Q: Regarding the new digital driver’s license, can we use it at traffic controls? And is it only for iPhones? And finally, is there an ID verification process? What happens if I lose my physical driver’s license or it gets stolen? Can the thief add my license to his phone?
Answer: No, “digital driver’s licenses cannot be used as proof of name and address to carry out the lawful order of a police officer,” according to the state Department of Transportation, which reminds people to carry a paper copy of their REAL ID-compliant Hawaii driver’s license or state ID, even if they choose to add a digital version to their Apple Wallet, which they can use to, for example, pass through security at the Honolulu airport.
According to the DOT website, legislation, administrative regulations, the purchase of digital card readers and training of law enforcement are required before a digital ID can be used by a driver who has been stopped by law enforcement.
As for your second question, technically the answer is no, since it also works on Apple Watches, but to make the larger point: Yes, for now, Hawaii’s Gold Stars (REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID) can only be added to Apple Wallet on a device that meets the minimum requirements. It must be an iPhone 8 or later running iOS 16.5 or later or an Apple Watch Series 4 or later running WatchOS 9.5 or later, according to the DOT website.
The DOT expects to add more digital wallet providers later.
As for your final concern, yes, there is an ID verification process that uses privacy and security features built into the iPhone and Apple Watch, such as biometric authentication with Face ID (facial recognition) or Touch ID (fingerprint), to deter tampering and theft, according to Apple’s website. To set up the digital credential, a user submits images of the front and back of their license or ID, plus live images of themselves performing certain motions, such as turning their head. Only one REAL ID can be associated with an Apple ID at a time, Apple says, so a license associated with your phone can’t be added to someone else’s Apple Wallet.
The verification process is generally relatively quick, but in some cases the DMV requires more information, which can add three to four weeks to the processing time, according to the DOT website.
You can read more about the process on Apple’s website, at , or on the DOT’s website, at , which has troubleshooting tips for those adding a Hawaii credential to Apple Wallet. It may be a good idea to review that information before beginning the verification process, if that’s what you choose to do. Adding a digital version of your Hawaii REAL ID is voluntary, the state emphasizes.
The option became available Wednesday, the DOT said in a news release. “Within Hawaii, digital driver’s licenses and state identification cards are currently accepted at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport’s Terminal 1 Makai Checkpoint, Apple Stores in the U.S., and in certain apps that require identity or age verification,” it said.
Q: I’m considering getting a Digital ID because I already have digital boarding passes, concert tickets, credit cards, etc. Will my ID automatically transfer if I get a new phone?
A: No, according to the DOT, which says that “you must remove your driver’s license or Hawaii-issued ID from your Apple Wallet on your old phone if you want to link your driver’s license or ID to a different Apple ID, or add your driver’s license or ID to a new iPhone or Apple Watch. You will then complete the setup process on your new phone.”
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