Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced earlier this week that Ohio residents can now add their state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards to Apple Wallet. This new feature will be available for use in person at select businesses, in select apps, and at TSA security checkpoints, including at John Glenn Columbus International Airport and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
In addition to this, Ohio has also introduced a free age verification app for businesses. This app will enable businesses to securely and privately accept customers’ mobile driver’s licenses and ID cards using an iPhone.
“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,” said Governor DeWine. “This is another example of how Ohio is using technology to better serve its customers and residents.”
Enhancing Convenience Through Technology
Lt. Governor Husted highlighted the goals of InnovateOhio, which aims to make Ohio the most innovative, entrepreneurial state in the Midwest while enhancing convenience for residents through technology. “Adding your Ohio driver’s license or ID to Apple Wallet is the latest example of modernizing the BMV and simplifying processes for Ohioans. We’ve also launched an app for businesses to read Ohio Mobile IDs, enabling them to utilize this new service,” he said.
InnovateOhio and the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) collaborated with Apple to offer this new feature, providing a secure and private way for residents to add and present their IDs on iPhone and Apple Watch.
Significant BMV Innovations
Charlie Norman, Ohio BMV Registrar, remarked on the advancements made in collaboration with InnovateOhio. “This most recent enhancement for Ohioans is the latest in a series of BMV innovations launched in collaboration with InnovateOhio,” he said. “Since 2019, these modernizations and added conveniences have saved Ohioans over 7 million trips to BMV locations and more than 641,000 hours of standing in line.”
TSA’s Ohio Federal Security Director, Donald Barker, emphasized the convenience of this new capability at airports. “Travelers who want to take advantage of this new capability will find that their mobile Ohio driver’s license and state ID is a convenient option when going through the security process,” he said. “TSA is committed to expanding the use of these technologies to enhance airport security.”
New App for Businesses
The new app, Ohio Mobile ID Check, allows businesses to accept mobile IDs securely. To get started, businesses can download the app from the App Store and follow the steps within.
Ohio residents can easily add their IDs to Apple Wallet by tapping the + button at the top of the screen in Apple Wallet on their iPhone, selecting “Driver’s license or State ID,” and following the on-screen instructions to start the setup and verification process.
When presenting an ID, residents simply hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near the reader. The device will display the information being requested, and only after authorizing with Face ID or Touch ID is the information released. The information is shared digitally, so users do not need to hand over their devices.
For more details and how-to-use informational videos, visit bmv.ohio.gov/MobileID.
Security and Privacy Features
Apple Wallet uses the privacy and security features built into Apple devices to help protect a user’s identity and personal information. When adding an ID to Apple Wallet, the state issuing authority receives only the information needed to approve or deny the request. Once added, ID information is encrypted on the user’s device and cannot be accessed by others, including Apple, unless the user chooses to present it. The presentment history is encrypted and stored only on the device.
To use this technology, residents must have a valid Ohio driver’s license or ID card, and an iPhone 8 or later with iOS 16.5 or later, or Apple Watch Series 4 or later with watchOS 9.5 or later.
This new development marks a significant step in leveraging technology to enhance the convenience and security of Ohio residents.
