State of Ohio launches digital drivers license and ID
Ohio is now one of the first states in the country to offer residents the ability to have their drivers license or ID on their phone. This launch is the latest in Ohio’s commitment to being at the forefront of technological innovation.
Yesterday, at John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted unveiled the technology and showcased how Ohioans can now use their phones to present IDs at TSA checkpoints.
The digital ID is available to any Ohioan with an iPhone. According to Lt. Governor Jon Husted, 8,000 people signed on in the first five hours. With time, a digital ID option is expected to become available for Android users.
Where a digital driver's license works
Currently, an Ohio digital ID can be used at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints at John Glenn Columbus International Airport and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport as well as businesses which choose to adopt the technology. With time, more locations are expected to adopt the technology as another option for their customers.
The State of Ohio also launched a free mobile ID verification app for business called Ohio Mobile ID Check. It is now available for download in the Apple Wallet.
How it works
Ohio is one of five states that offer a digital driver's license to their residents. The others are Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, and Maryland. Downloading the digital ID is easy and requires just a few steps.
For iPhone users, go to Apple Wallet
Click the "+" button at the right of the screen
Select "Driver's License or State ID"
Choose "Ohio"
Scan the front, then the back of your ID
Complete verification using your phones camera
After these steps, the Ohio BMV will complete verification and once done successfully you'll receive a notification from Apple Wallet.
What they're saying
“Ohio has always been a leader in innovation, and now we are the fifth state in the country that gives residents the option to securely add their driver’s license to Apple Wallet,” said Governor DeWine. “This is another example of how Ohio is using technology to better serve its customers and residents.”
"InnovateOhio aims to make Ohio the most innovative, entrepreneurial state in the Midwest while enhancing convenience for residents through technology," said Lt. Governor Husted. "Adding your Ohio driver's license or ID to Apple Wallet is the latest example of modernizing the BMV and simplifying processes for Ohioans. We’ve also launched an app for businesses to read Ohio Mobile IDs, enabling them to utilize this new service."
“The digital driver's license is the latest product in Ohio's commitment to leveraging technology and increases convenience, security, and accessibility for our residents,” said OhioX President and CEO Chris Berry. “Ohio is setting a national standard for other states to follow and shows how governments can use technology to improve our daily lives. As Ohio's tech hub continues to grow, innovative products like the digital driver's license help lead the way.”