SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Travelers flying out of San Francisco International Airport (SFO) can now present a digital driver’s license or ID through Apple Wallet on their iPhone or Apple Watch. This new feature, part of California’s expanding mobile driver’s license (CDL) program, also allows Californians to use digital IDs at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and select businesses across the state.
The feature went live on Thursday, with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announcing its integration with Apple Wallet at a press event held at SFO. Steve Gorden, Director of CA DMV, highlighted the growing adoption of digital licenses in California.
“Apple’s latest participant in California mDL journey, and will join in the wallet as of today,” Gorden stated. “you’re following Google, and of course, we’ve had a mobile DL in DMV wallet for about a year now. Over 650,000 people are participating in the program today, and with this announcement, we expect that number to increase, given demand for Apple products.”
A Growing Pilot Program
addition of digital IDs to Apple Wallet is part of California’s ongoing mobile driver’s license pilot program, which is currently limited to 1.5 million participants. This initiative is designed to modernize the way Californians present and verify ID identification, allowing for quick and contactless ID checks at participating locations.
California DMV launched its mobile driver’s license app in 2023, and so far, over half a million residents have taken advantage of the feature. Last month, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the expansion of the program to include Google Wallet, allowing Android users to store their digital IDs. With Apple now participating, the program is expected to see an uptick in users.
Privacy and Security
Apple has emphasized the privacy and security of new features. The company assured users that it won’t track when or where digital IDs are used. This focus on privacy aims to alleviate concerns over data security and surveillance.
In a statement, Governor Newsom praised new integration as a key step toward improving public services in the digital age. “With this new integration, we’re working to better serve people of California in the 21st Century,” said Newsom.
Future of Digital IDs in California
While digital IDs offer a convenient solution for identity verification, California DMV encourages residents to continue carrying a physical driver’s license, as not all locations and law enforcement agencies currently accept mobile IDs.
DMV is actively working to expand the program’s usability, with plans to integrate mobile IDs with more vendors and law enforcement systems shortly.
For now, Californians interested in using a digital driver’s license can easily add it to Apple Wallet by following the instructions provided within the app. This marks a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing effort to modernize identity verification, offering a glimpse into the future of digital convenience.
