These US States Just Said “No” to Apple Wallet Driver’s Licenses

Apple Wallet driver’s licenses continue to expand to more US states, but two states recently indicated they won’t launch support anytime soon, if at all.

Florida and Rhode Island won’t get Apple Wallet driver’s licenses anytime soon, top executives say

The number of US states offering Apple Wallet driver’s licenses continues to grow, and we even have a good idea that three states will launch this support soon.

Many states likely intended to support digital driver’s licenses at some point, but have not gotten around to it. But two of them recently indicated that they have no plans to launch support.

These two states are:

Last week, Florida rolled out a brand new driver’s license and ID card. Many states are taking this opportunity to launch digital versions as well, but the state has not made any announcements regarding digital ID.

This is no coincidence, since Governor Ron DeSantis actively opposes the idea of ​​digital driver’s licenses. He posted the following on X last November:

Florida previously offered digital ID, but abruptly ended its support in 2024. Perhaps the next governor will take a different stance.

In Rhode Island, Walter “Bud” Craddock was on a podcast last week discussing Mobile Driver’s Licenses (“MDLs”). Craddock currently serves as Chairman of the International Board of Directors for the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA).

This is what he said:

“I want to see more universal adoption or a need for an MDL. I had one of my senators approach me and tried to talk me into doing it. I had to give him the old Heisman move and push back…the main user right now is the TSA. Until recently, there were no airports in the New England area that could accept an MDL. So why should I spend money developing one? And also, I’m looking to create a solution that is cross-platform. Instead of making one for Apple or Google Wallets, I don’t want to replicate and duplicate efforts.

Like DeSantis, Craddock’s leadership position is expected to end in the coming months. So, depending on where his successor stands, Rhode Island could possibly get the Apple Wallet driver’s license by 2027.