Hawaii Says ‘Aloha’ to Apple’s Mobile Driver’s License

Apple has begun rolling out support for digital IDs in Apple Wallet to iPhone users in Hawaii, following its recent launch in Ohio and just ahead of an upcoming launch in California. Hawaii is now joining other Apple ID backers including Arizona, Maryland, Colorado, Georgia, and Ohio. The rollout in Hawaii is gradual, with some users encountering a waitlist due to high demand.

To add a digital ID to Apple Wallet, users need to open the Wallet app, tap the “+” icon, select “Driver’s License or State ID,” and follow the prompts, which may include logging into their state’s DMV/MVD website.

When a user adds their driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet, they are required to take a picture of the front and back of their ID, complete a series of head or facial movements, and take a selfie. This biometric data, along with images of the ID, is encrypted on the user’s device and evaluated to prevent fraud, such as someone attempting to add an ID using a photograph or mask.

The state issuing authority receives only the necessary information to approve or deny the addition of the ID to Apple Wallet. This includes images of the ID, the selfie, results of the analysis of the head and facial movements (but not the video itself), and data read from the ID’s barcode.

Apple temporarily accesses some of this data during the setup and verification process but deletes it shortly after the state authority makes a decision. Additionally, to present their ID, users must authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID, ensuring that only the individual who added the ID can use it. This process helps maintain the security and privacy of the user’s identity information, as neither Apple nor the state authority can track when or where the ID is used.

Digital IDs in Apple Wallet offer a convenient, contactless way to display proof of identity or age at select TSA checkpoints, businesses, and venues, though specific locations accepting the digital IDs are not widely detailed. In case of a lost device, users can lock or erase it remotely using the Find My app.

This feature was first announced by Apple in September 2021, and the rollout has been slow. It started in March 2022 with Arizona as the first state to support digital IDs in Apple Wallet. This was followed by Maryland in May 2022, and then Colorado in November 2022. In May 2023, Georgia joined the list of states that offer this feature.

After Ohio’s recent launch, Hawaii is now the sixth state to support the digital ID. More than 20 other states are exploring or in the process of adopting digital IDs, although not all have committed to Apple’s implementation.

Sources: 9to5Mac, MacTrast

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August 29, 2024 – by Cass Kennedy