The Long Road to Connecticut’s Digital Driver’s License

Why Is Connecticut’s Digital Driver’s License Taking So Long? A 2025 Update

Imagine ditching your physical driver’s license and simply tapping your phone or Apple Watch at TSA checkpoints. That’s the vision Connecticut promised back in 2021—but nearly four years later, many are wondering: what’s taking so long?

What Was Announced & When

• September 2021: Connecticut was announced as one of the first eight U.S. states—alongside Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Utah—to work with Apple to offer digital driver’s licenses (mDL) via the Apple Wallet. Residents would scan their ID, take a selfie (with some facial/head movement for verification), and be able to present the digital version at TSA checkpoints with a simple tap. The initiative promised strong encryption and biometric security, with Apple and the state unable to track when or where IDs are used. (NBC Connecticut, Patch, Danbury Country Club, Hartford Business, WSHU)
• TSA’s Role: The Transportation Security Administration was already on board; selected airport checkpoints would accept digital IDs once the system was implemented. (NBC Connecticut, Hartford Business)

What’s the Update? Has It Launched?

• As of early 2025: Despite the early announcement, Connecticut has not launched its mobile driver’s license for residents yet—neither in Apple Wallet nor in any other digital form. (IDScan.net)
• Current Status: SimplyMac’s latest tracking indicates that while states like Arizona, Maryland, and Utah have active digital license programs, Connecticut remains in the “planned” category. (SimplyMac)
• TSA Rulemaking: Separately, the TSA has proposed a temporary waiver for digital IDs to be accepted even if they don’t fully meet current REAL ID requirements. However, it’s not yet clear whether Connecticut intends to apply for such a waiver or what the state’s timeline looks like. (Connecticut Inside Investigator)

Why Is It Taking So Long?

• Implementation Complexity: Building a secure, encrypted system that meets both state security standards and federal requirements isn’t simple. This includes creating secure scanning infrastructure, identity verification methods, and integration with Apple Wallet.
• Regulatory and Technical Hurdles: States need to meet stringent guidelines around encryption, privacy, cybersecurity, and data transmission. TSA’s new rules around temporary waivers may help—but offer no guarantee. (Connecticut Inside Investigator)
• Shifting Priorities: Since the announcement, other programs like REAL ID rollouts and post-pandemic services may have taken precedence within CT DMV and state IT departments.
• Limited Public Communication: The state hasn’t provided a timeline or updates since the initial announcement, so it’s unclear how far planning has progressed. (IDScan.net, mDL Connection)

Back in September 2021, Connecticut told residents it would soon let them upload their driver’s license into Apple Wallet. Fast forward to early 2025—and barely a word more. Other states have moved forward, but here in Connecticut, the mobile driver’s license remains a “planned” promise. So—what’s really holding things up?

If you’re as curious as I am, feel free to contact your local DMV office or state representative and ask: “Where’s our digital ID?” It’s 2025—let’s get moving.