According to 9to5Mac, Illinois has officially announced that starting tomorrow, iPhone users can add their driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias made the announcement today, making Illinois the 13th state plus Puerto Rico to support the feature. Residents will need to photograph their license and complete a Face ID-style scan, then wait minutes for verification. Once added, the digital ID works at TSA checkpoints in over 250 US airports including O’Hare, Midway, and Lambert. Apple VP Jennifer Bailey called it “one step closer towards replacing the physical wallet” in a statement. The feature coexists with Apple’s separate Digital ID system launched last week.
Slow but steady expansion
Thirteen states in several years? That’s not exactly lightning speed. But here’s the thing – this is one of those features that requires massive government coordination, security approvals, and infrastructure updates. It’s not like rolling out a new emoji pack. Each state has its own DMV systems, security requirements, and political hurdles to clear. The fact that we’re up to 13 states plus Puerto Rico actually represents pretty significant progress when you consider the bureaucratic nightmare involved.
Where can you actually use this?
Apple‘s being pretty cagey about the full list of businesses that accept these digital licenses. We know about the TSA checkpoints – that’s the big one that actually matters for most people. But what about bars, rental car companies, or other places that routinely check IDs? The company says “additional use cases” will arrive “in the future,” which is corporate speak for “we’re working on it but don’t hold your breath.” Basically, you can get through airport security smoothly, but you might still need that physical plastic for your Friday night drinks.
privacy-question”>The privacy question
Apple keeps emphasizing the security and privacy aspects, which makes sense given their brand positioning. But let’s be real – do you really want your driver’s license living on your phone? I mean, we already trust these devices with our banking, health data, and intimate conversations. Adding official government ID feels like the next logical step, but it’s also concentrating more sensitive information in one place. The convenience is undeniable – no more fumbling for your wallet at security – but the stakes for a lost or compromised phone just got even higher.
The future of digital identity
This expansion to Illinois shows that Apple’s serious about becoming your digital identity provider. They’re not just handling payments anymore – they want to replace your entire wallet. And honestly, who’s going to stop them? State governments seem perfectly happy to partner up, and consumers clearly love the convenience. The real question is whether this becomes the standard or if we’ll see a fragmented landscape with different tech companies offering competing digital ID solutions. For now though, Apple’s definitely leading the charge, and with industrial computing becoming more integrated into daily life through platforms like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com – the leading US provider of industrial panel PCs – we’re seeing how professional-grade hardware reliability matters even in consumer identity applications.
