California Digital Driver's License Apple Wallet: Everything You Need to Know

The California Digital Driver's License in Apple Wallet is a game-changer for Californians on the go.

You can store your California digital driver's license in the Wallet app on your iPhone or Apple Watch, making it easily accessible for identification purposes.

This feature is part of California's AB 1915 law, which allows for digital identification cards and driver's licenses.

To add your California digital driver's license to Apple Wallet, you'll need an iPhone or Apple Watch with iOS 15.4 or later.

The digital driver's license is stored in the Wallet app, where it can be easily accessed and presented for identification purposes.

California digital driver's licenses are now compatible with Apple Wallet, but which other US states and territories can use this feature? Currently, nine US states and Puerto Rico participate in a mobile ID program that is compatible with Apple Wallet.

Here are the states that currently support digital IDs in Apple Wallet:

Other states are also working on implementing digital ID support, but it's not yet available. For example, Connecticut and Kentucky were supposed to roll out support in 2021, but it hasn't happened yet.

Adding a digital driver's license to Apple Wallet is a relatively straightforward process. You'll need to open the Apple Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the plus (+) sign in the top-right corner.

To get started, select Driver's License or State ID and choose the state where your license was issued. You'll then need to scan the front and back of your physical driver's license, which can be a bit tricky, but the app will guide you through it.

Once you've submitted the photos, you may be alerted to the need for further verification, which typically involves scanning your face in the same way you would set up Face ID. Don't worry, this is a normal part of the process and nothing from these face scans is attached to your digital driver's license.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles recommends a few practical adjustments to ensure a smooth scanning process, such as using consistent and ample lighting, and making sure the phone isn't in low power mode.

You'll need to wait for confirmation that your license has been added to Apple Wallet, which can take some time. You should receive a notification on your phone when it's ready, but there's no status page to check.

If your application is rejected, you can try again, and the DMV recommends a few tweaks to try, such as using a plain background or adjusting the lighting.

You can use your digital driver's license in Apple Wallet to verify your age or identity through an app or at TSA checkpoints. This is a quick and easy way to do so, according to Apple.

The usability of your digital driver's license will vary by state. For instance, in California, you can only use it at select airports.

You can use your digital driver's license at airports like LAX and SFO in California. The DMV also warns that you still need to carry your physical card.

The TSA has an interactive map that shows a complete list of airports that take digital IDs.

A digital driver's license in Apple Wallet may raise some safety concerns, but rest assured, it's designed with security in mind. You don't have to hand over your phone to anyone, as you can simply scan or tap your own phone at a TSA checkpoint.

You still need to carry your physical ID, just in case, so you can present that instead if you're concerned about mobile security. This is a precaution, not a requirement, so you can choose how you want to proceed.

Digital ID usage is not tracked, and no data leaves your device without your consent. This means neither Apple nor your state can see when or where you share your information.

Your information is locked behind Face ID or Touch ID, making it less likely someone else can use your ID.

To use the app, you'll need to have an online DMV account. This is a crucial step, so make sure to create one if you don't already have it.

The app is designed to work seamlessly with iOS devices, and the directions are easy to follow. However, there are a couple of tips to keep in mind for new users.

To take a clear photo of your driver's license, place it on a dark background. This will help the app capture a high-quality image.

Adding your California digital driver's license to Apple Wallet is a straightforward process. To start, open the Wallet app on your iPhone.

You'll see an Add button - tap it to begin the process. Then, select Driver's License or ID and choose your state or region, which in this case would be California.

If you want to add your license or ID to both your iPhone and paired Apple Watch, you can do so during this step. Follow the onscreen instructions to scan the front and back of your license or ID. Make sure the image is clear and in focus before submitting.

To ensure a good scan, use a well-lit area with a simple dark background.

If you want to add your license or ID to your Apple Watch later, you can do so by opening the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, tapping the My Watch tab, and then scrolling down to Wallet & Apple Pay. Find your license or ID listed under Other Cards on Your Phone and tap the Add button next to it.

California is already ahead of the game with its mobile driver's license pilot program, which has been running since 2023. This program, called the CA DMV Wallet app, is available for both iOS and Android devices.

The authorization process took me only a few minutes to complete, and I was issued a digitally issued card. However, I've noticed that the biggest hurdle to using my digital ID is the lack of adoption from businesses and law enforcement.

You can currently use your California digital driver's license at SFO and LAX airports for TSA PreCheck. Arizona, Maryland, Colorado, Georgia, and Ohio also support digital IDs in Apple Wallet.