How to resolve 'Could not connect to Apple Pay' when adding Driver's License to Apple Wallet in Illinois?

Question

Level 1

4 points

How to resolve 'Could not connect to Apple Pay' when adding Driver's License to Apple Wallet in Illinois?

As of today in Illinois, we are able to add our Drivers License to our Apple Wallet. When I try and click the + button, I see the option for "Driver's License and ID Cards" but before I can even try to choose that option (or any option for that matter), I get a pop-up message that says: "Could not connect to Apple Pay. Make sure you are connected to the Internet."

I am connected to the Internet and I did update my IOS software to the latest version.

Next steps? (Just to be clear, this is not a case of the DL/ID feature not being ready yet. It won't let me add anything)

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Apple Wallet

iPhone 16, iOS 18

Posted on Nov 19, 2025 5:38 AM

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Answer 1

DMKcs Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 19, 2025 6:17 AM in response to DMKcs

RESOLVED. The setting for allowing cellular with Apple Wallet was somehow turned off. Thanks, Jeff Donald, for trying.

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Answer 2

Jeff Donald

Level 8

44,358 points

Nov 19, 2025 6:03 AM in response to DMKcs

Do you use a VPN or ever had VPN software on your iPhone? If so, it usually needs to be deleted and the network settings to be reset.

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Answer 3

DMKcs Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 19, 2025 6:11 AM in response to DMKcs

Just want to clarify -the moderator changed the title of my post. This is not really related to specifically adding my Illinois DL, because this popup message happens simply when I click the + button.

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Answer 4

lkrupp

Level 7

21,961 points

Nov 20, 2025 8:58 AM in response to DMKcs

FWIW I successfully added my Illinois Drivers license to my Wallet this morning, also my passport. No issues. Glad you figured things out. Then problem will be, of course, whether the entity I’m dealing with will accept a digital ID. I’m pretty sure it will take a long time for banks, doctors offices, those sorts of places that want to see your ID, to get on board. Remember how long it's still taking for merchants to accept Apple Pay or Google Pay.

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Answer 5

DMKcs Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 19, 2025 6:10 AM in response to Jeff Donald

Nope - no VPN Software other than DuoMobile when I log into work on laptop and verify thru DuoMobile on phone, but that has never prevented me from adding anything to my apple wallet.

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Answer 6

Jeff Donald

Level 8

44,358 points

Nov 19, 2025 6:43 AM in response to DMKcs

Glad to hear you resolved the issue. I hope you have a great day!

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