solutions such as mobile driver’s licenses enhance airport security, reduce touchpoints, and provide greater privacy protections to individuals at TSA checkpoints,” TSA Illinois Federal Security Director Jim Spriggs said. “We’re pleased to partner with the Illinois Secretary of State in this effort, and we hope passengers continue to take advantage of this convenient option.”
The Illinois Mobile ID is not a replacement for a physical ID, and for now, residents must continue to carry their physical ID, Giannoulias said.
With this launch, Illinois joins 12 other states and Puerto Rico in offering driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet to their residents.
For step by step instructions to add an Illinois driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet, click HERE.
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