One thing I absolutely love is making life easier and more secure, and that’s why I’m a big fan of the Digital ID.
I was quick to adopt the digital driver’s license when my state joined the system for both iPhones and Androids. And let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer, especially when traveling.
Breeze Through the Airport with a Tap
At most updated TSA checkpoints, I no longer have to fumble in my wallet for my physical driver’s license. Instead, I simply tap my phone at the TSA station. They already know who I am, and if they need to check my boarding pass, I have that handy on my phone as well. It’s so much easier and provides a great backup.
Your Passport is Going Digital, Too!
Now, for those of you who have a U.S. passport, there’s even more good news: You can now do a digital download of your passport right onto your iPhone or Android.
The system is designed to be tamper-proof. When you load it onto your phone, there’s a process that validates you are who you say you are.
More and more, when you return to the country, instead of having to dig out your physical passport, you’ll be able to use the tap-to-pay function on your phone to tap your way back in.
A Note on Adoption: Not Universal Yet
While this technology is fantastic where it is accepted, I do need to manage your expectations: It’s not universal yet.
For example, if you get pulled over by law enforcement, you will still have to show your physical driver’s license in most states. And you still need to bring your physical passport with you when you travel internationally. We are still a bit away from the day when you won’t have to carry your physical ID at all, but I am confident that day will come. And how nice will that be? Think about how often people absentmindedly forget their wallet or ID!
How To Get Your Digital ID
I recently went through the process, and it was surprisingly easy. Here is how you can get yours:
- Open the app: Go into Google Wallet (for Android) or Apple Pay/Wallet (for iPhone).
- Add ID: Look for the place where you can add an identification (like a driver’s license or passport).
- State-specific procedure: You’ll select your state, and the app will walk you through the specific procedure for that state.
- Verification: You’ll take pictures of the front and back of your ID, and then the app will require you to take a picture of yourself. This is an important step because it validates that the person adding the ID is actually the person whose driver’s license or passport it is.
- Approval: Your information is submitted to your state for approval. In my case, it came back approved within about an hour.
Security Must-Do: Lock Down Your Apps
Some people worry about the security of having their ID on their phone, but here is my key advice:
- Protect the app: Make sure you password-protect that app (Google Wallet or Apple Wallet) with a passcode, face ID, or fingerprint.
- Close the app: Don’t leave the app open after you use it.
You don’t want someone who gets hold of your phone to have easy access to all your information. While there have been a few, highly isolated, and terrible crimes involving stolen phones and forced access to accounts, for the most part, the security benefits and convenience of digital ID far outweigh the risks, provided you follow the security steps above.
Go ahead and give it a try — you’ll love the convenience of tapping your way through security!
