Apple today announced that California residents can now add their driver’s licenses and state IDs to Apple Wallet, allowing residents to quickly and securely present their IDs using their iPhone or Apple Watch. The launch of California driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet will roll out as part of the California DMV’s broader mobile driver’s license (mDL) pilot program, which launched last year. The program is currently limited to 1.5 million participants.
California requires participants to continue to carry a physical license or ID card because the digital license is not accepted by law enforcement, state government agencies, and most businesses.
“Enabling California residents to seamlessly add and present their IDs with their iPhone or Apple Watch represents a significant step in replacing the physical wallet with a more secure and private digital wallet,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet. “The launch also represents an important milestone in the rollout of IDs in Apple Wallet. Not only is California one of the largest states in the U.S., but it’s also our own backyard, and we’re excited to bring an easy and transparent way to present IDs in our home state.”
IDs and licenses stored in the Wallet app on an iPhone can be used for TSA screenings at select airports, as well as for age verification at select stores.
Apple Wallet app IDs can be used at select TSA checkpoints within select U.S. airports:
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport (CVG)
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)
Apple tells travelers to refer to TSA checkpoint signage to confirm availability of the feature, and to visit the TSA’s website for more details.
Additional States to Soon Adopt IDs in Apple Wallet
Additionally, Montana, New Mexico, and West Virginia have signed on to adopt IDs in Wallet. Japan has also signed on to bring My Number Card to Wallet, which will mark the first international expansion of IDs in Wallet. The addition of IDs in Wallet in California follows the recent launch in Hawaii and Ohio, which join Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, and Maryland.
