Californians can now store digital driver’s licenses on their phones
– Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that Californians participating in the mobile driver’s license (mDL) pilot program can now store their digital driver’s licenses and identification cards in Google Wallet. This new option adds convenience and security for those opting into the state’s mobile driver’s license program.
“It’s never been easier to keep a digital driver’s license and identification card in California. The state continues to work to offer convenience for those opting into the mobile driver’s license program, now with the option of using Google Wallet,” Newsom said.
California is now one of four states offering digital driver’s licenses in Google Wallet. Last week, Newsom announced that mobile driver’s licenses would soon be available in Apple Wallet as well.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) introduced the pilot program in 2023 as part of the statewide Digital Identity Framework. The program allows Californians to store a digital version of their driver’s license on their smartphones. To date, more than half a million Californians have added their licenses to their devices.
“We continue to expand the availability and acceptance of digital licenses and identification cards,” DMV Director Steve Gordon said. “Having an mDL in your smartphone wallet is a huge convenience for Californians.”
The program is ongoing and currently limited to 1.5 million participants. Presenting your digital license in Google Wallet and the California DMV Wallet app is currently accepted as a valid form of identification at select retail locations and TSA airports. The DMV is working with public and private partners to encourage broader acceptance of the program.
Jenny Cheng, vice president and general manager of Google Wallet, said, “Google Wallet makes navigating day-to-day life easier by giving people convenient and secure access to everyday essentials like your payment cards, loyalty cards, concert tickets, and more. Our research shows that having a way to save an ID to Wallet is critical in order for people to feel like they have a complete digital wallet. By bringing this capability to Android users in California, we’re excited to provide yet another way for people to move seamlessly throughout their day.”
The program will eventually integrate with California’s Digital ID Framework, allowing the state to securely verify identities. However, the program does not replace the requirement to carry a physical driver’s license while driving. Participants in the pilot must still carry their physical license, though the uses and acceptance of the program will continue to expand.
“We are grateful for the over half-million Californians who are participating in the mDL pilot,” said California State Chief Information Officer and Department of Technology Director Liana Bailey-Crimmins. “California continues to lead the way in leveraging and testing the latest technology so that Californians have easy and safe experiences with all of the state’s digital services.”
For more information on the program, visit the California DMV’s website.
