Topline:
Californians will soon be able to store their IDs on Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, as part of an expansion of a mobile pilot program.
When will it be out? A launch date hasn’t been revealed, but the Aug. 15 announcement says it will be rolled out in the “coming weeks.”
What does this mean? You’ll be able to store your state ID or driver’s license on your phone, alongside your payment cards. Mobile access is available now through the California DMV Wallet app, but the expansion covers iPhone, Apple Watch, and Android device access. The program is limited to 1.5 million participants, and about a third of the spots are already taken.
Where can I use it? Mobile IDs aren’t accepted in most places yet, so you must still carry the physical card. Multiple airports, including LAX’s TSA, can use them, and a small number of stores accept them for age-restricted purchases. Mobile IDs are not accepted by law enforcement or state government agencies, for now.
