In the US, more and more states are betting on the adoption of mobile digital licenses. Some states, such as California, offer their own tool to carry a digital copy of your ID on your phone. However, companies such as Google and Apple have been working to make their Wallet apps support this type of digital ID cards as well. Currently, California residents can already store their driver’s license in both Apple Wallet and Google Wallet.
In California, people had to turn to the DMV Wallet app if they wanted to store a digital copy of their driver’s license. This meant that you needed an additional app on your phone solely for that purpose. Now, Apple Wallet and Google Wallet users in the state can do so through their usual card apps.
California residents can now store their driver’s licenses in Google Wallet and Apple Wallet
It’s noteworthy that the digital driver’s license is not a total replacement for the physical document. You will still need to carry the latter with you in case it is required for one reason or another. However, the digital ID card will speed up your identification or access with selected apps and businesses. “We’re partnering with two iconic California companies — Apple and Google — to provide convenient, private and secure driver’s licenses and ID cards directly on people’s phones,” said California governor Gavin Newsom earlier this year.
In both apps, the process of digitizing a driver’s license involves taking photos of the document and your face. Apple Wallet users in California can find the option by tapping on the “+” button > “Driver’s License or State ID.” Google Wallet users can do so by tapping on “Add to Wallet” > “ID card.”
In addition to California, states like Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, and Ohio already support digital driver’s licenses. Meanwhile, many others are exploring the idea for the future. The list of states that could potentially implement digital ID cards includes Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Wyoming.
