Illinois to Launch Digital Driver’s Licenses in Apple Wallet This Year

Illinois has announced plans to implement digital driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet by the end of this year, becoming the 12th U.S. state to officially adopt mobile driver’s license technology. The initiative follows the enactment of House Bill 4592, which took effect at the beginning of 2025, joining states like Hawaii, West Virginia, and Ohio in the nationwide push toward digital identification.

The digital ID system will allow residents to add their driver’s licenses and state IDs to Apple Wallet on their iPhones and Apple Watches. The implementation will comply with ISO 18013-5 standards for mobile identification, enabling users to present their credentials by tapping their devices at verification points. This standard ensures interoperability and security across different platforms and jurisdictions, while protecting user privacy through selective disclosure capabilities.

“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,” said Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.

The digital ID rollout coincides with federal Real ID requirements taking effect on May 7, 2025. After this date, Illinois residents aged 18 and older must present either a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, passport, or other federally approved identification to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been actively expanding its digital ID acceptance program across multiple states, streamlining the airport security verification process.

To obtain a Real ID, residents must visit a DMV office and provide documentation including their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of principal residence address, and lawful status. The digital ID system will serve as a complementary verification method to these physical documents, aligning with the TSA’s broader digital transformation initiatives for identity management.

The move toward digital IDs reflects a growing trend in identity verification technology, with market analysts predicting significant growth in the digital identity solutions sector, driven by increasing demands for secure, convenient identification methods and the need to combat identity fraud.

Sources: Mobile ID World, North Shore Bank, Mac Observer, Fox Illinois

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January 14, 2025 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team