Department of Driver Services Commissioner Spencer R. Moore recently announced the launch of a Georgia Digital ID for iPhone and Apple Watch, enabling residents to store a digitized version of their Georgia-issued driver's licenses or identification cards on their smartphones to present at select Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport security checkpoints within Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and other participating locations.
“As the No. 1 state for business, Georgia recognizes the value of finding new and innovative ways to remain at the forefront of emerging trends,” Gov. Brian Kemp said in a press release. “I want to thank our great team at DDS for working with their partners in the private sector, as well as the TSA, to make this exciting new service possible. I look forward to this option being widely available for hardworking Georgians and visitors alike.”
To use the digital driver’s license or ID at a TSA checkpoint, residents can hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near designated airport readers. According to the press release, users’ devices will then display what information is being requested by the TSA and after authorizing the login with Face ID or Touch ID, the requested information becomes available. Since the information is shared digitally, residents do not need to hand their iPhone or Apple Watch to the TSA representative.
“Get ready to reimagine the way you use your driver’s license. Over time, we expect the locations accepting Georgia Digital Driver’s License and IDs to grow, but we are excited now to allow customers the option to present their credentials easily and securely at TSA checkpoints,” said Moore in the release.
To utilize the service, you must be a Georgia resident with a valid Georgia driver’s license or ID card and have an iPhone 8 or later. If using an Apple Watch, it must be the 4 series or later with the latest version of iOS or watchOS.
According to the DDS website, there are plans to collaborate with other phone manufacturers, such as Android, to offer Digital Driver’s Licenses and IDs for those that may not have an iPhone.
Arizona, Delaware, Mississippi,Oklahoma, Louisiana, Utah, Maryland and Colorado have also previously introduced digital state ID options.
