Earlier this year, at WWDC, Apple announced a slew of new features for its iOS ecosystem. One of them was the upcoming ability of the Apple Wallet to hold your driver’s license and state ID, essentially removing the need to carry a wallet with you.
How does Apple Wallet work with state ID and driver’s license?
Image by Apple
Glad you asked. So, first, to add your document (ID or license) you need to scan it with your iPhone’s camera. You will then be asked to take a selfie with the front-facing camera module. For added security, you will be asked to make a few random head movements and facial expressions. After this, the issuing state needs to verify the information and — if all is well — your ID is added.
Image by Apple
When you reach a compatible TSA identity reader, you will get a prompt on your iPhone, which shows you exactly what kind of data the reader is requesting. You don’t need to unlock or show your phone to anyone. Just tap on the screen to agree to the data transmission — it will be verified via Face ID or Touch ID before it goes off to the reader.
As always, your private data is stored on the iPhone’s “Secure Enclave” subsystem in encrypted form. Apple says nobody — not even Apple — can ever access it. Apple and issuing states do not get information on when or where you are presenting your ID.
