Ohioans can now upload their driver’s licenses or state identification (ID) cards directly to their Apple devices through a collaboration between InnovateOhio, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), and Apple.
Through the Apple Wallet app on Apple smartphones and watches, Ohioans can upload their driver’s licenses and ID cards to use in person at select businesses, in select apps, and at select Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints.
Now Ohioans can choose to add their Driver’s License or ID card to Apple Wallet on iPhone and Apple Watch so they can present it easily and securely in person, in app, and at select TSA checkpoints. Learn more at https://t.co/ekzWefFzB8 #OhioMobileID pic.twitter.com/EUSOjw7Xw0
— Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (@Ohio_BMV) August 5, 2024
The new Ohio Mobile ID feature is compatible with the iPhone 8 or later models with iOS 16.5 or later installed, or the Apple Watch Series 4 or later models with watchOS 9.5 or later installed.
Ohioans may still be required to carry and present physical copies of their state-issued licenses and IDs at TSA checkpoints and when requested by law enforcement, as the digital option is only accepted at select TSA checkpoints.
“The Ohio Mobile ID provides a reliable alternative to physical cards, streamlining verification processes and improving customer privacy and experience…The Ohio Mobile ID is a convenient and secure companion to the physical plastic card, but does not replace your physical card,” the Ohio BMV explains on its website.
TSA checkpoints at the John Glenn Columbus International Airport and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport are among the airports currently accepting digital IDs.
“Ohio has always been a leader in innovation, and now we are the fifth state in the country that gives residents the option to securely add their driver’s license to Apple Wallet,” Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said in a statement. “This is another example of how Ohio is using technology to better serve its customers and residents.”
In addition to the Ohio Mobile ID rollout, the state also launched a free age verification app for businesses, called Ohio Mobile ID Check.
The new app “enables businesses to securely and privately accept customers’ mobile IDs in person using an iPhone,” according to the BMV.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Ohio Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
