California is set to roll out support for digital driver’s licenses and IDs through the Apple Wallet app. This makes California the sixth state to adopt this feature, following states like Arizona and Maryland.
The state’s mobile driver’s license project began a year ago, and over half a million residents have already added their licenses to the California DMV Wallet app. This app served as a testing ground before expanding to Apple Wallet.
Streamlined Integration for Residents
Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s Vice President of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, announced the collaboration with California. She highlighted that residents will have a secure, private, and easy way to present their IDs. The integration will simplify tasks like travel and identity verification at businesses.
Residents can use digital IDs in the Wallet app for TSA screenings at select airports and for age verification at participating retailers. However, California still requires residents to carry their physical IDs, as the digital versions are not yet widely accepted by law enforcement or state agencies.
Pilot Phase Participation
The mobile ID program in California is currently in a pilot phase, with about 1.5 million participants eligible to sign up. Earlier hints of Apple Wallet integration surfaced in August when a hidden page on the DMV website was discovered.
Apple introduced digital IDs in its Wallet app in 2022. So far, adoption has been slow, with only a few states implementing the feature. In addition to California, states like Kentucky and Utah are also working towards integration.
