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Apple introduced in 2021 with iOS 15 the storage of driver licenses in the Wallet application. In addition, TSA checkpoints accept it at certain airports, and apps can access the data from iOS 16. Here’s how and where it all works.
Arizona and Maryland were among the first states to deploy support, and many more states follow. As of December 2021, there were 30 states working on digital licenses.
Digital IDs
Driver License and State ID in Wallet are available on iPhone 8 or later with iOS 15.4, and Apple Watch Series 4 or later with watchOS 8.4 or later.
NFC readers and certain applications gain access to a license or government ID as soon as a person stores it in Apple Wallet. It works in the same way as using Apple Pay.
It is not necessary to hand over an iPhone or Apple Watch to present the information digitally. The user controls what information is shared only after authorization with Face ID or Touch ID. This information includes legal name, date of birth, gender, height, ID number, state, date of issue, expiration date, real ID status and ID photo.
At WWDC 2022, Apple revealed that applications can use digital ID information for identity and age verification. As with a TSA checkpoint, the user reviews and agrees to share the data using biometrics. The user controls the transaction. For example, a person may hide their exact age, with the application only knowing that they are over 21.
Photo by Emanu on Unsplash
Apple did not mention it during the keynote address, but it is possible that websites may one day access digital ID information. For example, a webpage may have it as its only age verification method, eliminating ways in which a person can lie about their age. For example, minors trying to gain access to a porn site.
Users can scan their physical ID or driver’s license within Apple Wallet, take a selfie for identity verification and send the information to the state for approval. Once approved, the ID will appear in the Wallet.
TSA PreCheck
The Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) is actively working to develop its digital ID scanning technologies. As a result, certain TSA PreCheck checkpoints in participating states will accept digital IDs.
The agency says it is actively testing and evaluating digital IDs in the following states and airlines:
- American Airlines – American Airlines digital ID on Android and iOS
- Arizona – Mobile driver license in Apple Wallet
- Maryland – Mobile Driver License in Apple Wallet
Add an ID to Wallet
- Baltimore / Washington International Airport (BMI)
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Gulfport Biloxi International Airport (GPT)
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN)
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Apple’s digital ID implementation supports the ISO 18013-5 mDL (mobile driver’s license) standard, which helped develop it. Other platforms, such as Android, can use this standard.
How digital ID scanners work
The TSA says it will use CAT-2 units to support the phased deployment of digital IDs. Known as Credential Authentication Technology (CAT), these devices can also scan and analyze photo IDs.
A CAT unit is electronically linked to a Secure Flight database to verify travelers’ flight information. It also displays the pre-selection status, such as TSA PreCheck, for which the traveler is eligible.
A person can type their iPhone against the CAT-2 reader or scan a QR code. A warning will appear on the phone with a summary of the data shared with TSA, then the person uses Touch ID or Face ID to confirm.
TSA CAT-2 unit. Credit: defensedaily.com
The unit verifies a person’s identity by matching the digital ID with the information they provided when booking their flight.
A live photo is also compared to the digital ID photo. Once verified, the traveler can go through the checkpoint. The TSA collects live photographs and passenger data for analysis only during the evaluation period.
The data is anonymised, encrypted and transmitted for brief analysis to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Directorate of Science and Technology (S&T). DHS removes the data within 24 months.
Travelers must carry a physical copy of their ID just in case. The agency says the DHS TSA digital identity pilot program has been enrolled.