Since Apple’s 2021 announcement of digital IDs in Wallet, adoption has been limited to just five states, including the recent addition of Ohio. California, which has lagged behind with its own app-based system, is now nearing the launch of a feature that will let residents add their driver’s licenses as digital IDs to Apple Wallet on their iPhones or Apple Watches.
Currently, this feature is in private beta testing with DMV employees, indicating that a public rollout is on the horizon.
In preparation for this launch, California’s government has been developing consumer landing pages since July, including imagery and copy that suggest a strong indication of an impending launch.
Once the rollout is complete, Apple employees living in California will finally be able to utilize the functionality they helped create. Adding a driver’s license to the Wallet app involves scanning the card and sending a photo for verification.
Once added, the digital ID can be presented at supported locations, such as TSA checkpoints at airports in San Francisco and Los Angeles, by placing the device on an NFC contactless reader. The IDs are stored securely and protected by device biometrics. When an ID check is initiated, only the necessary information is shared, minimizing the amount of personal data exposed compared to physical IDs.
The owner of the device must authorize what information is shared during interactions, and the data transfer is encrypted. There’s no need for the device to be unlocked or handed over, and neither Apple nor the state tracks when or where the ID is presented. This local storage of data ensures privacy and security, addressing some concerns about linking IDs to digital devices.
While the idea of digital IDs might make some users uneasy, the convenience it offers is a significant step towards Apple’s vision of replacing physical wallets. However, widespread adoption is necessary for this vision to become a reality. In the meantime, users will still need to carry their physical IDs along with their digital ones.
