California residents will soon have the option of storing their driver’s licenses and state IDs directly on their mobile devices, following a new initiative announced on Aug. 15 by Governor Gavin Newsom. The state is partnering with tech giants Apple and Google to offer secure digital versions of these essential documents in the Apple Wallet and Google Wallet.

The new digital IDs will allow Californians to present their driver’s licenses or ID cards using iPhones, Apple Watches, and Android devices. This development is part of the Department of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) ongoing mobile Driver’s License (mDL) pilot program, which began last year.

“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. 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,” Newsom said. 

The digital licenses will initially be accepted at select businesses, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport security checkpoints, and in certain apps. 

Since the launch of the mDL pilot, more than 500,000 Californians have already added a mobile driver’s license to their devices using the California DMV Wallet app. The pilot program is currently capped at 1.5 million participants.

During the pilot program, the mDL was only accessible via the California DMV Wallet app, but on the heels of the partnership with Google and Apple, can be found alongside concert tickets or gym membership cards on a smartphone. 

“We continue to expand the availability and acceptance of digital licenses and identification cards, while ensuring the highest level of privacy and security,” DMV Director Steve Gordon said.

Although the digital IDs provide a convenient alternative, Californians are still required to carry a physical card. The DMV is actively working with various stakeholders, including financial institutions, retail establishments, law enforcement, and government agencies, to promote widespread adoption of the mDL.

To further innovate and integrate this technology into everyday experiences, the DMV plans to host two “hackathons” this fall, inviting developers and innovators to explore new applications for this secure digital identity.