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Apple launched storing driver licenses within the Apple Pockets app in 2021 with iOS 15. As well as, TSA checkpoints settle for it in sure airports, and apps can entry the information beginning in iOS 16. Here is how and the place all of it works.
Arizona and Maryland have been among the many first states to roll out assist, and plenty of extra states are following. As of December 2021 there have been 30 states engaged on digital licenses.
Contents
Digital IDs
Driver’s license and state ID in Pockets can be found on iPhone 8 or later working iOS 15.4, and Apple Watch Collection 4 or later working watchOS 8.4 or later.
NFC readers and sure apps entry a license or state ID as soon as an individual shops it in Apple Pockets. It really works in a lot the identical manner as utilizing Apple Pay.
Handing over an iPhone or Apple Watch to digitally current the data shouldn’t be needed. The person controls which data is shared solely after authorization with Face ID or Contact ID. This data consists of authorized title, date of beginning, intercourse, top, ID quantity, state, concern date, expiration date, Actual ID standing, and ID picture.
At WWDC 2022, Apple revealed that apps may use digital ID data for identification and age verification in iOS 16. Like at a TSA checkpoint, the person evaluations and consents to share the information utilizing biometrics. The person controls the transaction. For instance, an individual can cover their actual age, with the app solely figuring out they’re over 21.

Apple did not point out this through the keynote, nevertheless it’s attainable web sites may sometime entry digital ID data. For instance, an online web page may have this as its solely age verification technique, eliminating methods through which an individual may lie about their age. For instance, minors who attempt to entry a porn website.
Customers can scan their bodily ID or driver’s license inside Apple Pockets, take a selfie for identification verification, and ship the data to the state for approval. As soon as authorized, the ID will seem within the Pockets.
TSA PreCheck
The Transport and Safety Administration (TSA) is actively working to develop its digital ID scanning applied sciences. Because of this, sure TSA PreCheck checkpoints in taking part states will settle for digital IDs.
The company says that it is actively testing and evaluating digital IDs within the following states and airline:
- American Airways – American Airways Digital ID on Android and iOS
- Arizona – Cell driver’s license in Apple Pockets
- Maryland – Cell driver’s license in Apple Pockets

Airports which can be at the moment assessing this know-how in a area trial embrace:
- Baltimore/Washington Worldwide Airport (BWI)
- Dallas Fort Value Worldwide Airport (DFW)
- Gulfport Biloxi Worldwide Airport (GPT)
- Harry Reid Worldwide Airport (LAS)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Worldwide Airport (ATL)
- Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers Worldwide Airport (JAN)
- Miami Worldwide Airport (MIA)
- Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Worldwide Airport (SJC)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Worldwide Airport (PHX)
- Ronald Reagan Washington Nationwide Airport (DCA)
Apple’s digital ID implementation helps the ISO 18013-5 mDL (cell driver’s license) customary, which it helped develop. Different platforms, reminiscent of Android, can use this customary.
How digital ID scanners work
The TSA says it can use CAT-2 items to assist the phased rollout of digital IDs. Generally known as Credential Authentication Expertise (CAT), these gadgets may also scan and analyze picture IDs.
A CAT unit is electronically linked to a Safe Flight database to verify vacationers’ flight data. It additionally shows the pre-screening standing, reminiscent of TSA PreCheck, for which the traveler is eligible.
An individual can faucet their iPhone in opposition to the CAT-2 reader or scan a QR code. An alert will seem on the cellphone with a abstract of the information being shared with TSA, then the individual makes use of Contact ID or Face ID to verify.

The unit verifies an individual’s identification by matching the digital ID in opposition to the data they supplied when reserving their flight.
A dwell picture can also be in contrast in opposition to the digital ID’s picture. As soon as verified, the traveler can proceed by means of the checkpoint. The TSA collects dwell images and passenger information to research solely through the analysis interval.
The info is anonymized, encrypted, and transferred for transient evaluation to the Division of Homeland Safety (DHS) Science & Expertise Directorate (S&T). DHS deletes the information inside 24 months.
Vacationers ought to carry a bodily copy of their ID simply in case. The company says that the DHS TSA digital identification pilot program is opt-in.