Montana joins states enabling digital IDs in Apple Wallet

Montana has joined the growing list of states allowing residents to store a digital version of their driver’s license or state ID in Apple Wallet, marking another step in a nationwide push toward wallet-free identification. The addition means that, in the United States and a territory, 11 jurisdictions now support digital IDs in Apple Wallet, with the feature designed to be used at select TSA checkpoints and in some businesses and apps where verification is accepted.

The process to add a digital ID is tightly controlled. To enroll, users must scan the front and back of their physical ID and complete a live verification process that includes taking a series of selfies to compare with state records. Once verified, the digital ID can be stored on a single iPhone or paired Apple Watch, and it may not transfer between devices automatically. Officials emphasize that, even with a digital ID, residents should still carry the physical card, at least for the foreseeable future. In Montana, as in other states, that caveat remains in place.

Digital IDs in Wallet are currently accepted at select airports and TSA checkpoints, depending on whether the checkpoint signage confirms the feature’s...