As a resident of Washington state, I've found myself in numerous situations where I've forgotten my wallet and needed to identify myself. This is not an uncommon occurrence. In fact, according to a survey by Bankrate.com, nearly 50% of Americans often leave home without their wallets.

Washington is known for being one of the most technologically advanced states in the U.S., home to tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon. It's only fitting that we have access to the most cutting-edge technology available, including digital identification.

Washington State Department of Licensing should work with Apple to allow residents to add their IDs and driver's licenses to Apple Wallet. This feature is already available in some states such as Arizona and Georgia, and 9 more states have committed to adding this feature also; we should be one of them. It not only provides convenience but also enhances security with biometric authentication features like Face ID or Touch ID.

Moreover, considering that 81% of Americans own a smartphone (source: Pew Research Center), this change could potentially benefit millions. It aligns perfectly with our state’s innovative spirit while providing practical solutions for everyday problems faced by residents.

We urge the Washington State Department of Licensing to take action on this matter promptly.