Samsung Wallet, the app that lets users store and manage their cards, tickets, and coupons on their Samsung Galaxy smartphones, has added a new feature: mobile driver’s licenses and state IDs. The company announced back in October that it will bring this feature to Arizona and Iowa, however, other than “coming later this year,” no specific date was given for when it would exactly go live.
Now, it looks like the wait is over as the feature is live in Arizona, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation announcement. Samsung Wallet users who are Arizona residents can now store a digital version of their physical cards on their phones and use them at places that accept digital IDs, such as TSA checkpoints at select airports.
This feature offers more convenience and security for users, as they don’t have to carry their physical cards with them and risk losing or damaging them. The digital IDs are also encrypted and protected by fingerprint or PIN authentication, so only the authorized user can access them.
To add a mobile driver’s license or state ID to Samsung Wallet, users just need to open the app, go to the Quick access tab, and click on the ‘+’ button. Select ‘Digital IDs’ from there, and click on the ‘Driver’s License/State ID’ option. At that point, users will need to scan the front and back of their ID card and verify their identity with a face scan.
Samsung says the face scan is only for verification purposes and does not store any biometric data. After submitting the scan, users need to authenticate with their fingerprint or PIN to complete the process.
This convenience isn’t just limited to air travel, though. Samsung envisions a future where digital IDs can be used for age verification, entering age-restricted establishments, and even renting a car. While Arizona is the first to experience this revolution, Samsung promises to add more states and functionalities in the near future.