Illinois partners with tech giant for digital driver’s licenses. When could you get one?
The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is developing a digital driver’s license and state identification program for use on iPhones and Apple watches, with the goal to launch by the end of 2025.
A new law that went into effect Jan. 1 enabled the office to begin developing the program.
The office expects to offer mobile driver’s licenses and IDs for more formats, such as Android users with a Google Wallet, in the future, according to a Jan. 13 press release.
The optional licenses and IDs will serve as a companion to the physical cards and will not replace them. Police, banks and other entities can still require a physical driver’s license or ID.
“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 agency’s website says. “The office will take advantage of best practices from other states and leverage new technology to implement the best mobile ID program in the nation.”
The Illinois Secretary of State’s office says using a digital ID will provide more privacy than the physical card, as residents can use it to prove their age to rent a car or purchase alcohol without giving access to their address.
“We’re excited to have kickstarted our work with Apple – a company that shares our commitment to data security – to provide IDs in Apple Wallet that will offer convenience and privacy for Illinoisans,” Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said in the press release. “This is the first component of a multi-faceted approach to deliver a state-of-the-art mobile driver’s license and state ID program that leverages best-in-class technology for residents.”
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration website says Puerto Rico and several states have digital ID options that “may be accepted by TSA at the checkpoint for testing and evaluation purposes,” including:
Arizona
California
Colorado
Georgia
Hawaii
Iowa
Louisiana
Maryland
New Mexico
New York
Ohio
Utah
Virginia
West Virginia
Policies may vary by airport.
U.S. travelers will need a “REAL ID” to fly domestically and access some federal facilities beginning Wednesday, May 7, though the program’s implementation has been previously delayed. A passport can be used as an alternative.
You can sign up online to receive emailed updates about the program’s development if you’re interested in getting a digital driver’s license or ID.
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This story was originally published January 21, 2025 at 5:30 AM.
