Digital ID Woes: Some IL Residents Experience Issues With Mobile ID Rollout

With Wednesday's rollout of the new Illinois Mobile ID program, Apple users across the state got up early to upload their driver's licenses and state IDs to their iPhones and Apple Watches. For some, things didn't go as smoothly as they had hoped, with error messages popping up due to high demand.

NBC 5 Chicago reached out to the office of Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who provided the media outlet the following statement.

"Given the excitement, there is a high volume of interest in the Illinois Mobile ID program," the statement said. "Apple has established a virtual queuing system to notify Illinoisans when they can add their driver’s license or state ID to their Apple Wallet."

A Patch reporter was able to upload their driver's license to their iPhone Wednesday with no issues.

RELATED: Launch Of Digital IDs Is 'Game Changer' For IL Residents — Giannoulias

With the launch, Illinois joins 12 other states, as well as the territory of Puerto Rico, offering driver's licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet to their residents.

"This is a game changer for Illinois residents," Giannoulias said Tuesday during an announcement press conference. "Your ID can live right on your iPhone — ready to use at airports, restaurants, and bars across the state. This launch brings together security, privacy, and convenience in a way that will make life easier for millions of people. We promised innovative solutions, and today, we're delivering."

According to Giannoulias, residents will be able to present the IDs online and in-apps at select businesses and organizations, and at TSA checkpoints at more than 250 airports in the U.S., including O'Hare, Midway and Lambert.

Visit www.ilsos.gov/mobile for step-by-step instructions and to learn more about the launch.