Apple Wallet driver's licenses continue to spread across the United States, but two states have signaled they will not launch support anytime soon, if ever. Florida and Rhode Island are unlikely to offer the feature in the near future, according to key state leaders.
The number of states offering Apple Wallet driver's licenses keeps growing, and three more are expected to launch support soon. Many other states likely plan to support digital driver's licenses at some point. Florida and Rhode Island, however, have recently made clear they have no such plans. Last week, Florida rolled out a new driver's license and ID card without any announcement about a digital version. That is no coincidence. Governor Ron De Santis actively opposes digital driver's licenses, writing on X in November that the convenience is outweighed by the potential for government to abuse it. Florida previously offered a digital ID but abruptly ended support in 2024.
In Rhode Island, Walter "Bud" Craddock, Chair of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) International Board of Directors, discussed mobile driver's licenses on a podcast. He said he wants more universal adoption before investing in one, noting that TSA is the main user and that no New England airport accepted mobile licenses until recently. He also prefers a solution across all platforms rather than duplicating efforts for Apple or Google Wallet.
Both De Santis and Craddock are set to leave their positions within months. Their successors could change these stances, so Rhode Island may still offer Apple Wallet driver's licenses sometime in 2027.
Source: 9to5Mac · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing