Just over two months ago, we announced that New York had become the 9th state to accept digital ID at the TSA security checkpoints. California was one of those other nine states, but to date, state residents could only show their digital ID via the agency’s mobile driver’s license (mDL) pilot program, which was launched last year and used an app from California’s DMV.
However, the Golden State’s technology continues to improve, and Android users rejoice! California residents can now also store their ID on Google Wallet.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles made the announcement this past Friday.
“It’s never been easier to keep a digital driver’s license and identification card in California,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom. “The state continues to work to offer convenience for those opting into the mobile driver’s license program, now with the option of using Google Wallet.”
Digital driver’s licenses can be used as IDs at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
And don’t worry, Apple users! Governor Newsom also said plans to introduce digital driver’s licenses to Apple Wallet are in the works.
“This is a big step in our efforts to better serve all Californians, meeting people where they’re at and with technology people use every day,” the governor said.
Meanwhile, the mDL pilot program continues. It can accept up to 1.5 million residents and has just over 500,000 to date.
California officials remind residents to always have their original physical ID with them, even when using mobile ID via Google Wallet or mDL. Just in case.
Fun Fact! Of the 9 other states that allow mobile ID, California is only the 5th that can accept Google Wallet.
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