In my household, we have a mantra for when we leave the house: “keys, wallet, phone.” This phrase serves as a reminder to take these essential items before locking the door behind us. However, residents of California might soon simplify this list to just “keys and phone” thanks to the introduction of digital driver’s licenses and identification cards in Apple Wallet.
This information was uncovered through a dormant California DMV page referenced on the Apple Wallet Wikipedia page and reported by MacRumors.
The discovery of this upcoming feature in Apple Wallet indicates that California is on its way to offering digital IDs. The DMV page, although not fully ready for public access, hints at the impending availability of this digital convenience. When it becomes active, Californians will be able to store their driver’s licenses and ID cards in the Apple Wallet, making it easier and more convenient to carry essential identification.
Currently, Californians can use the DMV app to store their identification credentials. With the integration into Apple Wallet, users will benefit from seamless transitions between their iPhone and Apple Watch, especially useful in situations like airport security or other ID verification scenarios. This shift also minimizes the risk of losing physical IDs in public places.
Apple first introduced the concept of digital identification cards in 2021, with initial commitments from eight states. Since then, five states have implemented the feature: Arizona, Maryland, Colorado, Georgia, and Ohio. Each state adopted the technology at different times, with Ohio being the most recent addition. This gradual adoption reflects the growing acceptance and implementation of digital IDs across the country.
California’s move towards digital licenses and ID cards is a significant step forward and may encourage other states to follow suit. Despite this advancement, physical car keys will still be necessary for most people, unless they own vehicles equipped with ultra-wideband technology for remote unlocking. The introduction of digital IDs in California marks an exciting progression in digital convenience and security.
