September 19, 2024
UPDATE
Apple introduces California driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet as part of California DMV’s mDL pilot program
IDs in Wallet offers an easy, secure and private way for residents to present their IDs with iPhone and Apple Watch
Today, Apple announced that California driver’s licenses and state IDs can now be added to Apple Wallet, allowing residents to easily and securely add and present their IDs using iPhone or Apple Watch.1 The launch of California driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet will be implemented as part of a broader initiative by the California DMV. Mobile Driver’s License (mDL) Pilot Programwhich was launched last year and is limited to 1.5 million participants.
“Enabling California residents to seamlessly add and present their IDs with their iPhone or Apple Watch represents a significant step in replacing the physical wallet with a more secure and private digital wallet,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet. “The launch also represents an important milestone in the implementation of IDs in Apple Wallet. California is not only one of the largest states in the U.S., but it’s also our own backyard, and we’re excited to provide an easy and seamless way to present IDs in our home state.”
“Californians now have the option to add their driver’s license or state ID to their iPhone or Apple Watch in Apple Wallet,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom. “With this new integration, we’re working to better serve the people of California in the 21st century.”
The addition of IDs to Wallet in California follows recent launches in Hawaii and Ohio, joining Arizona, Colorado, Georgia and Maryland. Additionally, Montana, New Mexico and West Virginia have committed to adopting IDs in Wallet. Japan has also committed to adding My Number Card to Wallet, marking the first international expansion of IDs in Wallet.
How to add an ID to Apple Wallet
To add a state license or ID to Apple Wallet, there are a few simple steps to follow. Residents can tap the Add (+) button at the top of the Wallet screen on their iPhone, select “Driver’s License or State ID,” and follow the on-screen instructions to begin the setup and verification process.
The customer will be asked to use their iPhone to scan their physical driver’s license or state ID card and take a selfie, which will be securely provided to the issuing state for verification. As an added security measure, users will also be asked to complete a series of facial and head movements during the setup process. Once the customer’s ID or driver’s license has been verified by the issuing state, it will be added to Wallet.
How to use an ID in Apple Wallet
Users can securely present their IDs in Apple Wallet in person and in apps to prove their age or identity.
To present ID in person, users can go to Apple Wallet and select their ID in Apple Wallet. From there, they can hold their iPhone or Apple Watch up to an ID reader, review the specific information requested, and use Face ID or Touch ID to authenticate. Today, users can present their ID in Apple Wallet at select TSA checkpoints, businesses, and venues, as well as at Apple Stores across the US for order pickup, Genius Bar appointments, and more. Users can also present their ID in Apple Wallet to businesses that use apps like Tap2iD Mobile, VeriScan, and Mobile ID Verify for in-person age verification. These apps leverage Apple’s ID Verifier API to securely and privately accept mobile driver’s licenses and ID cards, right on iPhone, with no additional hardware required.
Coming soon, users will also be able to present their Apple Wallet ID in person for select services like CLEAR for member enrollment.
To present an ID in Apple Wallet in apps, users can select the “Verify with Apple Wallet” or “Continue with Apple Wallet” button. From there, they can review the specific information requested and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID before sharing their information. Today, users can present their ID in Apple Wallet in select apps, including Turo, with additional partners like CLEAR, MyChart, and Uber Eats coming soon.
Present identification securely and privately
Identity documents in Apple Wallet use the privacy and security features built into Apple devices to help protect a user’s identity and personal information. When you add an ID to Apple Wallet, the issuing state authority receives only the information it needs to approve or deny the application.
Once an ID is added to Apple Wallet, the information is encrypted on the user’s device, so others, including Apple, can’t access it unless the user chooses to present it. Apple and the state authority issuing the document don’t know when or to whom a user presents their driver’s license or state ID. A user’s presentation history is encrypted and stored only on their device, and Apple can’t view or access this information.
When presenting an ID in Apple Wallet, only the information needed for the transaction is displayed, and the user is given the opportunity to review and authorize the requested information with Face ID or Touch ID before sharing. Users do not need to unlock, show, or hand over their device to present their ID.
To learn more about IDs in Wallet, visit learn.wallet.apple/id.
- For California, Apple Wallet ID requires iPhone Xs or later with iOS 17.5 or later, or Apple Watch Series 4 or later with watchOS 10 or later.
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