In a world where everything is becoming electronic, it was no surprise when Apple and Google launched their respective versions of electronic wallets. Google Wallet and Apple Wallet are both touted as secure and private digital wallets that give you quick access to payment cards, passes, tickets, etc. As a user of Apple Wallet, I can also say that electronic wallets are VERY convenient!
Both “flavors” of wallets also allow you to store your driver’s license in states and territories that allow such technology. On top of that, a few states have also launched their own versions of apps that support electronic versions of their residents’ driver’s licenses. They’re not compatible with Apple or Google Wallet, but they’re legit, all the same. Here’s the entire list, so far, courtesy of the TSA:
States That Support Digital Driver’s Licenses
| Participating State/Issuing Authority | Eligible Digital ID |
|---|---|
| ID pass (U.S. Passport – domestic travel) |
Google Wallet |
| Arizona | Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet |
| California | California DMV Wallet App, Apple Wallet and Google Wallet |
| Colorado | Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet |
| Georgia | Apple Wallet , Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet |
| Hawaii | Apple Wallet |
| Iowa | Iowa Mobile ID app, Samsung Wallet, and Apple Wallet |
| Louisiana | LA Wallet |
| Maryland | Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet |
| New Mexico | Apple Wallet, and Google Wallet |
| New York | NY MiD app |
| Ohio | Apple Wallet |
| Puerto Rico | Apple Wallet |
| Utah | GET Mobile App |
| Virginia | VA MiD app |
| West Virginia | WV MiD app and Samsung Wallet |
Residents who have electronic driver’s licenses in Apple Wallets and Google Wallets can use them at over 250 airports in the U.S.
Where You Can Use Digital IDs
Their use in other circumstances (proof of age to buy alcohol, or if you’re stopped by the police, for example) varies from state to state, and, in the latter case, from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
But if electronic driver’s licenses are becoming “good enough” for the TSA, they should be good enough for renting a car, right? It makes sense that car rental companies would accept a valid digital license, right?
Not at this time. Here’s what each major car rental company says about digital driver’s licenses to rent a car:
Where Each Car Rental Company Stands
| Rental Company | Digital License Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alamo | No | Digital licenses are not accepted. |
| Avis | No | Must present a hard copy of your driver’s license. |
| Budget | No | Must bring a physical copy of your driver’s license. |
| Dollar | No | Digital licenses do not replace physical ones. |
| Enterprise | No | Digital licenses are not accepted at this time. |
| Fox Rent A Car | Unclear | No mention of digital licenses on their website. |
| Hertz | No | Digital licenses do not replace physical ones. |
| National | No | Digital licenses are not accepted. |
| Payless | Unclear | U.S. site doesn’t mention digital licenses; Costa Rica location doesn’t accept them. |
| Sixt | Unclear | No digital license policy listed; says “valid driver’s license” required. |
| Thrifty | No | Customers still need to show a physical license. |
The Bottom Line
To be sure, as digital driver’s licenses become more common and are accepted by a wider variety of legit entities, I’m sure that car rental companies will eventually accept them too. But until then, if you have an authorized copy of your driver’s license on your phone, make sure to bring a hard copy too, if you’re renting a car in the U.S.
Feature Photo: Utah.gov
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