How to Use Your iPhone as an ID and Passport in Wallet

When this feature was first reviewed back in 2022, only two states permitted users to store their identification cards within the iPhone Wallet application. Fast forward to October 2026, and that figure has grown to officially encompass 16 states and one territory.

Although several states originally pledged to adopt the feature on a loose timeline, they have yet to implement support after four years. The landscape shifted recently when 9to5Mac reported that officials from Florida and Rhode Island independently decided to reject digital IDs for their respective states outright.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis shared his dismissal of the initiative on X, while Walter Craddock, Chair of the AAMVA International Board of Directors, noted on a podcast that widespread adoption should not be expected anytime soon.

Storing official identification and passports on smartphones represents a major milestone in digital security and personal convenience. However, local regulatory hurdles and varying state-level perspectives on privacy continue to create friction for nationwide implementation.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Users should note that handing an iPhone to a law enforcement officer during a routine traffic stop is not currently supported, as the use cases remain specific and limited. At present, the primary accepted locations include select airports in partnership with the TSA, as well as participating businesses for age verification purposes.