Apple Wallet’s best new feature is coming to more states

Apple is expanding one of the most useful features in Apple Wallet, with digital driver’s licences and state IDs set to arrive in four more US states.

According to evidence found in Apple’s code, Wallet IDs are coming to Oklahoma, Utah and Virginia. Meanwhile, North Carolina has separately confirmed plans to support Apple Wallet IDs in early 2027. That would take the number of US states offering the feature to 18.

The expansion gives more iPhone and Apple Watch users the option to store a compatible driver’s licence or state ID digitally. However, there are still important limitations around where these IDs can be used.

North Carolina is the only one of the four with a clearer launch window. The state’s DMV says it plans to introduce its own NC Wallet mobile ID programme in December. Support for Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet is expected to follow in early 2027.

The other three states – Oklahoma, Utah and Virginia – were identified through code spotted by MacRumors. However, there is currently no availability timeframe for their Apple Wallet implementations.

Apple first introduced digital IDs in Wallet in 2022, and the feature has gradually expanded across the US. The current supported locations include Arizona, Maryland, Colorado, Georgia, Ohio, Hawaii, California, Iowa, New Mexico, Montana, North Dakota, West Virginia, Illinois and Arkansas. Additionally, Puerto Rico is also supported.

Apple Wallet IDs can also be used at participating TSA checkpoints. Apple says they are accepted at more than 250 airports for domestic travel. Nonetheless, travellers should check TSA signage before relying on the feature.

Once a driver’s licence or state ID has been added, users can present it at supported identity readers using an iPhone or Apple Watch.

The process is designed to reveal only the information requested by the TSA or participating business. After tapping the device on the reader, the user reviews the requested information. The user then authorises its release using Face ID or Touch ID. That means there’s no need to unlock the iPhone, show the screen to someone or hand over the device.

There is, however, a significant caveat: Apple Wallet IDs aren’t generally accepted by law enforcement. This means users still need to carry a physical driver’s licence for situations such as traffic stops. Acceptance among businesses is also relatively limited.

North Carolina’s DMV similarly warns that retailers, restaurants and other businesses may not immediately be equipped to accept mobile IDs.

For now, then, Apple Wallet IDs are best viewed as a convenient alternative where supported rather than a complete replacement for a physical driver’s licence. However, the addition of four more states should make the feature considerably more useful for iPhone owners across the US.