Illinois driver’s licenses, state IDs now fit in your iPhone
Starting Wednesday, Illinoisans can add their driver’s licenses and state IDs to their iPhones, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced Tuesday.
The new technology is compliant with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, meaning travelers with a REAL ID can present it at airport checkpoints in time for the Thanksgiving rush. It can also be used for proof of age.
“This is government innovation at its best,” Giannoulias said at a launch in Chicago. “Your ID can live right on your iPhone — ready to use at airports, restaurants and bars across the state.”
The Mobile ID can be transferred to Apple Wallet on iPhone and Apple Watch devices.
“The work on this project was built on two foundations,” Giannoulias said. “Convenience and security. It takes advantage of privacy and security features already built into the iPhone and Apple Watch to help protect against tampering and theft.”
Mobile IDs are not a substitute for a physical driver’s license, which motorists are required to have in Illinois. And travelers also need to bring physical identification like driver’s licenses or passports to airports, the TSA noted.
“Consider it complementary for the time being; we’re one of the earlier states to adopt this technology,” Giannoulias said.
Similar Mobile IDs will be available on Google and Samsung Wallets “in the next few months,” he added.
Information moved to devices will be encrypted, meaning others, including Apple, cannot access it unless the owner wants to show it, officials said.
“If a bar or concert venue wants to confirm you’re over 21, that’s all they need to see — not your address, not your license number, just the fact you’re over 21,” Giannoulias said. “That is a game-changer for privacy.”
Illinois Liquor Control Commission Executive Director Lisa Gardner said the technology is a safe and reliable tool for businesses to use in preventing minors with fake IDs from purchasing alcohol. The “advanced security features built-in to mobile IDs make them significantly harder to counterfeit,” she said.
Soldier Field Director of Marketing Luca Serra noted, “This technology gives us a smarter, faster way to verify age at concessions, helping us reduce lines and keep fans focused on what they came for, the show.”
There will be a ramp-up period for businesses and the secretary of state’s office is working with stadiums, restaurants and retailers across the state to expand the number of entities accepting Mobile ID. Businesses will be able to acquire a Mobile ID verifier app that streamlines the process.
To add your license or state ID to an Apple device, residents can tap the Add button (+) at the top of the screen in Wallet, select “Driver’s license or state ID,” and follow instructions, which include scanning your ID and taking a selfie.
For more information, visit ilsos.gov/departments/drivers/mobile-id/apple-wallet.