19 September 2024

UPDATE

Apple introduces California driver’s licenses and state IDs to Apple Wallet as part of California DMV’s mDL pilot program

IDs in Wallet provides residents with a simple, secure and confidential way to present their IDs using iPhone and Apple Watch.

Apple today announced that California driver’s licenses and state identification cards can now be added to Apple Wallet, allowing residents to seamlessly and securely add and present their IDs using iPhone or Apple Watch.¹ The introduction of California driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet comes as part of the California DMV’s broader initiative. Pilot program for the mobile driving license (mDL)which started last year and is limited to 1.5 million participants.

“The ability for California residents to seamlessly add and present their IDs using their iPhone or Apple Watch is a significant step toward 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 adoption of IDs in Apple Wallet. California is not only one of the largest states in the U.S., it’s also our own backyard, and we’re excited to create a simple and transparent way to present IDs in our home state.”

“Californians now have the ability to add their driver’s license or ID card to their iPhone or Apple Watch in Apple Wallet,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom. “With this new integration, we are working to better serve the people of California in the 21st century.”

The launch of IDs in Wallet in California follows the recent launch in Hawaii and Ohio, joining Arizona, Colorado, Georgia and Maryland. Additionally, Montana, New Mexico and West Virginia have joined the rollout of IDs in Wallet. Japan has also joined the rollout of My Number Card in Wallet, marking the first international expansion of IDs in Wallet.

Adding an ID to Apple Wallet

Adding a driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet takes just a few simple steps. In Wallet on their iPhone, residents can tap the Add (+) button at the top of the screen, select “Driver’s License or State ID,” and follow the onscreen instructions to begin the setup and verification process.

The customer is asked to use their iPhone to scan their physical driver’s license or ID card and take a selfie, which is securely submitted to the issuing state for verification. As an additional security measure, users are also asked to perform a series of facial and head movements during the setup process. Once verified by the issuing state, the customer’s ID card or driver’s license is added to Wallet.

Using an ID in Apple Wallet

Users can securely present their IDs in Apple Wallet in person and in apps to verify 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 tap their iPhone or Apple Watch to an identity reader, verify the 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 U.S. for order pickup, Genius Bar appointments, and more. Users can also present their ID in Apple Wallet to businesses for in-person age verification using apps like Tap2iD Mobile, VeriScan, and Mobile ID Verify. These apps leverage Apple’s ID Verifier API to accept mobile driver’s licenses and IDs securely and confidentially—right on iPhone, no additional hardware required.

Soon, select services like CLEAR will also allow users to present their ID in person in Apple Wallet for member registration.

To present ID in Apple Wallet in apps, users can select the “Verify with Apple Wallet” or “Proceed with Apple Wallet” button. From there, they can review the specific information requested and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID before information is shared. Today, users can present their ID in Apple Wallet in select apps, including Turo, with additional partners including CLEAR, MyChart, and Uber Eats coming soon.

Secure and confidential presentation of an ID card

IDs in Apple Wallet use the privacy and security features built into Apple devices to protect a user’s identity and personal information. When adding an ID to Apple Wallet, the government issuing authority receives only the information it needs to approve or deny the request.

Once an ID is added to Apple Wallet, the information is encrypted on the user’s device so that others – including Apple – cannot access it unless the user presents it. Apple and the issuing government agency do not know when or to whom a user presents their driver’s license or ID card. A user’s presentation history is encrypted and stored only on their device. Apple cannot see or access this information.

When showing an ID in Apple Wallet, only the information required for the transaction is displayed and the user has the opportunity to review and authorize the information requested with Face ID or Touch ID before it is released. Users do not need to unlock, show, or hand over their device to present their ID.

For more information about IDs in Wallet, see learn.wallet.apple/id.

1. For California, an iPhone X is required for the ID in Apple WalletS or later with iOS 17.5 or later, or Apple Watch Series 4 or later with watchOS 10 or later.

Press contacts

Kimberly May

Apple

k_mai@apple.com

Heather Norton

Apple

heather_norton@apple.com

Apple Media Helpline

media.help@apple.com