The idea behind digital wallets like Apple Wallet is so that you can reduce the size of your actual physical wallet by storing things like credit cards, gift cards, loyalty cards, and so on. If you are looking for more ways to reduce the number of physical cards you carry, then you’ll be pleased to learn that at WWDC 2021, Apple announced that as part of iOS 15, Apple Wallet will now be able to hold your driver’s license.According to Apple, “Later this year, customers in participating states in the US will be able to add their driver’s license or state IDs to Wallet. The Transportation Security Administration is working to enable airport security checkpoints as the first place customers can use their digital Identity Card in Wallet. Identity Cards in Wallet are encrypted and safely stored in the Secure Element, the same hardware technology that makes Apple Pay private and secure.”
However, do note that this seems to only apply to the TSA and when you travel via plane. There is no mention as to whether or not your license stored in the Apple Wallet will be recognized by law enforcement, like when you get pulled over for speeding, for example, but Apple does state that they are working to expand it to more places in the future.
In addition to supporting driver’s licenses, the update to the Apple Wallet will also include support for things like work badges and hotel keys at participating venues.