Apple Wallet Now Offering California residents Secure Way to Present IDs

Drivers in California will soon be able to share their California driver’s licenses and state IDs with an iPhone and Apple Watch

Part of California DMV’s mDL pilot program, Apple Wallet will soon be offering Californians a secure, private, and easy way to add their driver’s licenses and state IDs to Apple Wallet. This makes presentation seamless with built-in security of the iPhone and Apple Watch, enabling you to travel quickly and to securely verify your age or identity at a government or business location.

Users of the new feature will be able to present their ID via their iPhone or Apple Watch in person at select TSA security checkpoints and businesses, as well as in select apps to verify their age or identity.

Security and Privacy Features

When adding an ID to Apple Wallet, the state-issuing authority receives only information they need to approve or deny adding the driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet. When presenting a driver’s license and state ID in Apple Wallet, only the information needed for the transaction is presented, and users will need to review and authorize using Face ID or Touch ID before the information is shared. Users do not need to unlock, show, or hand over their device to present their ID.

The user’s ID information is encrypted and stored only on their device, so anyone else, including Apple, cannot access it unless a user chooses to present it. Apple and the state-issuing authority do not know when or where or with whom a user presents their driver’s license or state ID, and Apple doesn’t see or retain any presentment information that can be tied back to a user. If a user misplaces their iPhone or Apple Watch, they can use the Find My app to lock their device and help locate it, or remotely erase it.