CT Among First States to Introduce Digital Driver’s Licenses and State IDs

Residents in Connecticut, along with those in 7 other states, will be the first to utilize Apple technology for a more convenient and secure way to access driver's licenses and state IDs.  

In a recent press release, the tech company announced that licenses and state IDs will be presentable through the Wallet app on Apple Watches and iPhones. Currently in development, this digital tool will be made available through a partnership between Apple, the Transportation Security Administration and the states of Connecticut, Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Utah.  

Get our free mobile app

According to Apple, users will be able to scan their license or ID onto the Wallet app, where people using Apple smart devices can store important documents digitally, including credit cards, debit cards, student IDs, and even car keys. The company has continued to expand upon this feature, with plans to incorporate nearly every part of the consumer’s life – from hotel keys to corporate badges - for the sake of convenience.  

The licenses or IDs scanned through the app “will be securely provided to the issuing state for verification.” To protect the identity of the user, facial recognition will be required during the setup process. Once the license or ID has been verified through the state, the documents will become available to use on either the person’s phone or smart watch.   

Additional measures taken to secure the app utilize the “privacy and security built into the iPhone and Apple Watch.”  One such measure involves biometric authentication, which refers to face and touch recognition and prevents anyone except the user from accessing their legal documents from within the Wallet app.   

The app also uses “encrypted communication between the device and the identity reader” so there is no need to “unlock, show or hand over the device.” Apple has stated within the press release that no one - including the company and the states - will be given any information on when or where the licenses or IDs are being presented.  

“This new and innovative mobile driver’s license and state ID initiative with Apple and states around the country will enable a more seamless airport security screening experience for travelers,” said David Pekoske, TSA administrator.   

According to the press release, checkpoints and special lanes will be set up at certain airports to allow for a smoother and more efficient security process. The only steps required of the user during this process will be tapping their device on an identity reader and granting permission to the TSA to have access to the legal document on the device.  

Gov. Ned Lamont announced on Twitter that Connecticut is in the “early planning phases” of making licenses available digitally and will have more information in the near future regarding the development of the new Wallet app feature.   

“We’re pleased to be one of the first states working with Apple to deploy driver’s licenses and state identification cards in Apple Wallet, and we’re looking forward to taking the next steps to make sure this new feature benefits our residents,” said Lamont.