California is joining several other states in bringing its driver’s license and state ID cards to the Apple Wallet app.Apple doesn’t provide a specific timeline for the rollout, saying only that it arrives “soon.””We’re excited to be working with the state of California to bring IDs in Apple Wallet to Apple’s home state soon, and provide residents with an easy, secure, and private way to present their California driver’s license and state ID in person and in app using Apple Wallet,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s VP of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.California residents will be able to use the digital state IDs to verify their age and identity at “select TSA security checkpoints and businesses,” as well as in select apps. The IDs will work across supported iPhones and Apple Watches.In terms of security, Apple explains that users will need to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID prior to sharing their personal information and that only the requested information will be displayed. Users will not need to fully unlock their device or hand it over when presenting their ID.For privacy, the ID information is encrypted and stored on-device. “Apple and the state-issuing authority do not know when or where or with whom a user presents their driver’s license or state ID, and Apple doesn’t see or retain any presentment information that can be tied back to a user,” the company says.
California already has a mobile driver’s license pilot program (mDL) that it’s been running since 2023. (New York residents have a similar service.) The CA DMV Wallet app is available for iOS and Android and works on iPhone 6s with iOS 14 and newer. Currently, California’s mDL can only be used at SFO and LAX airports for TSA PreCheck.
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I joined the pilot program when it first launched and it only took a few minutes to go through the authorization process and get a digitally issued card. The biggest hurdle to leaving my physical license at home has been the lack of adoption for the digital ID. In fact, you can’t really forgo your standard card yet because mDL isn’t yet supported by “law enforcement, state government agencies, or businesses.” I am looking forward to seeing if Apple’s inclusion of California IDs will help expand the usefulness of digital cards faster.Arizona, Maryland, Colorado, Georgia, and Ohio also support IDs in Apple Wallet.
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About Tyler Hayes
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Tyler Hayes is an early adopter, technology writer based in California who’s contributed to Fast Company, BuzzFeed, and Billboard, among others.
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