California has officially joined the growing list of states offering digital driver’s licenses and state IDs, making them available in the Apple Wallet app for iPhone and Apple Watch users. This means Californians can now conveniently store their identification digitally, providing a secure and streamlined way to present it in various situations.
Apple, the tech giant headquartered in California, announced the rollout of this feature, noting their excitement about partnering with the state to bring this convenient service to residents. Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, emphasized the ease, security, and privacy benefits of using digital IDs.
Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed that California IDs will be rolling out in both Apple Wallet and Google Wallet within the coming weeks, adding another layer of convenience for residents. However, it is crucial to remember that digital IDs are not a replacement for physical ID cards. Californians will still need to carry their physical driver’s license or state ID even when utilizing the digital version. This digital option serves as a convenient addition to the traditional identification process.
Digital driver’s licenses and state IDs stored in Apple Wallet can be used at select TSA security checkpoints, facilitating a smoother travel experience. These digital IDs are also gaining acceptance by businesses for age and identity verification in select apps.
While Apple first announced digital IDs in 2021, it took some time for California, the company’s home state, to implement this feature. Currently, five other U.S. states — Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, and Ohio — have already adopted digital ID support. California becomes the sixth state to join this growing movement.
To obtain a California digital ID in Apple Wallet, residents must participate in the California DMV’s mDL pilot program. This program offers a streamlined process for obtaining and managing digital identification, contributing to California’s growing embrace of digital convenience.
