Which U.S. states have active digital ID programs and what do they offer citizens?
Executive summary
Twelve to fifteen U.S. jurisdictions already let residents store state IDs or mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) in smartphone wallets or state apps for some official uses, and at least 14 states are accepted by the TSA for checkpoint use via its digital ID program (numbers vary by source) [1] [2]. Adoption is accelerating—industry forecasts expect many more states to launch live mDL programs by 2025—but private‑sector acceptance remains limited and many programs tie digital credentials to REAL ID–compliant physical licenses [3] [4] [5].
1. Who currently offers digital IDs — a shifting but growing list
Multiple reporters and vendors list between a dozen and roughly 15 states (plus territories) that have active digital‑ID or mDL programs; Apple’s announcement said driver’s licenses and state IDs were “live in 12 states and Puerto Rico” for Apple Wallet, and other outlets report 14 states accepted by TSA readers as of early 2025 [1] [2]. Independent trackers and news coverage show the roster is changing rapidly as states add Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or state‑run apps [6] [7].
2. What these programs actually let citizens do
States’ digital IDs commonly let residents add a state ID or driver’s license to a phone wallet or a state app; users can present them at TSA checkpoints that have credential readers and in limited private‑sector scenarios such as age verification or rentals, often via a contactless, encrypted exchange that can disclose only requested fields (e.g., age but not address) [1] [8] [6]. Several states emphasize user control over what data is shared during a transaction [8].
3. The federal and TSA angle: usage at airports
The Transportation Security Administration runs a digital‑ID pilot that allows mDLs from participating states at specific airport checkpoints using CAT‑2 readers; TSA materials and reporting note the process may use live facial comparison for identity verification and that acceptance depends on both the departure airport’s equipment and the issuing state’s participation [9] [2]. Apple and other vendors tied their rollouts to TSA checkpoint pilots covering hundreds of airports [1].
4. Limits: REAL ID ties, limited acceptance and device constraints
Most state mobile IDs remain tied to REAL ID–compliant physical credentials; federal rules and reporting say travelers still often need a REAL ID or passport for federal purposes, and digital IDs don’t yet replace all situations that require a physical card [5] [10]. Vendors and outlets also note technical limits: only certain device models and OS versions support Wallet IDs, and private businesses have been slow to add acceptance, so users commonly still carry paper licenses [6] [4].
5. Security, privacy and oversight: competing narratives
State and vendor messaging stresses encrypted, selective disclosure and user biometric controls (Face ID/Touch ID) to prevent misuse [1] [8]. Federal and industry sources argue mDLs can be more secure and faster than manual checks [9] [2]. Civil‑liberties groups have warned about law‑enforcement access and surveillance risks; reporting shows some legislative safeguards are being written into state laws but practices and protections vary by state [4] [11].
6. How many states will ultimately offer mDLs — optimistic forecasts and uncertainty
Industry forecasts predict broad adoption—some estimates put at least 18 states by mid‑2025 and others predict 25 states launching live programs—reflecting momentum from pilots and federal encouragement [12] [3]. Independent trackers and state announcements show progress but also rollback examples (e.g., Oklahoma retooling an app), so projections are plausible but not guaranteed [4] [13].
7. What citizens should expect and check before relying on a digital ID
Residents should confirm whether their state supports an mDL or Wallet ID, whether the digital credential is REAL ID–compliant, and whether the specific use case (e.g., TSA checkpoint, alcohol purchase, car rental) or airport has reader support; reporting advises carrying a physical ID until digital acceptance is widespread and checks are routine [5] [4] [6].
Limitations: available sources do not list a single definitive, up‑to‑date roster of every state and exactly which wallet/platform each supports; numbers vary across outlets and vendor statements [1] [2] [6]. For a precise, current list for your state and device, consult your state DMV or the TSA participating‑states page [9].