Apple has officially launched support for California digital driver’s licenses and state ID cards through Apple Wallet, as announced on Thursday. This new feature allows residents of California to add their driver’s license or state ID to their iPhone or Apple Watch, marking a significant step toward modernizing the state’s services. Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the importance of this development, stating that this integration is part of an effort to enhance services for Californians in the digital age.
The availability of digital driver’s licenses and ID cards in Apple Wallet is a continuation of California’s mobile driver’s license (mDL) pilot program, which began last year. Californians interested in setting up their digital ID can do so by opening the Wallet app on their iPhone, clicking the “+” button at the top of the screen, and selecting “Driver’s License or State ID.” The app will guide users through the steps for setup and verification, making it relatively simple to digitize their IDs.
However, to access this feature, users must ensure that their iPhone is updated to iOS 18. This update is essential for displaying the digital ID option in the Wallet app. Notably, users who prefer Android devices can also add their digital driver’s licenses and state IDs via Google Wallet, extending the convenience of digital identification across multiple platforms.
Despite the convenience of these digital versions, the DMV has emphasized that they do not replace the need to carry a physical ID. Law enforcement, government agencies, and many businesses in California have not yet adopted the use of digital driver’s licenses or state IDs. Therefore, while digital IDs offer added flexibility, individuals are still required to have their physical cards with them for official purposes.
This rollout reflects ongoing efforts to embrace technology in streamlining everyday tasks, although the full acceptance of digital IDs across all sectors may take some time.
