Montana has joined the list of states that allow iPhone users to add their driver’s licenses and IDs to the Apple Wallet app on their iPhone and Apple Watch. The on-device digital ID can then be used instead of a physical ID.
The Montana Motor Vehicle Division announced the launch of Montana Mobile IDs on Tuesday. The mobile IDs can be used for identity verification online, in-app, and in-person. Participating businesses can use Montana mobile IDs to verify the age of a user for an age-restricted purchase without requiring additional information like name, address, and birth date.
“We have spent the last three years modernizing MVD and improving operating efficiencies and customer service,” MVD Administrator Laurie Bakri said. “Now that we have overhauled the basics, we are excited to embark on an era of innovation, starting with Montana Mobile IDs and the Montana Mobile ID Verifier for Android and iOS mobile devices.”
Montana residents can add a license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app by opening it, tapping on the “+” button, and following the onscreen instructions.
The IDs are accepted at MVD exam stations with a check-in kiosk, and the TSA has confirmed that mobile IDs can be used at more than 250 TSA airports across the United States. The Montana Highway Patrol should have the ability to verify mobile IDs by the end of this year.
Digital IDs on the iPhone and Apple Watch are not accepted everywhere, and Montana officials warn users that they should always carry their physical license or ID as well.
Apple added support for digital IDs back in 2022, but since the feature requires states to implement support, the rollout has been quite slow. In 2021, Apple said that it was in “discussions with many more states” and was optimistic that Wallet IDs would be available nationwide in the future. Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, New Mexico, Iowa, California, Hawaii, and Ohio have implemented support, as has Puerto Rico. Apple has said that Mississippi, Illinois, Connecticut, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Utah, and West Virginia are working on support.
