Artie Beaty/ZDNET
If you’re a California resident, your digital wallet just got a little thicker.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that support for digital IDs will be rolling out in the coming weeks, meaning California residents can add their state IDs or California driver’s licenses to Apple Wallet and Google Wallet.
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Select Circle K locations will take the mobile version of your driver’s license, as will select apps and TSA screenings at San Francisco International Airport, San Jose Mineta International Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport.
You’re still required to carry your physical license as required by law, but the digital version should make age of identity verification a lot faster.
A digital driver’s license copy isn’t exactly new territory for California, as it has its own CA DMV Wallet app that essentially does the same thing (500,000 of the state’s 39 million residents have enrolled in this app). What’s new is having your license in the same app you might use for, say, storing a boarding pass at the airport and a payment card to grab a coffee once you’re inside or for age verification when buying alcohol and then a card to pay.
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If you’re concerned about security, the DMV has said it does not permanently retain any of your personal data other than your phone number and an encrypted photo of your license or ID card. The DMV also says that how you use your mobile license isn’t tracked and no data will leave your device without your consent.
How to add your California driver’s license to Google Wallet
- From your Google Wallet home screen, tap the plus sign in the bottom right corner that says “Add to Wallet.”
- You’ll see a list of cards and passes that Wallet supports. Choose “ID card” and then “Get Started” on the next screen.
- Choose from the list of supported states. Right now, that’s only Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, and Maryland. When California accessibility opens, you’ll choose it and then follow the steps to scan your license and take a short video to prove you’re a real person.
- Wallet will verify your info with CA DMV, a process that might take a few minutes.
How to add your California driver’s license to Apple Wallet
- Open your Wallet app and tap the add button.
- Select “Driver’s license or state ID” and choose your state.
- Choose whether you want to add your license to your phone only or to your phone and Apple Watch.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to scan the front and back of your license or ID.