A First for Illinois: Apple iPhone Users Can Now Add and Present Their Illinois Driver’s License or State ID in Apple Wallet
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced Wednesday, November 19, 2025, a major technological milestone available to motorists in Illinois:
Illinois residents can securely add their Illinois-issued driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet and present their ID using their iPhone and Apple Watch. This marks a new era of convenience and digital innovation for the state, enabling residents to present their driver’s license and state ID in Apple Wallet in person, online and in apps at select businesses and organizations, including at TSA checkpoints at over 250+ airports in the U.S, including O’Hare, Midway and Lambert. The Illinois Mobile ID program will soon expand to Google and Samsung Wallets, ensuring that every Illinois resident with a mobile phone has access to secure, digital identification, according to the Illinois Secretary of State.
“Mobile ID in Apple Wallet is now live for Illinois residents,” said Giannoulias. “This is just the start, our office will continue to work with businesses to expand where it’s accepted in order to make everyday life more seamless, secure, and convenient.”
“The launch of Illinois’ Mobile ID in Apple Wallet gives United customers a faster, easier and more secure way to verify their identity at TSA checkpoints,” said Dan Lynch, Vice President, State and Local Government Affairs at United Airlines. “As an airline committed to putting tools directly in our customers hands with the touch of a button, we’re excited that Illinois travelers can move through the airport with even greater convenience.”
This is not a replacement for a physical ID, and for now, residents must continue to carry their physical ID.
With the launch, Illinois joins 12 other states and the territory of Puerto Rico that offer driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet to their residents.
How to add an Illinois driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet
Adding a license or state ID to Apple Wallet can be done in a few easy steps. Residents can tap the Add (+) button at the top of the screen in Wallet on their iPhone, select “Driver’s License or State ID,” and follow the onscreen instructions to start the setup and verification process.
The resident will be asked to use their iPhone to scan their physical driver’s license or state ID card and take a selfie, which will be securely provided to the issuing state for verification. As an additional security step, residents will also be prompted to complete a series of facial and head movements during the setup process. Once verified by the issuing state, the resident’s ID or driver’s license will be added to Wallet.
Visit www.ilsos.gov/mobile for step-by-step instructions.
Using an Illinois driver’s license or state ID in Apple Wallet
Users can securely present their IDs in Apple Wallet in person, online and in apps to show proof of age or identity.
To present an ID in person, users can go to Apple Wallet and select their Illinois driver’s license and state ID in Apple Wallet. From there, they can hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near an identity reader, review the specific information being requested, and use Face ID or Touch ID to authenticate. Users can present their ID in Apple Wallet at select TSA checkpoints, businesses, and venues, in addition to Apple Store locations across the U.S. for order pickup, Genius Bar appointments, and more.
To present an Illinois driver’s license and state ID in Apple Wallet in apps and online, users can select the “Verify with Apple Wallet” or “Continue with Apple Wallet” button. From there, they can review the specific information being requested and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID before information is shared.
Presenting an ID in a Secure, Private Way
IDs in Apple Wallet use the privacy and security features that are built into Apple devices to help protect a user’s identity and personal information. When adding an ID to Apple Wallet, the state-issuing authority receives only the information it needs to approve or deny the request.
Once an ID is added to Apple Wallet, the information is encrypted on a user’s device, so others — including Apple — cannot access it unless a user chooses to present it. Apple and the state-issuing authority do not know when or to whom a user presents their driver’s license or state ID. A user’s presentment history is encrypted and stored only on their device, and Apple cannot see or access this information.
When presenting an ID in Apple Wallet, only the information needed for the transaction is presented, and the user has the opportunity to review and authorize the information being requested with Face ID or Touch ID before it is shared. Users do not need to unlock, show, or hand over their device to present their ID.
A Boost for Businesses
Alongside the launch of Illinois driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet, the Secretary of State’s office is launching a free Mobile ID Verifier app for businesses that checks proof of age for restrictive purchases such as the sale of alcohol. The app streamlines age verification checks all while protecting customer privacy. This app is available in the Apple App Store starting today.
Future Enhancements
Giannoulias emphasized that the Illinois Mobile ID program will soon expand to Google and Samsung Wallets, ensuring that every Illinois resident with a mobile phone has access to secure, digital identification.
To learn more, visit www.ilsos.gov/mobile.
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