West Virginia residents can now store their driver's license and state ID directly in Apple WalletThe measure, announced by Governor Patrick Morrisey, expands a mobile credential program previously launched in the state and adds official support for iPhone and Apple Watch.
This new feature allows the use of digital identification at TSA checkpoints throughout the United States, including those at Charleston Yeager and Huntington Tri-StateAlthough the progress is significant, authorities insist that acceptance is not universal and they recommend bringing the physical document as a backup.
How to add your state ID to Apple Wallet
The process is carried out from the Wallet app: you have to touch the “+” button at the top, choose “Driver’s License or State ID,” select West Virginia, and follow the instructions to scan the physical card.
During discharge, the system requests a quick biometric verification —Face ID or Touch ID— to confirm that the person adding the credential is its owner, without having to hand the phone over to a third party at any time.
Once configured, the identity can be presented in iPhone or Apple Watch. On supported controllers, simply double-click the side button, select the ID and bring the screen closer to the reader to complete the verification.
It is also possible to use the function in certain online streams or in apps with the “Verify with Apple Wallet” button, where the user reviews what data is requested and authorizes its submission with biometrics.
Where it works and where it doesn't (for now)
TSA accepts mobile IDs at more than 250 checkpoints Nationwide. In West Virginia, Charleston and Huntington airports have compatible lanes, but availability may vary by location and day.
Outside of airports, the state is working with partners to expand acceptance in businesses, institutions, and organizations. In this area, Idemia offers its Mobile ID Verify app so businesses can securely verify credentials from an iPhone, requesting only the minimum necessary information (e.g., age).
It is worth remembering that these credentials They do not yet replace the physical document In all cases, authorities therefore recommend always carrying a traditional ID card or passport as an alternative.
In any case, the incorporation of West Virginia lays the groundwork for a wider adoption within the state itself and outside of it, with a gradual implementation as equipment and protocols are updated.
What West Virginia contributes to the Apple Wallet rollout
With this addition, West Virginia joins the list of U.S. states and territories with compatible IDs in Apple Wallet, expanding the platform's reach and boosting its practical everyday use.
The state has also indicated its intention to also enable mobile IDs in Google Wallet, an approach that promotes interoperability and avoids excluding non-iPhone users.
The measure aligns with guidelines from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators and TSA investments in readers that implement the standard. ISO / IEC 18013-5, key to making these credentials work consistently.
In practice, the focus is on mobile IDs that are REAL ID compliant in airport controls and which can be gradually extended to other verification scenarios.
Privacy, security and user control
Credentials are stored on the device with encryption and in the Secure Enclave, and only the owner can access them through biometric authentication.
When an ID is presented, the user sees exactly what attributes are requested (e.g., name or date of birth) and must approve the exchange; the phone sends only the minimum information necessary.
If the device is lost, it is possible to activate the Lost Mode from Find or remotely erase the terminal; additionally, the issuing agency can deactivate the credential, just as a physical document is replaced.
Apple indicates that the presentation history remains in the own device and is not accessible to the company, thus reinforcing citizens' control over their data.
Next steps and day-to-day adoption
State authorities work with simple verification flows to incorporate retailers, universities, and organizations, which involves training, equipment upgrades, and “attribute-only” certifications.
The implementation on the road and by security forces It often takes longer, as processes must adapt to offline situations and new verification protocols.
The objective is not to suddenly replace the physical document, but offer a convenient digital alternative and reliable in contexts where the technology is already ready.
As readers improve and standards become more uniform, acceptance could open up to more everyday procedures, such as age-restricted purchases or access to public services.
Context for Spain and Europe
Although this is an American initiative, its evolution is relevant to the European debate on digital identity wallets, especially in light of eIDAS 2.0 and the future European Digital Identity Wallet.
Spain has DNIe and mobile solutions for administrative procedures, and looks with interest at models that emphasize sharing only necessary attributes (such as “over 18”) and verification without handing over the device.
West Virginia's approach—open standards, explicit consent and encryption on the terminal—fits in with European regulatory trends, which prioritize data minimization and user sovereignty.
For Spanish users, see how identity is integrated into the payment and access ecosystem of a mobile phone offers clues about unified experiences that could come with the European portfolio.
The move puts West Virginia at the forefront of mobile credentials in the United States, with practical use in the TSA and progressive deployment For businesses and organizations, those who adopt it must continue to carry their physical document, but gain a secure, standards-based digital option with clear control over the data they share.
