COLUMBUS — Ohioans can now add their state-issued driver’s license or identification card to Apple Wallet for convenient use at select businesses and Transportation Security Administration checkpoints.

Launched through a collaboration among Apple, InnovateOhio and the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the development distinguishes Ohio as the fifth U.S. state to give its residents the option of adding their driver’s licenses to Apple Wallet, Gov. Mike DeWine said in a release from his office Wednesday.

“This is another example of how Ohio is using technology to better serve its customers and residents,” he said.

Ohio residents can use their iOS device — including iPhones or Apple Watches. To access Apple Wallet, tap the + button at the top of the screen, select “Driver’s license or State ID” and follow the on-screen instructions to set up and verify the digital card.

The license or state ID must be valid, unexpired and easily readable. The device must be an iPhone 8 or later running iOS 16.5 or later.

It may also be an Apple Watch Series 4 or later with watchOS 9.5 or later. The device must be set to the United States.

In Ohio and other states that have implemented the technology, mobile ID users can simply hold their device near a reader, and the device will display only what information is being requested. Users must then use Face ID or Touch ID to authorize the information’s release. Users do not have to physically hand over their devices, as the information is shared digitally.

Information and how-to videos are available on bmv.ohio.gov/MobileID.

According to Hayley Carducci, press secretary for Lt. Gov. Jon Husted’s office, digital IDs in Apple Wallet “take full advantage of the privacy and security built into iPhone and Apple Watch. Customers’ identity data is encrypted and protected against tampering and theft.”

When an ID is added to Apple Wallet, the state issuing authority only receives information needed to approve or deny the application, the governor’s release states. Once an ID has been added, the information is encrypted and unavailable to Apple and the state issuing authority, which “do not know when or to whom you present your driver’s license or state ID.” Furthermore, the ID’s presentment history is encrypted and stored only to the wallet’s device. Apple does not retain presentment information that can be traced back to a user.

As of Wednesday, digital IDs are accepted at select TSA checkpoints in 21 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. In Ohio, those IDs are currently accepted at John Glenn Columbus International Airport and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

“This marks another milestone in TSA’s efforts to continue providing a secure and seamless screening process at Ohio airports,” said Donald Barker, TSA’s Ohio federal security director. “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. TSA is committed to expanding use of these technologies to enhance airport security.”

Unfortunately for residents of our area, Pittsburgh International Airport is not among those that currently accept digital IDs. Lisa Farbstein, strategic communications and public affairs spokesperson for the TSA in Pennsylvania, said there is “no set date” for when digital IDs will be accepted there, or at any airport in the commonwealth.

In addition to the Apple Wallet capability, the state has launched Ohio Mobile ID Check, a free age verification app for businesses. Now available in the App Store, Ohio Mobile ID Check “enables businesses to securely and privately accept customers’ mobile IDs in person using an iPhone,” the governor’s office release states.

Started under DeWine and directed by Husted, InnovateOhio is a state initiative focused on leveraging new technology for the benefit of Ohioans, with emphasis on connecting communities and improving or streamlining services for residents.

“InnovateOhio aims to make Ohio the most innovative, entrepreneurial state in the Midwest while enhancing convenience for residents through technology,” Husted said. “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.”

Ohio BMV Registrar Charlie Norman said this development is “the latest in a series of BMV innovations launched in collaboration with InnovateOhio.” He noted that other pursuits have saved Ohioans from more than 7 million trips to local BMV offices and more than 641,000 hours of standing in line since 2019.

Among pursuits are commercial driver’s license improvements, including online license renewal, testing modernization and a commercial learner’s permit time period extension. The BMV and Innovate Ohio have also implemented enhancements to expedite or eliminate the need for in-person deputy registrar location trips through self-service kiosks, online driver’s license and ID renewal, online driver exams, online title transfer, advanced queuing and a new BMV website.