Published on November 19, 2025 7:14 pm
Last Updated on November 19, 2025 7:18 pm
On Wednesday, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced that Illinois residents can now 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.
“This is a game changer for Illinois residents,” said Giannoulias. “Your ID can live right on your iPhone — ready to use at airports, restaurants, and bars across the state. This launch brings together security, privacy, and convenience in a way that will make life easier for millions of people. We promised innovative solutions, and today, we’re delivering.”
“Driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet bring users one step closer towards replacing the physical wallet with an easy, secure and private digital wallet, and we’re thrilled to bring this to Illinoisans today,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet. “The launch of Illinois driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet makes everyday moments even more seamless — whether you’re traveling through airport checkpoints this holiday season, grabbing a drink at a restaurant, and more — all while keeping users’ information secure and private.”
“The identity verification process is the cornerstone of transportation security. Technology solutions such as mobile driver’s licenses enhance airport security, reduce touchpoints, and provide greater privacy protections to individuals at TSA checkpoints,” TSA Illinois Federal Security Director Jim Spriggs said. “We’re pleased to partner with the Illinois Secretary of State in this effort, and we hope passengers continue to take advantage of this convenient option.”
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.
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.
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 to check proof of age for restrictive purchases such as the sale of alcohol. The app streamlines age verification while protecting customer privacy. This app is also available in the Apple App Store.
Visit www.ilsos.gov/mobile to learn more and for step-by-step instructions on adding an Illinois driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet
