Apple Inc. is expanding support for digital driver's licenses within its Apple Wallet app to several additional U.S. states [1].
The expansion represents a shift toward digitized government identification, reducing the reliance on physical plastic cards for identity verification and age checks.
Reports on the exact number of participating states vary. One report said that seven more states are working on support [1], while another indicates that four new states will launch the feature soon [3]. Earlier reports from July noted that two states, Utah and Virginia, could add support shortly [2].
Among the states identified for the rollout are Kentucky, North Carolina, Utah, and Virginia [1, 2, 3]. The timeline for these updates spans the remainder of 2026 and into next year. Specifically, support for North Carolina is expected in early 2027 [4]. This follows an initial rollout through the state's own NC Wallet app [4].
Apple said the feature is the final step toward letting users be "fully free of your physical wallet" [1]. This goal was first established during the company's Worldwide Developers Conference in 2021 [1].
The rollout involves coordination between Apple and state departments of motor vehicles to ensure security and legal compliance. While the company has not named all participating jurisdictions, three other states are reportedly working on the integration alongside the named four [1].
“Apple Wallet is expanding support for digital driver's licenses to several additional U.S. states.”
The gradual adoption of digital IDs across different U.S. states highlights the fragmentation of government digital infrastructure. Because each state manages its own DMV and identity standards, Apple must negotiate individual agreements rather than a national rollout. This creates a tiered system where residents of some states can ditch their physical wallets while others remain dependent on plastic IDs.
