Big News for Driver's Licenses: Your Phone Can Now Be Your ID in These States
This change is all about making things easier for everyone, so you won't always need to carry around your actual driver's license. Instead, you'll be able to prove who you are at places like airports and stores with just your phone.
Not too long ago, California decided to join in. That means folks there can add their driver's licenses to their Apple Wallet.
But don't worry if you're not an iPhone user—people in some states can also use digital IDs with Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet.
Which States Have Digital Driver's Licenses?
Here's a list of places where you can use your driver's license on your phone or watch. Remember, keeping your actual driver's license with you is still a good idea because not everyone accepts the digital kind yet.
- Arizona: Works with Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet.
- California: You can use the California DMV Wallet, Apple Wallet, and Google Wallet.
- Colorado: Accepted on Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet.
- Georgia: Available via Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet.
- Hawaii: Only available on Apple Wallet.
- Iowa: You can use the Iowa Mobile ID app, Apple Wallet, and Samsung Wallet.
- Louisiana: Has its own app called LA Wallet.
- Maryland: Accepted on Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet.
- New Mexico: Works with Apple Wallet and Google Wallet.
- New York: Has a specific app called NY MiD App.
- Ohio: Available through Apple Wallet.
- Puerto Rico: You can use Apple Wallet.
- Utah: Uses the GET Mobile App.
- Virginia: Has the Virginia Mobile App.
- West Virginia: Uses the WV MiD App.
California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, pointed out that this new option lets people use their smartphones, which they already trust and use every day, to confirm who they are without extra hassle.
Pros and Cons of Digital IDs
Having your ID on your phone is super convenient for proving who you are quickly, without having to dig through your wallet for your license. However, it's important to know that not every place takes digital IDs.
So, for now, they can't completely replace the old-school ones. This is particularly true if you're outside the United States, where many places aren't set up for digital IDs just yet.
As this technology keeps getting better, it looks like more states will start to offer digital driver's licenses. States like Montana, West Virginia, Connecticut, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Utah are already talking about making digital licenses available.
This move to digital IDs is a big deal, and it seems like they might just become the normal way to show who you are all over the country very soon.
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