September 19, 2024
UPDATE
Apple integrates California driver’s licenses and state IDs into Apple Wallet as part of the California Department of Motor Vehicles’ mobile driver’s license (mDL) pilot program.
IDs in Pockets provides a straightforward, secure, and personalized way for residents to carry their IDs on iPhone and Apple Watch.
Apple has rolled out a feature that allows Californians to store their driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet, allowing for secure and seamless access using their iPhone or Apple Watch.1 California’s rollout of digital driver’s licenses and state IDs on Apple Wallets forms part of the Department of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) larger initiative, which debuted last year and is capped at 1.5 million users.
“Apple has taken a significant leap forward by allowing Californian residents to effortlessly integrate and manage their IDs alongside their iPhone or Apple Watch, effectively replacing traditional wallets with secure and personalized digital alternatives,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s VP of Apple Pay and Wallet. The launch marks a significant step forward in the implementation of IDs on Apple Wallets, signaling a major milestone in this rollout. California, being one of the largest states in the US, holds a special significance as our own backyard. We’re thrilled to introduce a straightforward and transparent approach to issuing IDs within our home state.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that Californians can now opt to store their driver’s licenses or state IDs on their iPhones or Apple Watches via Apple Wallet, expanding digital identification options. “With this innovative integration, we’re dedicated to enhancing services for Californians in the 21st century.”
In a move following successful launches in Hawaii and Ohio, California has now added IDs to its Pockets, expanding on existing initiatives in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, and Maryland. Additionally, Montana, New Mexico, and West Virginia have joined forces to implement IDs in Pockets initiatives, further solidifying their commitment to innovative governance and citizen-centric services. Japan has agreed to expand its digital ID program, My Number Card, to international borders through Pockets, potentially marking the first global rollout of digital identification systems.
To add a driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet, follow these simple steps. To initiate the process of adding a driver’s license or state ID in Pockets on an iPhone, users can tap the “+” button at the top of the screen, select “Driver’s License or State ID,” and then follow the on-screen instructions for setup and verification.
The shopper may be prompted to utilize their iPhone to scan their physical driver’s license or state ID card and capture a selfie, which will be securely transmitted to the issuing state for verification purposes. To enhance safety, customers may be required to complete a series of facial and head movements during the setup process. Upon verification by the issuing state, a shopper’s identification or driver’s license may be seamlessly integrated into their Pockets account.
Customers can securely present their IDs in Apple Wallet, both in-person and through apps, to verify proof of age or identity.
Customers seeking to manage an existing ID for a specific individual can visit Apple Wallet and select the desired ID from their list of stored IDs. Once users are at the designated location, they will need to keep their iPhone or Apple Watch near a designated identifier, review the specific information being sought, and authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID. Currently, customers can present their ID at select Apple Stores, participating TSA checkpoints, various company locations, and event venues across the United States, in addition to Apple Retail Store outlets nationwide. For convenient order pickup, Genius Bar appointments, and more. Customers may verify their identities through Apple Wallet by presenting their IDs to companies using apps like Tap2ID Cellular, VeriScan, or Cellular ID Confirm, ensuring secure in-person age verification. The apps utilize Apple’s ID Verifier API to securely and privately verify digital copies of state-issued IDs, including driver’s licenses and identification cards, all within an iPhone – no additional hardware required.
Customers can swiftly present their ID at participating Apple Store locations for in-person verification with select providers such as CLEAR for membership sign-ups.
When signing into Apple Pay within apps, users have the option to select either the “Confirm with Apple Pay” or “Continue with Apple Pay” button. Prior to sharing data, they will assess the specific request and authenticate via Face ID or Contact ID. Currently, customers can verify their identity in select Apple Wallet apps, including Turo, with additional partners like CLEAR, MyChart, and Uber Eats rolling out soon.
Apple’s ID system in App Pockets leverages the built-in privacy and security features of its devices to safeguard users’ identities and sensitive information. When submitting an ID to Apple Wallet, the issuing authority is limited to receiving only the necessary information required for approval or denial of the request.
As soon as an ID is added to Apple’s Wallet, the associated data is automatically and securely encrypted on the user’s device, making it inaccessible to anyone – including Apple – unless the user explicitly decides to share it. The timing and recipient of a consumer’s presentation of their driver’s license or state ID remain unknown to both Apple and the issuing authority. Consumers’ payment histories are securely stored on their devices, with Apple unable to access or view this sensitive information.
In Apple Pay, users are prompted to enter only the necessary information for a transaction, allowing them to review and approve the requested details using Face ID or Touch ID before sharing them. Customers do not need to unlock, present, or hand over their systems to verify their IDs.
For additional information on identifying numbers in your wallet, visit www.pocketids.com.
- In order to utilize the ID in Apple Pockets feature for California residents, users require an iPhone X or later model running iOS 17.5 or a subsequent version, or alternatively, an Apple Watch Series 4 or later model operating on watchOS 10 or a later iteration.
Press Contacts
Kimberly Mai
Apple
Heather Norton
Apple
Apple Media Helpline