Digital ID is no longer a futuristic concept – it’s already here, on your phone. As of late 2025, more and more U.S. states are allowing residents to store their driver’s license or state ID directly in digital wallets such as Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. This shift transforms how we carry and present identity, from physical plastic cards to encrypted, biometric-protected mobile credentials.
If you’ve ever wondered “Is digital ID coming to the US?”, “What is a digital ID?”, or “Are digital IDs government-issued?”, this guide will walk you through exactly how to add your license (or passport) to your digital wallet – and what the benefits and risks are.
By the end, you’ll understand how to seamlessly add your license, why this matters, and whether now might be the time to embrace digital ID.
Why Digital ID Matters
What is a digital ID?
A digital ID (or mobile ID) refers to an electronic version of a government-issued identity document – such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport – stored securely on a smartphone. AAMVA
These mobile IDs, sometimes called mDLs (mobile Driver’s Licenses), contain the same data elements as physical cards but are provisioned electronically. When you present them, your phone transmits the information to a reader device, authenticating your identity digitally.
Is digital ID coming to the US – and how fast?
Yes, it’s already rolling out, state by state. As of late 2025:
- Several U.S. states support adding driver’s licenses or state IDs to Apple Wallet. MacRumors
- Some states now support mDLs in Google Wallet. ID Tech
- If your state isn’t yet supported, a workaround is now available: with a valid U.S. passport, you can create a “Digital ID” in Apple Wallet – accepted (at least currently) at TSA security checkpoints in more than 250 airports. Apple
What’s more, major milestones this year have accelerated adoption: for instance, the rollout in a populous state like California helped normalize the trend. CalMatters
What is the point of digital ID and why now?
Digital IDs aim to modernize identity verification, making it more secure, private, and convenient. According to advocates of mobile IDs, they’re harder to lose, damage, or counterfeit than physical cards. Investopedia
Also:
- They reduce friction for daily scenarios (buying alcohol, age verification, rental car pickup). Apple
- For travelers, using Digital ID at airports can speed up TSA checkpoint processes. Transportation Security Administration
- For states and governments, digital IDs can lower printing, mailing, and replacing costs associated with physical cards. Investopedia
How to Add Your License or ID to Google Wallet and Apple Digital ID
Which states currently support driver’s license or state-ID in wallets?
As of November 2025, these states (and territories) support adding a state-issued driver’s license or ID to Apple Wallet: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, West Virginia, and Puerto Rico. MacRumors
On the Google Wallet side, support is rolling out more slowly, but a number of states already offer mDL integrations. ID Tech
States such as California have run official pilot programs, deploying mDLs through both Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. California DMV
If your state is not yet on the list: don’t worry, there’s another option. With a valid U.S. passport, you can create a Digital ID in Apple Wallet. Apple
Step-by-Step: How to Add a Driver’s License to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet
Here’s how to do it depending on your device and document:
For Apple Wallet (iPhone / Apple Watch):
- Open Apple Wallet. Tap the “+” (Add) icon. Illinois Secretary of State
- Select “Driver’s License or State ID.”
- Follow on-screen instructions: scan your physical license (front and back), take a selfie (and possibly a short video or facial/head movement sequence) for verification. Illinois Secretary of State
- Wait for state DMV (or issuing authority) to approve. Once approved, your license or ID appears in Wallet.
- To present your ID: open Apple Wallet, select the ID, hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near a compatible identity reader, authorize with Face ID or Touch ID, and share only the requested information.
For Google Wallet (Android):
- Open Google Wallet. Select “Add to Wallet” → choose “ID” or “ID pass.” Transportation Security Administration
- Use your U.S. passport or eligible state-issued license/ID, following prompts to scan and verify identity. Transportation Security Administration
- Upon successful verification, your digital ID pass is added to Google Wallet.
If you don’t have a supported state license:
- On Apple Devices, you can create a Digital ID with your U.S. passport. Open Apple Wallet → Add → Driver’s License or ID Cards → Digital ID → follow passport scan + facial verification. Apple
What You Can Use Your Digital ID For Today
Digital IDs in Apple or Google Wallet are already accepted in several real-world use cases:
- TSA checkpoints at 250+ airports for domestic flights, reducing time at security. Transportation Security Administration
- Identity or age verification at select businesses, retailers, or venues (e.g., bars, clubs, alcohol sales), when those businesses support digital ID scanning. Apple
- Online and in-app verification – for example, verifying age or identity when booking travel, renting a car, or accessing services that require proof of identity. Apple
According to some analysts, digital IDs are poised to make physical driver’s licenses increasingly obsolete, especially among younger, tech-savvy generations. Investopedia
What Are the Risks & Challenges of Digital ID?
While digital IDs bring convenience and promise, they also carry some caveats and potential risks. Understanding them is vital before fully embracing the shift.
Privacy & Security Concerns
- Data storage on device: While wallets like Apple or Google encrypt data and rely on device-level protections (Face ID / biometrics), a stolen or compromised device could pose a risk – especially if biometric or password protections are weak.
- Selective data sharing: Because digital IDs allow sharing only requested information (e.g., age without full DOB, or name without address), there’s a question: can identity readers or apps misuse or over-request data? The transparency of which fields are shared matters. Apple
- Limited acceptance & interoperability: Not all businesses, law enforcement agencies, or states yet accept digital IDs, meaning you still often need to carry a physical ID as backup. Illinois Secretary of State
Legal & Standardization Hurdles
- Patchwork rollout: Because U.S. adoption depends on state-level policies, there’s no uniform standard. Some states support mDLs; others rely on their own mobile-ID apps; some may support only certain wallets or none at all. Wikipedia
- Not (yet) a full replacement for all use cases: For example, digital passports or IDs in wallets are not valid for international travel or border crossing. Apple
- Reliance on technology & infrastructure: For digital IDs to be widely accepted, businesses and readers must support the corresponding identity-reader hardware and software, a process that takes time and investment.
Will Digital ID Be Mandatory?
At present, no. Adoption of digital IDs remains voluntary. Even in states offering mDLs, the physical license or state ID remains valid, and often necessary, especially when dealing with law enforcement, agencies, or non-supporting businesses.
Furthermore, even with digital passport support (e.g., through Apple Digital ID), international border control and immigration will continue to require physical passports. Apple
However, as adoption expands, wallets improve, and infrastructure scales, there’s potential that digital ID may become the preferred (though not strictly mandatory) form of ID for many everyday use cases (travel, retail, etc.).
Why Digital ID Could Replace Physical IDs
According to industry experts and proponents of mDLs, digital IDs are “the future of licensing and proof of identity.” AAMVA
Here’s why:
- Reduced risk of loss, theft, damage – a lost plastic card can be replaced only via DMV; a lost phone can have remote wipe or deactivation (in many cases). Georgia Department of Driver Services
- Instant updates and revocations: If a license is suspended or renewed, states can push updates instantly – rather than waiting for physical card printing and mail. AAMVA
- Better privacy control: With digital ID, users decide what data to reveal. For example, a bar might only need to verify “21+” – not full name, address, or date of birth. Apple
- Efficiency and convenience: For users – no more fumbling for physical cards; for businesses and agencies – no more manual ID checks, potential forgery: digital credentials can be cryptographically verified. Investopedia
Given these advantages, many expect that within a few years, as states and institutions align standards, digital IDs may become the default – physical IDs relegated to a backup role.
How to Prepare Today
If you want to get ahead of the curve, here’s an expert-recommended roadmap for embracing digital ID while staying safe and pragmatic:
- Check if your state supports digital ID or mDLs. Visit your state DMV or identity-services website (or check Apple/Google wallet support lists) to see if you can already add your license or ID.
- Use strong device security. Enable biometric authentication (Face ID / Touch ID) or a strong passcode on your phone. Consider enabling remote-wipe via device-finding services (e.g., “Find My iPhone” / Android equivalent).
- Carry physical ID as backup. Until digital ID is universally accepted, keep your plastic license or passport handy for law enforcement, car rentals, international travel, or businesses that don’t yet accept mobile IDs.
- Stay informed about acceptance and privacy policies. Not all businesses or agencies may request only minimal data; know what you’re consenting to.
- Be ready to upgrade when your next license renewal comes. If your state allows mDL issuance, consider switching when your physical license expires – and enjoy modern identity verification going forward.
People Also Asked (FAQ)
Q: Is digital ID a real thing?
Yes, digital IDs are already real and operational. Several U.S. states currently allow residents to store their driver’s license or state ID in digital wallets like Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. MacRumors
Q: Are digital IDs government-issued?
Yes. The credentials stored in your wallet (driver’s license, state ID, or passport) are issued by government authorities. The mobile versions (mDLs) are simply digital formats of officially issued documents. AAMVA
Q: Will digital ID be mandatory?
Not at present. Adoption remains voluntary. Even with digital IDs available, physical licenses remain valid, and you may still need them whenever digital ID is not accepted.
Q: What are the risks of digital ID?
Potential risks include loss or theft of the phone (though mitigated by encryption and biometrics), possible over-sharing of personal data if a business requests more than necessary, and limited acceptance, meaning you may still need a physical ID.
Q: What is the point of digital ID?
The point is convenience, security, and privacy. Digital ID makes carrying, presenting, and verifying identity simpler and safer, whether you’re flying, buying age-restricted goods, or verifying identity online. It also reduces costs and inefficiencies associated with physical ID issuance.
Q: Is digital ID coming to the US?
Yes, it already is. Many states have adopted mDLs; major wallet providers support them; and digital passport-based IDs have begun rolling out nationwide (at least via Apple Wallet). The rollout is ongoing but steadily accelerating.
Digital ID is not a futuristic dream, it’s already part of the identity infrastructure in the United States. As of 2025, dozens of states support mobile driver’s licenses or state IDs in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, and even U.S. passports can now be converted into digital IDs on iPhone.
For consumers, digital ID offers genuine benefits: streamlined travel, secure and private identity verification, and convenience. For governments and businesses, it promises lower costs, reduced fraud risk, and operational efficiency.
That said, digital ID is not yet universal or mandatory. Acceptance remains partial, and physical IDs remain necessary in many scenarios. As a savvy, security-conscious user, you should treat digital ID as a powerful complement, not a total replacement (yet) — while staying mindful of privacy and security best practices.
If you’re ready to try it: check whether your state supports digital licenses, secure your device with biometrics or passcode, and follow the wallet prompts to add your ID. Then, experience firsthand how effortless and future-ready carrying identity can become.
“Digital IDs are the future of licensing and proof of identity.”
