CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) — Today, Governor Patrick Morrisey announced that West Virginia driver’s licenses and state IDs can be added to Apple Wallet. The launch of ID in Apple Wallet through the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allows residents to seamlessly and securely add their state-issued driver license or state ID to Apple Wallet, and present their ID for verification using their iPhone and Apple Watch.
With this capability, West Virginians can present their ID in Apple Wallet for identity verification at over 250 TSA checkpoints at airports across the U.S., including Charleston Yeager Airport and Huntington Tri-State Airport. The state is actively working with vendors to allow this capability at more institutions and retailers throughout the state.
“This a technological leap forward for our state as West Virginia becomes the 12th state in the country to adopt this technology,” said Governor Morrisey. “This is a first step toward a broader rollout aimed at making everyday life easier for West Virginians.”
Adding and Presenting an ID in Apple Wallet
To add a West Virginia driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet tap the + button at the top of the screen in Apple Wallet, select “Driver’s license or State ID” and follow the on-screen instructions to start the set-up and verification process.
To present an ID in Apple Wallet in person, residents double-click their side button, select their ID in Apple Wallet, and simply hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a reader. A resident’s device will then display what information is being requested. The requested information is released from a device only after the resident reviews the data that’s being shared and authorizes the release with Face ID or Touch ID. Since the information is shared digitally, residents do not need to hand over their iPhone or Apple Watch to present an ID in Apple Wallet.
To present an ID in Apple Wallet in apps or online, users select the “Verify with Apple Wallet” button. From there, they are able to review the specific information being requested, and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID before information is shared.
As mobile driver’s licenses are not yet accepted everywhere, residents should always carry their physical license.
Security and Privacy
ID in Apple Wallet uses the privacy and security features that are built into Apple devices to help protect a user’s identity and personal information. ID in Apple Wallet also supports the ISO 18013-5 mDL (mobile driver’s license) standard, which sets clear guidelines for the industry around protecting consumers’ privacy when presenting an ID or driver’s license through a mobile device.
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.
For more information on IDs in Wallet, visit learn.wallet.apple/id.
