Illinois Driver’s Licenses Now Supported in Apple Wallet — Mobile ID Launches Nov 19

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Illinois has officially joined the growing list of U.S. states that support digital driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet. Starting November 19, 2025, residents can securely add their Illinois-issued ID to their iPhone or Apple Watch

What’s the Big Deal?

At a press event, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced that the state’s Mobile ID program is now live. According to the official rollout: once verified, users can present their ID directly from the Wallet app — whether in person, in apps, or online.

One of the major use cases is at TSA checkpoints: more than 250 U.S. airports — including major hubs like Chicago O’Hare and Midway — will accept the mobile ID.

How to Add Your Illinois ID to Apple Wallet

Here’s how residents can set up their digital ID:

1. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the “+” (Add) button.
3. Select “Driver’s License or State ID”, then choose Illinois.
4. You’ll be asked to scan your physical ID and take a selfie. For security, you’ll make a few head movements so the state can verify it’s really you.
5. Once verified, your digital ID appears in Wallet.

To present your ID in person, you simply hold your iPhone (or Apple Watch) near an identity reader. You’ll see a prompt to share only the specific data that is being requested (for example, age verification), and you must authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. Illinois Secretary of State

Security and Privacy Features

The Illinois Mobile ID system emphasizes both security and privacy. Illinois Secretary of State+1

• Your ID data is encrypted on your device — Apple and other parties can’t access your stored ID unless you choose to present it. Illinois Secretary of State
• When you present your ID, only the necessary information is shared. For instance, a business might only request age, not your full name or address. Illinois Secretary of State
• The system also keeps track of your presentment history, but that record is encrypted and only stored locally on your device. Illinois Secretary of State

Business Adoption: Verifier App

To help businesses verify these digital IDs, Illinois is launching a free Mobile ID Verifier app, which will be available on the App Store. Illinois Secretary of State+1 This app is designed for places where age or identity verification is needed — for example, when selling alcohol. Illinois Secretary of State

Important Notes & Limitations

• The digital ID does not replace your physical driver’s license or ID — you are still required to carry your physical card. Illinois Secretary of State
• At this time, the Mobile ID is only available for Apple Wallet (iPhone + Apple Watch). Illinois has said that they plan to expand to Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet in the future. Illinois Secretary of State
• Hardware and software requirements: According to reports, you need at least an iPhone 8 running iOS 16.5+ or an Apple Watch Series 4+ running watchOS 9.5+. MacRumors+1