Florida and Rhode Island signal no near-term support for Apple Wallet licenses

Florida and Rhode Island do not plan to launch Apple Wallet driver’s license support in the near term. Both states have recently indicated that a rollout may be delayed indefinitely or may not happen at all.

Florida introduced new driver’s licenses and ID cards last week but made no announcement about a digital version. Governor Ron DeSantis has publicly opposed digital licenses and previously said the state would not introduce digital IDs.

Florida ended digital ID support

Florida previously offered a digital ID but ended support in 2024. The report suggests the policy could change under a future governor, while the current administration remains opposed to the idea.

Rhode Island cites limited acceptance

Walter “Bud” Craddock, chair of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators International Board of Directors, discussed mobile driver’s licenses on a podcast. He said TSA is currently the main user and that, until recently, no airport in the New England area could accept an MDL.

Craddock also said he did not want to spend money on a solution limited to Apple or Google Wallet. He said Rhode Island would prefer an approach that works across platforms.

Leadership changes could alter plans

DeSantis and Craddock are both scheduled to leave their leadership positions in the coming months. The report says Rhode Island could introduce Apple Wallet licenses in 2027 depending on Craddock’s successor, but that is presented as a possibility rather than an announced plan.