Illinois Secretary of State’s office has announced plans to roll out digital IDs and mobile driver’s licenses starting in 2025, marking a significant technological leap for state residents. Secretary Alexi Giannoulias unveiled the initiative on Monday, outlining the timeline and features of long-anticipated virtual IDs.
The program will initially be available to a limited number of residents and aims to bring driver’s licenses and state IDs to Apple Wallet by the end of the year. Plans to extend compatibility to platforms, such as Google Wallet, are expected to follow.
“We’re excited to have kickstarted our work with Apple – a company that shares our commitment to data security – to provide IDs in Apple Wallet that will offer convenience and privacy for Illinoisans,” Giannoulias said. “This is the first component of a multi-faceted approach to deliver a state-of-art mobile driver’s license and state ID program.”
A Modern Solution for Identification
digital ID program stems from legislation that took effect on January 1, allowing Illinois to issue mobile forms of identification for the first time. Though initially planned for earlier implementation, Giannoulias emphasized the need for rigorous testing to meet high security and privacy standards.
“Ensuring the safety of residents’ sensitive information is our top priority,” a spokesperson for the Secretary of State’s office said. “We are leveraging best practices from states already using digital IDs to build the most secure and advanced program in the nation.”
How Digital IDs Will Work
mobile IDs will enable residents to control which personal information they share through an encrypted, contactless data exchange. For example, individuals can verify their age when purchasing alcohol or renting a car without revealing additional details, such as their home address.
Senator Michael Hastings, a co-sponsor of the legislation, highlighted this selective disclosure feature. “There is no reason age verification should require residents to disclose sensitive information such as IR address when we have technology available for mobile cards,” Hastings stated.
Critically, the law prohibits law enforcement officers from searching an individual’s phone based on mobile ID use. Additionally, digital IDs will use an electronic credential system, such as barcodes, ensuring individuals do not need to surrender their devices during verification.
Physical IDs Not Being Replaced
Mobile driver’s licenses and IDs are designed to complement, not replace, physical identification cards. Giannoulias reassured stakeholders that physical IDs would remain in use, providing law enforcement, businesses, and medical professionals with necessary documentation while allowing residents to benefit from the added privacy and convenience of digital versions.
Security and Privacy at Forefront
The Secretary of State’s office emphasized advanced privacy features of digital IDs. Residents using Apple Wallet will have the ability to review and authorize any information shared through Face ID or Touch ID. Only information required for a specific transaction will be shared, ensuring greater privacy compared to physical cards.
“Presenting an ID in Apple Wallet will allow for more security and privacy than presenting a physical card,” the office said.
Airport and TSA Usage
Digital IDs will also be accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for airport identification purposes. However, officials encourage travelers to carry physical IDs as a backup in case the digital version cannot be verified.
A Step Toward Future
Illinois joins 12 states that have already implemented digital ID programs, with at least 18 in the process of developing similar initiatives. While concerns about data security and privacy remain, state officials are committed to addressing the issues through robust security measures and public education.
As the state moves forward with this groundbreaking program, Illinoisans can anticipate a future where identification becomes not just easier but safer, setting a new standard for secure, technology-driven public services.
