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Oct 25, 2024

Iowa driver's licenses go digital with Apple Wallet integration

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Iowans can now securely add their Iowa driver’s license, or ID, to Apple Wallet, the Iowa Department of Transportation announced

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

Iowans can now securely add their Iowa driver’s license, or ID, to Apple Wallet, the Iowa Department of Transportation announced Wednesday.

This will allow iPhone and Apple Watch users to present their identification at TSA checkpoints and other businesses and venues, using the Apple Wallet app.

Businesses will be able to securely scan IDs in Apple Wallet using iOS apps like Tap2iD Mobile, VeriScan, and Mobile ID Verify to verify a patron’s age.

To add a license to Apple Wallet, tap the Add (+) button at the top of the screen in the iPhone app. Then select “Driver’s License or State ID,” and follow the onscreen instructions.

After the ID is added to the app, the information is encrypted on the device.

“When adding an ID to Apple Wallet, the Iowa Department of Transportation receives only the information it needs to approve or deny the request,” the Iowa DOT said in a release.

The DOT also said neither the DOT nor Apple will have data about when or to whom the ID was presented.

IDEMIA is partnering with the DOT to launch the feature. Lisa Shoemaker, vice president of corporate relations, said all of your information will be protected.

"It is going to contain the ability to only display the information that you want to consent to offer, as opposed to handing over a card with all that information," Shoemaker said. "It's also got the security built in, that you're having to unlock it with your face."

You can use the new feature at TSA checkpoints in airports like the Des Moines Airport and airports in Eastern Iowa. You can also use it at businesses and venues that can accept mobile IDs. You can find a list of those locations here.

The Secretary of State's office says you can't use a Mobile ID to vote. You also can't use it if you get pulled over by police. Shoemaker said you should still carry a physical copy of your ID with you wherever you go.

For more information, click here.