Today Apple announced a first in the nation partnership with Arizona that allows iPhone users to store their Arizona driver's license or state Identification card in their Apple Wallet. Once uploaded and verified, Arizona residents can tap their iPhone or Apple Watch to present it quickly and securely to TSA checkpoints when traveling. It's likely that you will be able to share your digital ID with law enforcement soon, too.

Apple and Arizona representatives have detailed the security and privacy protections wrapped into this new product. The same technology that makes Apple Pay secure protects your driver's license. It requires facial recognition and touch recognition to access the ID, and the ID information is presented digitally between your device and the reader. There is never a need to show or hand over your device. Finally, Apple says there is a clear and transparent log that records to whom you are presenting your ID and exactly what data is shared.  

Adding an ID to your iPhone is simple. It took me less than three minutes. This application is available on iPhone 8 or later and requires iOS15.4 or later. It is also available on Apple Watch Series 4 or later with watchOS 8.4 or later.

First, make sure your iPhone is running the most up to date software. To check, select “Settings General Software Update.” That will tell you if you need to download a newer version of the operating system. 

Second, open your Wallet.

Once Wallet is open, tap the “+” in the upper right corner of the screen. This will open the Add to Wallet screen.

At the bottom of that screen, tap, “Driver's License or State ID,” and follow the easy directions. You will take a photograph of the front and back of your ID. The app will then walk you through a few verification steps – you will move your face in the camera view, and finally it will ask you take a selfie. That information is then shared with the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles for final approval.