Illinois is now offering a digital driver's license that can be stored in Apple Wallet, a convenient and secure way to carry your ID.
The digital driver's license is available to eligible Illinois residents who have a valid driver's license.
To add your digital driver's license to Apple Wallet, you'll need to download the Illinois Secretary of State's mobile app and follow the prompts to upload your license.
The digital driver's license is accepted by law enforcement and other authorized parties, just like a physical license.
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Digital Driver's License Details
In Illinois, you'll be able to get a digital copy of your driver's license starting in January 2025, thanks to new legislation. The Secretary of State's office will develop and manage the program.
Digital driver's licenses offer several benefits, including always having your license with you if you have your phone, and enhanced security features that make it harder to fake your license.
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You'll be able to add your digital driver's license to your iPhone and Apple Watch, and it will be protected by your phone's security features. To add it, open the Wallet app on your iPhone, tap the Add button, and follow the on-screen instructions.
If you want to add your license to your Apple Watch later, you can do so by opening the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, tapping the My Watch tab, and then scrolling down to Wallet & Apple Pay.
Here are some details about what you can expect when using a digital driver's license in Illinois:
- IDs in Apple Wallet are available in select regions at select TSA checkpoints.
- Digital licenses will be accepted by law enforcement, but they can still request a physical copy.
- You'll be required to provide a physical copy if requested by law enforcement.
In terms of compatibility, you'll need an iPhone 8 or later with iOS 16.5 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 4 or later with watchOS 9.5 or later to use a digital driver's license in Illinois.
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Benefits and Drawbacks
Illinois digital driver's licenses could put the state on the technological forefront, according to supporters.
State Rep. Kam Buckner, a co-sponsor of the bill, says digital IDs are safer than traditional physical IDs, as they can be programmed to only show a person's name and age.
The Illinois Secretary of State's office points out that the technology could hide personal information, making it a more secure option.
However, the American Civil Liberties Union has raised concerns about how showing a digital ID would be implemented, and whether it would provide consent to be searched.
A digital ID could be scanned next to a car during a traffic stop, eliminating the need for an officer to take an unlocked phone back to a squad car.
Here are some benefits of going digital:
- Always With You: If you have your phone, you have your license.
- Enhanced Security: Digital licenses include security features that make them harder to fake.
- Contactless Verification: Many places will be able to verify your ID without physically handling it.
- Instant Updates: When it’s time for a license renewal, it’s likely you will be able to update it on your phone.
Cost Estimate
The cost estimate for displaying a digital driver's license in Illinois is relatively low. According to House Bill 4592, the app installation will not exceed $6.
Installing the app is a straightforward process that won't break the bank.
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Benefits of Digital Transformation
Digital transformation can bring numerous benefits to our daily lives. One of the most significant advantages is the convenience of having essential documents always with us, just like having your phone means you have your digital driver's license.
Digital licenses also offer enhanced security features that make them harder to fake. These features are further protected by our phone's security features, giving us an added layer of peace of mind.
Contactless verification is another benefit of digital transformation, allowing many places to verify our identities without physically handling our documents. This can save time and reduce the risk of lost or damaged documents.
We can also enjoy instant updates, making it easier to stay current with our documents, even when we're waiting for a new physical card to arrive in the mail.
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Law Enforcement and Digital Licenses
In Illinois, law enforcement will accept digital licenses once the program launches in 2025. They can still request a physical copy, and you're required by law to provide it.
If you store your Illinois digital driver's license in Apple Wallet, you'll have the convenience of digital storage, but you'll still need to be prepared to provide a physical copy if asked.
Law enforcement can request a physical copy of your digital license, so it's a good idea to keep a printed copy in your vehicle or wallet, just in case.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Illinois have a digital ID app?
Yes, Illinois has a digital ID app that can be downloaded, and it's an additional option to your physical ID. A small fee of up to $6 applies for the digital copy.
Sources
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/118237
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/111803
- https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/02/29/drivers-license-on-your-phone-illinois-secretary-of-state-supports-bill-to-make-it-happen/
- https://www.wbez.org/reset-with-sasha-ann-simons/2024/03/04/digital-ids-in-illinois-heres-a-look-at-the-pros-and-cons
- https://soshearings.com/blog/illinois-digital-drivers-license
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