Illinois is preparing to bring state IDs and driver’s licenses to Apple Wallet by late 2025, according to a January 13 announcement from the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. Once launched, Illinois would join the 11 U.S. jurisdictions currently offering Apple Wallet ID support: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, and Puerto Rico.
The digital ID will allow Illinois residents to carry a secure, mobile version of their official identification on an iPhone or Apple Watch. At participating locations — including select Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints at more than 250 airports across the United States — travelers will be able to present their ID by tapping their device at compatible readers.
“This modernization of our identification system provides Illinois residents with a more convenient and secure way to carry their state-issued ID,” the Illinois Secretary of State’s office said in a statement. “The digital ID program maintains the highest standards of security while giving residents more flexibility in how they verify their identity.”
Security Features and Requirements
As with other Apple Wallet IDs, users must authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID before presenting their information, and only the specific data required for each transaction is shared with the verifying party. The digital ID will complement, not replace, physical identification documents.
Apple currently lists device requirements as an iPhone 8 or later running iOS 16.5 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 4 or later with watchOS 9.5 or later. California and Puerto Rico require newer operating system versions. These requirements ensure compatibility with Apple’s privacy and security features for mobile identification.
National Context
The planned launch reflects the wider move toward mobile identification solutions. Iowa recently added Google Wallet integration to its mobile ID program, while New Jersey approved legislation to create its own digital driver’s license program, targeting a launch in 2031.
Sources: Illinois Secretary of State, Apple, TSA
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By Ali Nassar-Smith
