Initiated in 2023, the California digital permit pilot program is currently undergoing refinement. As per the latest notification from the state government, mobile driver licenses (mDLs) can now be uploaded to Google Wallet, which is a payment network intended for Android-powered devices including smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches.
According to a statement he released, California is now one of five states that provide digital driver licenses via Google “Wallet.” In a short while, Apple Wallet users will also be able to access this service. The launch of the mDL pilot program last year was part of the state’s digital identification strategy. Up till now, more than 500,000 Californians have utilized digital permits on their phones.
Governor Gavin Newsom said: “We are partnering with two iconic California companies, Apple and Google, to deliver convenient, private and secure driver’s licenses and ID cards directly to people’s phones. This is a major step in our efforts to better serve all Californians by reaching people where they are and through the technology people use every day.”
For his part, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Director Steve Gordon said they are working to expand the acceptance of mobile cards: “Having a digital license in your smartphone wallet is a great convenience for Californians,” he said. The state’s mDL pilot program is ongoing and currently limited to 1.5 million residents.
Certain retail stores and airports accept the presentation of the mDL in Google Wallet and the California DMV Wallet app, which can be downloaded for free from Google Play and the Apple Store, as a legitimate form of identity. In order to promote increased acceptance of digital licenses at financial institutions, retail establishments, law enforcement organizations, and government agencies, the DMV continues to collaborate with a range of public and commercial partners.
The DMV on behalf of the state government highlights that the mDL does not take the place of a physical driver’s license when driving, but it does give Californians another practical way to verify their identity and greater control over how their information is shared by allowing them to display only specific data, like as name and age.
To sign up for the free, optional Mobile Driver License Pilot Program you will need a smartphone and a current California driver license or identification card. iPhone users will need to have iOS 14 or later installed on their iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. The minimum requirements for Android are Android 8 or later. Support for Android 10 based EMUI 10 devices is not available.
Step 1: Download the Google Play or App Store app for CA DMV Wallet.
Step 2: Use your smartphone to launch the app. You will need to either create or log into a personal MyDMV account. To view your mDL, you may need to provide your Social Security number or driver license number if you already have an account.
Step 3: Follow the instructions to scan your physical driver’s license or ID card. If you have both, you can choose which one to register.
