Mobile ID launches in Illinois. Here’s how to get one and what you can use it for
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Illinois launched Apple Wallet mobile IDs Nov. 19; only iPhone users can enroll.
- Some TSA checkpoints, businesses accept mobile ID; driving still requires physical card.
- Setup requires iPhone 8/Apple Watch Series 4+, selfie verification and ID scans in Wallet.
Mobile ID has launched in Illinois as of Nov. 19, after a new law went into effect earlier this year allowing the secretary of state’s office to develop the program.
The office says mobile ID is not a replacement for physical identification cards, and residents still need a physical driver’s license to drive.
Illinois mobile IDs are currently only available in the Apple Wallet, so only those with an iPhone can get one right now. Mobile ID for Google and Samsung digital wallets will be available sometime in 2026, according to the secretary of state’s office. You need an iPhone 8 or later or an Apple Watch Series 4 or later, with the latest version of iOS or watchOS, to get a mobile ID in Illinois.
The state agency declined to provide the number of how many residents have obtained mobile IDs so far.
To obtain a mobile ID in Illinois on your iPhone, open your Apple Wallet app and press on the plus sign at the top right of your screen. Then, select “Driver’s License and ID Cards,” click on “Illinois” and follow the instructions to add your ID.
You can add your mobile ID to just your iPhone or your iPhone and paired Apple Watch. You will start by scanning the front and back of your ID card, and you’ll be prompted to use a well-lit area and a simple, dark background to capture the information.
After scanning your ID, you will be prompted to take a selfie for verification, and the secretary of state’s office will verify your submission. You will be notified when your mobile ID is available for use.
What can you use an Illinois mobile ID for?
To use your mobile ID at an Illinois business, you’ll hold your device near the identity reader and double-click the side button to use Face ID to consent to share the requested information, such as age verification for an alcohol purchase. The info will then appear on the business’ reader.
“Mobile ID can be used at [Transportation Security Administration] airport security as well as any businesses that chooses to accept IDs in this form,” staff with the Illinois Secretary of State’s office wrote in an email to the News-Democrat. “Our office has partnered with the Illinois Liquor Control Commission and Illinois Restaurant Association to expand the number of businesses that will accept Mobile ID over the coming months. At this point, Mobile ID’s cannot be used for law enforcement purposes, including while driving as a replacement to a person’s physical card.”
Illinois mobile IDs can be used at more than 250 U.S. airports, including Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, Chicago Midway International Airport and St. Louis Lambert International Airport.
“The identity verification process is the cornerstone of transportation security. Technology solutions such as mobile driver’s licenses enhance airport security, reduce touchpoints, and provide greater privacy protections to individuals at TSA checkpoints,” TSA Illinois Federal Security Director Jim Spriggs said in a Nov. 18 news release. “We’re pleased to partner with the Illinois Secretary of State in this effort, and we hope passengers continue to take advantage of this convenient option.”
If your physical driver’s license or ID card is a “Real ID,” your mobile ID will also function as a Real ID, with the caveat you still need your physical card for some purposes, including driving.
“Driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet bring users one step closer towards replacing the physical wallet with an easy, secure and private digital wallet, and we’re thrilled to bring this to Illinoisans today,” Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, said in the release. “The launch of Illinois driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet makes everyday moments even more seamless — whether you’re traveling through airport checkpoints this holiday season, grabbing a drink at a restaurant, and more — all while keeping users’ information secure and private.”
Mobile IDs are now available in more than 15 states, including Iowa, Ohio, Louisiana, Georgia, Colorado, California, Arizona and more.
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