States Partner with Apple on Digital Driver's Licenses

The license would be stored in the company's Wallet app, much like a credit card.

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HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut is teaming up with Apple to create a digital version of the state's driver's license that can be stored on a user's phone or watch, the company and Gov. Ned Lamont announced Wednesday.

Connecticut is among eight states that will be partnering with Apple, which will allow for the storage of the license in its Wallet application, much like a credit card, the company said.

The data will be encrypted, and customers will be required to use biometric authentication such as facial or fingerprint recognition to access the license, the company said.

Arizona and Georgia will be the first states to roll out the Apple version of the digital license, with Connecticut, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Utah to follow next year, the governor's office said.

The Transportation Security Administration plans to allow the IDs to be used at designated airport security checkpoints, the governor's office said.

Other companies also are working on making digital identifications for smartphones, including IDEMIA, which has launched mobile ID apps in three states this year and expects to launch an additional seven before 2021 ends.

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