Editor’s Note: The system appeared to be down for some users Wednesday morning due to “high volume.” Our latest story can be found here. Our original story continues below.
iPhone users in Illinois can now use digital ID cards at bars, restaurants, and even in the TSA line at Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway International Airports.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced the news during a press conference Tuesday, standing in front of an Apple-inspired screen that said “Your ID, now on iPhone.” The announcement followed a new law that went into effect this year, allowing the state to issue digital driver’s licenses and identification cards
The change, initially for Apple users only, will go into effect at 7 a.m., officials said Tuesday. Starting then, iPhone users in Illinois will be able to add their driver’s license or state IDs to their Apple Wallet.
A message on the Illinois Secretary of State’s website encouraged users to sign up to be notified when ID in Apple Wallet becomes available. The site said driver’s licenses and state IDs can also be added to any paired Apple Watch.
“It’s easy, private, secure,” the message said.
Early next year, the change will go into effect for Google and Samsung users, NBC 5 transportation and traffic reporter Kye Martin confirmed.
“This is a game changer for Illinois residents,” Giannoulias said in a release. “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.”
But digital IDs won’t replace your physical driver’s license or identification card, Martin said. And, digital IDs won’t be accepted by law enforcement.
“That means if you get pulled over, you’ll still need to show your physical ID card,” Martin said.
“You can use it in your Apple Wallet at TSA checkpoints, but you need to still bring your Real ID or passport to the airport,” Martin added. “You’ll just enjoy the convenience of not fumbling around for the physical card.”
Here’s how to add your ID to your Apple Wallet, what to know and more.
How to add your driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet
“Residents can tap the Add (+) button at the top of the screen in Wallet on their iPhone, select ‘Driver’s License or State ID,’ and follow the onscreen instructions to start the setup and verification process,” the Secretary of State’s Office said.
Users will be asked to use their iPhone to scan their physical cards and take a selfie, “which will be securely provided to the issuing state for verification.” Users will also have to complete a series of facial and head movements during the setup process as an additional security step.
“Once verified by the issuing state, the resident’s ID or driver’s license will be added to Wallet,” the office said.
More step-by-step instructions can be found here.
Where and how can it be used?
The IDs in Apple Wallet can in person, online and in apps to show proof of age or identity.
“Users can present their ID in Apple Wallet at select TSA checkpoints, businesses, and venues, in addition to Apple Store locations across the U.S. for order pickup, Genius Bar appointments, and more,” the release said.
In person, an iPhone or Apple Watch should be held near an identity reader. They’ll then have to review the information requested, and use Face or Touch ID to authenticate.
In order to use it online and in apps, users should “Verify with Apple Wallet” or “Continue with Apple Wallet” button.
“From there, they can review the specific information being requested and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID before information is shared,” the release said.
Is it secure?
In a press release first announcing the law, Giannoulias’ office said it had planned to conduct safety testing ahead of the digital ID rollout.
“The office’s first step will be to develop the highest standards of security and conduct rigorous testing to ensure that residents’ sensitive information and privacy are protected,” the office said in a release. “The office will take advantage of best practices from states that have already introduced digital IDs and leverage new technology to implement the best and most state-of-the-art digital ID program in the nation.”
With mobile IDs and driver’s licenses, residents will be allowed to decide what personal information they wish to share through a contactless encrypted data exchange between their device and the reader, officials said. Such IDs will be able to be used in instances such as purchasing alcohol, cannabis or renting a car while hiding other personal information – like their address.
According to the Secretary of State, IDs in Apple Wallet use the privacy and security features built into Apple devices “to help protect a user’s identity and personal information.”
“When adding an ID to Apple Wallet, the state-issuing authority receives only the information it needs to approve or deny the request,” the release said.”
Once an ID is added, the information becomes encrypted on a user’s device. That means others, including Apple, can’t access it unless a user chooses to show it.
“Apple and the state-issuing authority do not know when or to whom a user presents their driver’s license or state ID,” the release said. “A user’s presentment history is encrypted and stored only on their device, and Apple cannot see or access this information.”
Some groups, including the ACLU, previously expressed concerns about the use of mobile identification documents, citing fears that law enforcement could search a person’s phone without proper consent. The measure in Illinois explicitly prohibit law enforcement officers from searching through a phone’s contents after viewing the mobile identification card, according to the legislation.
Will digital driver’s licenses replace physical ones?
According to Giannoulias, the mobile driver’s licenses would not replace their physical counterparts, but instead “act as a companion.”
“We’re excited to reach a point where we can implement mobile IDs in a manner that ensures our roads are safe and that the privacy of Illinoisans is protected, while still providing law enforcement, businesses and medical professionals, which rely on physical driver’s licenses and identification cards, the information they require,” Giannoulias said in a previous statement.
Can you use it at the airport?
According to officials with the TSA, the agency does accept mobile identification at airports, and the technology is in place at Midway and O’Hare. Still, passengers are encouraged to carry physical ID cards.
As for REAL ID-compliant cards, mobile identification is also able to be used in those situations, but again officials urge residents to bring physical copies of their identification.
The TSA does accept mobile ID’s in many situations, but it notes that “if a digital ID cannot be verified at the TSA security checkpoint, a passenger must use an acceptable physical identity document.”
The TSA also stated that the Real ID Act applies to state-issued mobile driver’s licenses and ID cards.
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