Californians Can Now Use an iPhone to Show Their Driver’s License and ID. Here’s How

If you live in California, you may no longer need a wallet to store your physical identification cards. Apple announced last month that residents of the Golden State can now add their California driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet. If you need to show proof of your age or identity, you can quickly bring up your license or state ID on your iPhone or Apple Watch. 

This is an extension of the California DMV’s mobile driver’s license pilot program, which allows you to verify your identity at airports without having to hand your phone over to anyone else. All you need to do is hold your device near an identity reader and you can get through select TSA checkpoints — no problem.

However, that requires a third-party application. 

Now you can do it via Apple Wallet instead, making it a more seamless experience on your iPhone.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to add your driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet, where you can use your digital ID and how to then use it in-person or online. 

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How to add your California driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet on your iPhone

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and then hit the plus (+) icon in the top-right. Next, go to Driver’s License or State ID and tap California mDL Pilot.

Hit Continue and you’ll be asked to scan both the front and back of your driver’s license or state ID. Do this in a well-lit area with the physical card laid flat on a simple dark background. If your card is in the dark on a white background, your phone may have difficulty recognizing it.

Now you’ll need to verify your identity via face scan. Hit Continue, position your face in the frame and tap Get Started. You’ll be asked to do a variety of things, including to open your mouth, tilt your head down and close your eyes. Do each one until your phone vibrates, meaning that the scan is successful. You’ll also need to take a selfie, which is used to match the photo on file with the DMV.

Finally, you can review your info, which includes the photos of your driver’s license or ID and the photo of you. Tap Continue and then agree to the terms of use. All your information is then sent to the DMV to verify your identity. You’ll receive a notification from Wallet when there’s an update and your ID is added to your iPhone.

Where can you even use your driver’s license or ID in Apple Wallet?

Before we get into how you use your ID, it’s good to know where you can use it.

For now, you can use your ID in Apple Wallet at select airports, businesses and venues. That includes the following locations in California:

• Los Angeles International Airport
• San Francisco International Airport
• Circle K (currently only five stores, all located in Sacramento)
• Bank of America Plaza (only in Downtown Los Angeles)
• National Bank Plaza (only in downtown Los Angeles)
• Apple Store

Obviously the locations where you can use your digital ID in California are pretty limited right now, but it is a great way to breeze through an airport without having to take out your wallet, especially if you have your boarding pass on your phone as well.

Besides physical locations, you can use your ID in Apple Wallet to log in to DMV’s online services. You can also use it in select apps, like Turo. And soon you’ll be able to use it to with Clear, Uber Eats and MyChart.

How to use your driver’s license or ID in Apple Wallet

The driver’s license or state ID in your wallet can be used to show proof of your age, in case you’re buying alcohol, or to prove your identity if you’re trying to get through TSA at the airport. At an Apple Store, you can use your digital ID for order pickups, Genius Bar appointments and more.

To show your digital ID, go to Apple Wallet and choose your ID. You can then hold your iPhone or Apple Wallet near an identity reader, check the information being requested and then use Face ID or Touch ID to authenticate.

This is pretty much the same way you would pay for something via Apple Pay.

If you’re using your ID in Apple Wallet in an app on your phone, you’ll see a button that says either Verify with Apple Wallet or Continue with Apple Wallet. You can then review the specific information being requested and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID.

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