Ever heard of digital driver’s licenses? They are part of an effort across the U.S. to modernize how ID works, with different states and phone platforms rolling out their own versions. That might seem like good news for someone looking to ditch their bulky wallet, but you should probably hold onto it for now.
(Ditching your old plates is another story – just find the right way to do it.)
Digital IDs Don’t Replace Your Driver’s License
It’s all a bit new. It remains to be seen what establishments will be accepting them, as well as what the potential downsides could be. If you try it out, you should probably still carry your physical ID – especially while driving. Drivers need to carry a physical driver’s license to stay on top of the law.
It’s just the latest way that society is figuring out how to securely store drivers’ information digitally. For another example, read our recent blog on using the Emergency Contact Database.
Illinois Mobile ID: What Drivers Should Know
What we know is that Illinois drivers now have the option to add their driver’s license or state ID to certain devices. For example, something called Illinois Mobile ID was recently designed to make it easier to prove your identity in certain situations. O’Hare and Midway airports currently accept this form of ID to verify the age and identity of passengers.
It won’t replace your physical license or state ID, but it might be useful for international travelers who pass through a lot of TSA checkpoints. Eventually, digital IDs could become an option for age or ID verification at businesses and venues that accept them.
How Does Illinois Mobile Driver’s License Work?
The Illinois Mobile ID is simply a digital version of your driver’s license or state ID stored in the “wallet” of your smartphone, as long as that app supports digital ID verification. However, this optional digital ID does not replace your legal credential for activities such as driving, something to keep in mind in case you get pulled over. The state still requires drivers to have their physical license with them, especially when behind the wheel or interacting with law enforcement.
How to Add a Digital Illinois ID to Your Phone
Currently in the state of Illinois, digital IDs are only available on Apple Wallet, but other options are in the works. IDs are added through a smartphone’s built-in wallet or identity app.
Generally, adding it requires you to scan your ID, wait for it to be verified – for instance, through face ID or touch ID – and then approve the information you want to share. There will eventually be more mobile ID options for users of different mobile platforms. People who are considering following the trend should do their own research so they make the best decision for themselves, and then make sure their information will be encrypted and stored securely on their device.
Visit the official Illinois Secretary of State website to learn more about digital IDs.
For Now, Digital IDs Are Optional & Uses Are Limited
Different platforms are developing ways to store government IDs this way. The details vary by state, and the decision is fully optional. For now, users have limited options for loading digital versions of their ID, which might not be of use in many situations. While companies say mobile IDs are secure, at this early stage, keep in mind that they don’t replace your driver’s license, and it will take time to see how well these mobile wallets hold up in real-world use.
If you travel frequently or simply like having digital backups, adding your Illinois ID to your phone’s “wallet” may be convenient. But drivers who rarely fly or prefer keeping things simple might want to wait and see until more testing shows how secure they really are. Eventually, they may become more useful as more locations start to support them.
CFSC Auto Services Handles Titles, Transfers & More in Illinois/Wisconsin
While digital IDs may be a cool new innovation, you’ll still need a traditional ID to manage all the things that allow you to drive: like physical licenses and plates. If you need help with license plate renewals or transfers, stop by your nearest CFSC for quick, convenient auto license services throughout the state.
Contact us online to stay on top of your routine car-related needs and find out what else we can do for you! Ask about our evening and weekend hours at a location near you.