RICHMOND — Virginians can now add their state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards to Apple Wallet, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles announced Wednesday, expanding where residents can present digital ID and how they verify personal information.
The new capability, called ID in Apple Wallet, is available immediately and may be used at more than 250 Transportation Security Administration security checkpoints nationwide, including the three major regional airports in the commonwealth. Officials said the feature is also accepted at all Virginia DMV offices, by Virginia State Police and at hundreds of business and entertainment venues across Virginia.
Where you can use digital ID
The DMV and state transportation officials emphasized practical uses for the new feature. Users can present their digital ID at TSA checkpoints when flying, show it at DMV counters and provide it to law enforcement when asked during a stop. The agency also highlighted adoption by numerous private venues across the state.
| Airport | Location |
|---|---|
| Washington Dulles International Airport | Metro D.C. region |
| Reagan Washington National Airport | Metro D.C. region |
| Richmond International Airport | Richmond |
| Norfolk International Airport | Norfolk |
Adding a driver’s license or ID to Apple Wallet is designed to be a user-driven, secure process. To begin, iPhone and Apple Watch users tap the plus (+) button at the top of the Wallet app, select “Driver’s License and ID Cards” and follow on-screen prompts to complete setup and verification.
Security and user control
Apple’s system displays which pieces of information are being requested by a reader and releases those data only after the user reviews them and authorizes the transfer using Face ID or Touch ID. The DMV and state officials framed the rollout as a privacy-protecting step that gives residents control over what is shared and when.
“The introduction of ID in Apple Wallet to Virginians marks a major moment of innovation for the Commonwealth, putting Virginians ahead of the curve when it comes to both technology and protecting personal information,” said Virginia Secretary of Transportation Nick Donohue.
State officials said the change responds to citizen demand and was accomplished through a partnership with Apple. The DMV directed users to its website for additional guidance on using ID in Apple Wallet, including troubleshooting and information about accepted venues.
Practical considerations for drivers and travelers
Officials stressed the digital ID is an added option, not a replacement for physical credentials. Virginians who prefer a plastic card may continue to carry and use it as before. The state did not announce any deadline to phase out physical IDs, and the DMV continues to issue traditional cards at its offices.
- How to add an ID: open Wallet, tap +, select “Driver’s License and ID Cards,” follow prompts.
- How to present an ID: hold iPhone or Apple Watch near a reader; confirm information and authorize with Face or Touch ID.
- Where it works: TSA checkpoints at participating airports, all Virginia DMV offices, Virginia State Police and hundreds of venues across the commonwealth.
Transportation and DMV officials encouraged residents to confirm acceptance at specific private venues before relying solely on the digital credential. They also recommended that travelers carry a physical ID as a backup when flying in case a checkpoint or service provider cannot read the digital credential.
As more states adopt digital ID options, Virginia’s launch places the commonwealth among a growing number of jurisdictions offering mobile credentials. State leaders framed the move as both a convenience for residents and an upgrade to how personal information is shared and protected in routine transactions.
For step-by-step instructions and frequently asked questions, the Virginia DMV has posted resources and guidance on its website covering setup, verification and troubleshooting for ID in Apple Wallet.
— Nathaniel Okafor, State Correspondent
