Californians will soon have a new option to display a version of their driver’s licenses or ID cards on their mobile phones via Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, officials announced Thursday.
According to a statement from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office, the state’s mobile driver’s License pilot program, which currently allows licenses and IDs to be displayed through the DMV Wallet app, will be expanded to include the two major tech companies’ apps.
Once up and running, residents can show their IDs on just about any Apple iPhone, Apple Watch, and Android devices.
“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,” Newsom said. “This is a big step in our efforts to better serve all Californians, meeting people where they’re at and with technology people use every day.”
The digital IDs do not replace their traditional plastic counterparts, according to the statement. “However, it does make it easier for Californians to validate their age and identity at participating businesses and airports.”