Virginia Launches Digital Driver's Licenses in Apple Wallet

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles launched support for digital driver's licenses and state-issued identification cards in Apple Wallet on August 26, 2026. Virginia is the 15th U.S. state to implement the technology, which allows residents to add credentials to iPhones and Apple Watches via biometric verification and physical card scanning.

Digital IDs are accepted at more than 250 Transportation Security Administration checkpoints nationwide, including Washington Dulles, Reagan Washington National, Richmond International, and Norfolk International airports. The system also works at all DMV locations, with the Virginia State Police, at pilot Virginia ABC stores, and at various businesses and entertainment venues. The technology utilizes Near Field Communication and the ISO 18013-5 standard to enable selective disclosure, ensuring only requested data is shared with verifiers.

Secretary of Transportation Nick Donohue and DMV Commissioner Saundra M. Jack described the rollout as a major innovation for the Commonwealth. Despite the digital option, officials emphasize that residents are still legally required to carry physical identification, particularly during traffic stops and law enforcement interactions. The DMV indicated that support for other digital wallets, including Google, is planned for the future. National adoption remains gradual as each state must independently pass legislation and negotiate technical agreements with Apple.