MORE OPTIONS — Gov. Patrick Morrisey was joined by lawmakers and West Virginia transportation officials to announce a new digital ID option for users of Apple Wallet. -- Steven Allen Adams

CHARLESTON — West Virginia took the next step in its Mobile ID program by making it available through Apple Wallet.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey — joined by officials with the West Virginia Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles, and members of the Legislature — announced that residents can now access a digital version of their driver’s licenses and photo IDs through Apple Wallet, joining 12 states, including Ohio.

“There are ways that you can actually develop technological tools to make things easier for people,” Morrisey said. “Everyday things, such as going to the store and you need an ID. You’re able to show something and it’s convenient for you. This is what the future is going to look like, and West Virginia always needs to get out in front and define that future.”

Last year, the DMV announced a partnership with IDEMIA Public Security North America to launch a new mobile ID that West Virginia residents can access on their smartphones and present for ID checks by law enforcement, airport security, or purchasing age-restricted products.

West Virginians can go to their Apple or Android app stores and download the West Virginia Mobile ID app. After agreeing to terms of use and other statements, the user can select their drivers’ license or ID card. The user scans the front and back of their physical drivers’ license/ID card and takes a photo of their face. Once approved, users can access the WV Mobile ID app.

Now, with access to Apple Wallet, residents can open up their Apple Wallet app, tap the “+” button at the top-right of the screen, open up a menu for driver’s license and ID cards, select West Virginia, and scan their driver’s license or photo ID to validate the digital ID. Users can choose to also add their digital ID to their Apple Watch.

“Starting today, West Virginians can securely add their driver’s license or state ID to their phone or to their Apple Watch and begin using their mobile IDs to present at select locations here in West Virginia and across the country,” Morrisey said.

IDEMIA has said their app and the Apple Wallet option are secure. Residents can use the app or Apple Wallet ID at TSA PreCheck at participating airports or other places to streamline interactions with government agencies, law enforcement and businesses.

“Literally, it only took me a few minutes to put this on my phone,” said Del. Wayne Clark, R-Jefferson. “Imagine going to a fair or festival within the state, and all you have is your phone. Your wallet and everything else … are all secure in your vehicle. You’re able to have a verification of your identification, you have your Apple Pay to pay for everything conveniently on one (phone.)”

DMV first announced it was developing a mobile ID that can be stored on smartphones in January 2024. West Virginia residents renewing their motor vehicle registrations online can already request a secure digital registration that can be stored on smartphones. Residents can receive directions online or through DMV kiosks on how to down the digital registration.

While the digital registration and mobile ID are not meant to replace physical registrations and drivers’ licenses, officials said the digital registration and mobile ID will provide residents with greater convenience. Morrisey urged patience as the new program rolls out.

“This is not a rollout project where everything’s ready on day one…It’s going to take a lot of time to get that done,” Morrisey said. “But we can report that if you’re going to go to the airport, we believe that TSA is going to recognize that. That’s pretty significant for air travelers, and very, very positive.

“We’re having interactions with our law enforcement and with our Alcohol Beverage Control Administration and many others, and agencies that interact with a lot of the businesses that we have in West Virginia to help facilitate the development of this,” Morrisey said. “This is a technological leap forward, and West Virginia becomes the 12th state in the nation to partner with Apple to bring this technology to your iPhone and to your Apple Watch.”