Californians can soon add driver’s licenses to Apple Wallet

Apple has recently announced that residents of California will soon be able to add their driver’s licenses and state IDs to Apple Wallet, enabling them to display these IDs via an iPhone or Apple Watch.

About ten days ago, when we covered the issue, the Cupertino giant had not yet confirmed the details of the pilot program.

We are thrilled to collaborate with the state of California to introduce IDs in Apple Wallet to our home state soon. This will offer residents an easy, secure, and private method to present their California driver’s licenses and state IDs both in person and within apps using Apple Wallet. Whether you’re using IDs in Apple Wallet for quick travel, or to securely verify your age or identity at businesses, California driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet simplify the ID presentation process. All of this comes with the robust security features built into iPhone and Apple Watch.

Users who have an ID in their Apple Wallet can use their iPhone or Apple Watch to present their ID at selected TSA security checkpoints and businesses, as well as within certain apps to verify their age or identity.

Apple Wallet utilizes the iPhone and Apple Watch’s built-in privacy and security features to protect users’ identities and personal data. When a user adds an ID to Apple Wallet, the state-issuing authority receives only the information needed to approve or reject the inclusion of the driver’s license or state ID.

When using Apple Wallet to present an ID, only the necessary information for the transaction is displayed. Users must review and authorize this information with Face ID or Touch ID before it is shared. There is no need for users to unlock, display, or hand over their device to present their ID.

A user’s ID information is encrypted and stored solely on their device, ensuring that no one, including Apple, can access it unless the user decides to share it. Neither Apple nor the state-issuing authority can see when, where, or with whom a user presents their driver’s license or state ID, and Apple does not view or keep any presentation information related to a user.

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If a user loses their iPhone or Apple Watch, they can use the Find My app to lock or remotely erase their device. Currently, Apple Wallet supports IDs in five other states: Arizona, Maryland, Colorado, Georgia, and most recently, Ohio.