Apple Wallet Driver's License Feature to Launch in Four More US States (macrumors.com)
- Reference: 0185026266
- News link: https://apple.slashdot.org/story/26/08/17/2157231/apple-wallet-drivers-license-feature-to-launch-in-four-more-us-states
- Source link: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/17/apple-wallet-ids-expanding-to-four-more-states/
> A few days ago, North Carolina's DMV announced that it plans to launch a mobile ID program later this year. As reported by [2]WRAL , North Carolina residents will be able to set up a digital ID through a new NC Wallet app starting in December, with Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet support to follow in "early 2027." As mentioned, you do not need to unlock, show, or hand over your device to present an Apple Wallet ID in person, ensuring user privacy.
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> Apple Wallet IDs are generally not accepted by law enforcement, so carrying a physical ID is still legally required for traffic stops. In addition, the number of businesses that accept Apple Wallet IDs is still quite small. At least for now, Apple Wallet IDs are designed to be a convenient alternative where they are accepted. "Your mobile ID is a valid form of identification in North Carolina," the DMV said, in a FAQ on its website. "However, as retailers, restaurants and other businesses transition to mobile IDs, some may not be set up to accept them right away. For now, carrying your physical card gives you a backup when needed." According to code seen by MacRumors, Apple Wallet IDs are also coming to Oklahoma, Utah, and Virginia, but there is no timeframe for availability.
[1] https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/17/apple-wallet-ids-expanding-to-four-more-states/
[2] https://www.wral.com/news/local/dmv-mobile-id-divers-license-august-2026/
Use it or lose it! (Score:3)
The more we use these "convenient" tech methods to pay for things and to identify ourselves, the sooner the traditional paper / plastic methods will become obsolete and no longer accepted. Then the tech broligarchs will fully control our IDs, our money, and - perhaps biggest of all - our privacy.
The ubiquitous surveillance that our always-on phones make possible will also make planning a revolution effectively im possible. Every time we give in to these conveniences, we come one step closer to a dystopian society such as that shown in "Elysium" and many other films. The tech bros already have far too much control over us - it's time to put a stop to it. Just say no to being monitored, nannied, and amused - AKA abused - to death.
Re: (Score:2, Informative)
In Florida the (Republican) governor made a big deal about how we're never going to have "digital" driver's licenses. Problem is, they already are digital. If you get pulled over by a cop, they run it though the DMV database and the results from that database take precedence over anything that might be printed on your little plastic card.
Sure, having a physical card you can hold could give you the warm fuzzies, but ultimately it's still those bits in a database that say whether or not you actually have dr
You are twisting the OP's statements (Score:2)
You are twisting the OP's statements. The core problem of all of this is it is going down the path of forcing you to have a smart phone if you don't want one for basic needs. While it is convenient for some of these needs, it is also used as a side vehicle for monopolizing your attention and data. You become a product to be sold... A piece of plastic does not do that.
Some examples of this path.
In Japan, we have had health insurance cards merged into what is equivalent to a the social security card in t
Huge impact on voter ID (Score:1)
This will have a huge impact on the voter ID debate. By further connecting government identification systems with transaction processing systems like credit card companies, both of which Apple has their hands in, it will become just a database join on anyone with a credit card, to figure out who is and who is not a citizen.
Re: (Score:2)
Are you saying that's a good thing or a bad thing?
Cuz people will argue both ways on that.
Ask your wife (Score:2)
> Who wants to pay a thousand dollars to replace a lost/stolen drivers license?
> This only make the damn phone even more valuable to thieves. That's a very expensive wallet, and fragile. Will you still have ID without internet?
You still have a physical driver's license. It's now optional to carry it if you have your phone. Men usually don't care because we have good pockets, most womens' clothes don't so my wife wants this. I view it like Apple Pay or even Venmo. I want the option, but I have yet to use it.
Regarding thieves? How does this increase the value? How are they going to pass Face ID?
Very simply, this is either useful to you or not. Some hate carrying a wallet. I don't mind. Presumably you and (and most m
I would **never** do this. (Score:2)
I'm not giving Apple my driver's license and I'm **NOT** handing any cop my phone.
Re: (Score:2)
Sure you will. Eventually it will be mandatory. Because then you have to hand the police you're unlocked phone and that's the end of that.
And your neighbors who are really really concerned about ethics and games journalism or something are going to make you do it and you're not going to have a choice because we all have to drive.
Eventually they'll be a supreme Court case however we have six utterly and completely corrupt judges so good luck with that.
Re: (Score:3)
> Sure you will. Eventually it will be mandatory. Because then you have to hand the police you're unlocked phone and that's the end of that.
That's not actually how it works - you don't have to unlock your phone, and you don't hand the device over to the cop.
Privacy for sale (Score:2)
It just raises the cost. I'll get a separate phone for the car that holds only my ID plus numerous videos of the 4th Amendment recited by furry cops in helium voices.
I already limit what is on/available from my "walking around" phone. Now we're just specializing for particular audiences.
Your car phone will have no need of a SIM, at least, so an old one will do.
Re: (Score:2)
> It just raises the cost........Now we're just specializing for particular audiences.
Ideally you could combine your traffic stop phone and your border crossing phone into one.
Re: (Score:2)
My cell phone is pretty much blank since I barely use it for anything but phone calls. People don't even text me since they don't have the number and the ones who do know that I don't check it regularly and that it's often completely off. I have a ring group on my PBX which rings my cell phone as well.
Try with such a phone at a border crossing to see how much suspicion you will raise! They then go into more detailed questioning and verifications etc. I now have to put *some* stuff on it not to raise suspici
Re: (Score:2)
Hand over your identiphone. It's the law, citizen; you will submit to scanning.
Not worth it (Score:2)
I get the privacy objections, but it also looks like the process to get it set up is cumbersome and annoying, and it's only accepted in a few places, so you have to carry your plastic license anyway. So what's the point?
Re: (Score:2)
With proper controls, it could be a massive privacy boon. The thing with that physical card is that it has a bunch of information on it that has literally nothing to all whatsoever to its supposed purpose, but can be massive safety and privacy issues. The biggest offender of all, of course, being your address... most likely your residential address.
That bouncer at the club or the bar? He doesn't need to know your address... and should NOT know it. He doesn't need to know if you wear glasses or have a mo
Re: (Score:2)
I like your perspective overall, but you're fundamentally wrong about the use of a driver's license during a traffic stop -- it's used to identify you, so they can also run you for warrants. It's not just about whether or not you're currently licensed to drive.
I don't think I'm white enough to have this (Score:1)
And I'm pretty damn white. There is no way in hell I am going to risk having a cop pull up on me and I don't have my driver's license and registration and proof of insurance ready to go. And I sure as hell do not want to reach for an electronic device in my income bracket driving what I drive with the trigger happy lunatics that pass for police officers in my neck of the woods.
WTF? (Score:4, Interesting)
> Apple Wallet IDs are generally not accepted by law enforcement, so carrying a physical ID is still legally required for traffic stops.
Well then what is the fucking point of all this? And, why are these states spending money on these apps that aren't valid for the IDs primary purpose?
It is a driver's license. If I can't use the Apple wallet version of my driver's license, then it is not fit for purpose. Although, it will come in very very handy for the privacy invading age verification and KYC online bullshit.
Re: (Score:2)
Yea it's stupid. My state rolled them out and I checked since leaving home without my wallet (say working in the yard and want to the store for something) would be my only real use for it, and police can but are not required to accept it in my state. Makes it pretty pointless. Apparently TSA will take it but a) I don't fly a lot, b) I have a passport card I also keep in my wallet so I never bothered to jump through all the real-ID hoops with the DMV, and c) I'm not likely to go to the airport without my wal
Re: (Score:2)
> Well then what is the fucking point of all this?=
A primary use, today, is at the airport, as TSA will accept (or at least try to accept) the digital ID QR code, and that can make moving through the lines a bit faster for everyone. If you have never flown, nor mind longer lines, this is would be uninteresting to you.
Some states also add in various age verification QR codes, that, maybe, eventually, mean that retailers and bars can use those to verify you are sufficient old to buy that beer, and equip police (and other agent staff) with readers that can ju
Uhhhhh... (Score:3)
So now they want my ability to prove my identity to rely on the charge state of a battery? NOT!
California DL on iPhone Limitation (Score:2)
We've had the iPhone driver's license for a few years in California. Guess the one thing you can't do with it? If you said present it if you are stopped by the police, you would be correct. I wonder if this is also the case in other states.
Re: (Score:2)
> We've had the iPhone driver's license for a few years in California. Guess the one thing you can't do with it? If you said present it if you are stopped by the police, you would be correct. I wonder if this is also the case in other states.
The interesting thing is that the California's own official mDL app incorporates the ability to read a drivers license. I guess California has not provided the needed tech to their own police agency officers.
So, completely useless. (Score:2)
Since invariably, you still need to carry a physical ID for the most serious of applications, according to the article, it's completely pointless.
Hand your phone to the officer (Score:1)
Maybe there is a QR code or something associated with it, but if your license is on your phone, and you hand it to the officer....ummmm
Sure, but... (Score:3)
will my otder bro's iPhone get me into a strip club now?
Re: (Score:3)
Same as with your older bro's paper card. If you look similar on the picture, you might try. However, while I can imagine your older friend lending you a paper card he does not really need for an evening, I am not sure same friend will lend you a mobile phone he is going to miss even if only for the time you visit the club, plus letting you the possibility to play pranks like posting stupid things online or to his contacts in a dating service.