West Virginia Becomes 13th U.S. State Allowing Digital Driver Licenses in Apple Wallet

West Virginia has become the thirteenth U.S. state to support digital driver’s licenses and IDs stored in the Apple Wallet app on iPhone and Apple Watch, allowing residents to add their licenses with a few simple steps. This feature offers a convenient, contactless way to display proof of identity or age at select airports, businesses, and apps, but users are advised to check local policies as acceptance varies, especially at TSA checkpoints. Apple Wallet IDs require compatible devices such as an iPhone 8 or later with iOS 16.5 or newer, or an Apple Watch Series 4 or later with watchOS 9.5 or newer. New Jersey recently passed legislation to allow digital driver’s licenses on mobile devices, which will coexist with physical licenses and emphasize privacy protections, including prohibitions on forced device access by law enforcement. This law mandates the New Jersey MVC to develop a secure system compatible with Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, allowing electronic updates to license details without in-person visits. The trend toward digital IDs is expanding nationwide, with over a dozen states and territories already supporting or planning to adopt mobile driver’s licenses and IDs.