The Illinois Secretary of State‘s office is working to bring state IDs in Apple Wallet to Illinois residents this year, according to Secretary Alexi Giannoulias.
Once rolled out, residents will be able to seamlessly and securely add and present their driver’s licenses and state IDs in person and in apps using their iPhone or Apple Watch. The announcement comes as new legislation took effect at the start of the year which allows the Secretary of State’s office to begin rolling out mobile IDs in Apple Wallets.
The secretary’s office noted that the rollout plan includes robust testing requirements to ensure the office delivers a secure and private product for Illinois residents.
“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 Giannoulias, whose office pushed for the legislation enabling the development of mobile driver’s licenses and state IDs in Illinois. “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.”
Users will be able to add their license or state ID to Apple Wallet and then tap their iPhone or Apple Watch to present it in person, without taking out their physical card or handing over their device. The Secretary of State’s office noted that mobile driver’s licenses and state IDs will not be mandatory and will serve as a companion to a physical card.
In a press release, the Secretary of State said that using an ID in Apple Wallet will allow for more security and privacy than using a physical card because only the information needed for the transaction is presented and the user has the opportunity to review and authorize the information being requested with Face ID or Touch ID before it is shared. Meaning, a user can provide proof of their age when legally purchasing alcohol or renting a car, without sharing other personal information, such as their address.
