Buckeye Your Paper Bulge: How to Add Your Ohio License to Your Apple Wallet (and Finally Ditch That Lumpy Feeling)
Let's face it, folks. Lugging around a bulky wallet is the 2023 equivalent of rocking a fanny pack. Especially in the glorious state of Ohio, where pockets seem to be on the endangered species list. But fear not, fellow Buckeyes! There's a way to ditch the dad bod wallet and join the sleek and sophisticated crowd: Apple Wallet.
Yes, you can ditch that worn leather monstrosity (and the questionable collection of receipts from 2012) and store your precious Ohio driver's license digitally. Imagine the possibilities! No more frantic searches at the bar for your ID (because let's be honest, that usually ends with a dramatic purse excavation and a rogue lipstick incident). Just a smooth, phone-wielding flourish, and you're good to go.
But How, You Ask?
The process is about as easy as navigating a corn maze without getting lost (although, let's be real, some of those Ohio corn mazes are devious). Here's the lowdown:
Grab Your Phone and Get Ready to Play "MacGyver" (Sort Of): You'll need your iPhone 8 or later (because, hey, progress!) and your trusty Ohio ID. Think of yourself as a tech whiz about to crack the code (except the code is super easy and involves minimal lasers).
**Open the Wallet App: **This isn't your dad's dusty billfold, this is a digital haven for all things important (well, important enough to fit on your phone).
Tap the Plus Sign (+): Because, well, math. And apparently, adding your ID involves some basic addition (although a calculator probably won't be necessary).
Channel Your Inner Jedi and Choose "Driver's License or State ID": May the force be with you as you navigate the world of digital IDs.
Ah, the Dreaded "State Selection": Ohio, my friend, Ohio. Unless you've secretly vacationed on Mars and gotten citizenship (in which case, congrats!), you're a Buckeye through and through.
Location, Location, Location: iPhone only or both iPhone and Apple Watch? The choice is yours, grasshopper. Do you want your ID readily available on both devices, or just your phone? Think James Bond with all the gadgets, but instead of a cool watch that shoots lasers, it just holds your ID.
Scanorama! Time to unleash your inner documentarian and scan both the front and back of your glorious Ohio license. Just hold your phone steady and watch the magic happen (although, it might be less dramatic than a scene from Indiana Jones).
Verification Station: Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your identity. This might involve taking a selfie (because, hey, gotta make sure it's really you using that ID).
Voila! You've Officially Joined the Digital ID Revolution! Now you can strut around like a technological superhero, secure in the knowledge that your ID is always within reach (and hopefully, never lost in the abyss of your purse again).
Important Note: This digital ID feature is still pretty new, so it might not be available at all locations just yet. But fret not, fellow traveler! Soon, you'll be able to use your phone's magic to show your ID everywhere from the airport to the corner store (because, let's be honest, sometimes you need to age-restrict that gallon of ice cream).
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered (in 5 Easy Steps)
How do I know if my iPhone is compatible?
You'll need an iPhone 8 or later with the latest version of iOS.
Do I need anything fancy like Face ID or Touch ID?
Yep, those security features are a must!
Can I use my digital ID everywhere?
Not quite yet, but it's becoming more and more widely accepted.
What happens if my phone dies?
Well, that's why you should probably still carry your physical ID...just in case.
Is this whole digital ID thing safe?
Apple uses a bunch of fancy security measures to keep your information safe. So, relax and enjoy the convenience!
