Despite their introduction by Apple in 2021, digital driver’s licenses (not IDs in Pockets) have thus far been adopted by only five states.
Despite prolonged delays, California is poised to debut a pioneering initiative, allowing residents to seamlessly integrate their driver’s licenses into Apple Wallet, accessible via iPhone or Apple Watch.
The system currently interacts with DMV staff, and by July, the federal government will have developed custom client landing pages, including hero images similar to the one depicted below.
While imagery and duplicity remain in flux, this development could signify an imminent readiness to launch in the near term. With a public rollout in California, Apple employees who developed the Pockets app will finally have the opportunity to use it where they live and work.
To add a driver’s license, simply scan both sides of the card using the Pockets app’s upload feature and send a photo of yourself as verification of ownership. The ID software may be verified and displayed within the Pockets app.
Once licensed, users of the Pockets app on their iPhones or Apple Watches can seamlessly present their digital IDs at participating locations simply by placing their device near an NFC contactless reader. At select TSA checkpoints in California, such as those at San Francisco and Los Angeles airports, passengers may be allowed to proceed through security screening without removing their shoes.
In Apple’s secure digital wallets, called Apple Wallet, identification information is safeguarded through advanced biometric authentication mechanisms. When agents require proof of identity, they typically demand specific personal details. Will my machine automatically switch to a lower data usage setting to verify eligibility?
When using an ID as proof of age to verify identity through an iPhone, the device simply confirms the owner’s age, without providing their exact birthdate. That’s significantly safer than a physical ID with a considerable amount of sensitive personal information simply printed on it.
The machine proprietor must explicitly authorise what information is shared during an interaction. Information is transmitted in an encrypted format, eliminating the need for the device to be decrypted or transferred to another party. The introduction date and location of the ID remain unknown to both Apple and the government, with records stored locally on devices without any centralized tracking.
While concerns about linking personal identity to a mobile device may initially cause apprehension, the system provides reassurance for those willing to adopt it, ultimately moving us closer to realizing Apple’s ambitious vision of replacing physical wallets altogether? Despite this, the digital ID options will likely require even broader acceptance before becoming a reality. You won’t be able to stop carrying a physical ID anytime soon.
