With the introduction of its new pilot program, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has made it possible for motorists to add their driver’s license or state ID to their phone’s digital wallet. After enrolling in the mobile driver’s license (mDL) program, eligible Californians will have digital access to their ID and license information. However, although this is an exciting digital development, there are some aspects of the program that are essential to understand before enrolling.
California’s Mobile Driver’s License Pilot Program
The Golden State’s new mDL pilot program was created by the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to support its ongoing digital ID framework. Once enrolled, participants can store their ID and driver’s license information on their smartphones using the CA DMV wallet app, which is available on both iOS and Android devices. To date, more than 635,000 Californians have enrolled. The mobile driver’s license program currently has a limit of 1.5 million participants.
How Do I Sign Up for California’s mDL Program?
To access your driver’s license and ID information on your digital wallet, participants must follow the following steps to create their account through the CA DMV mobile app:
- Download the CA DMV wallet app from the Google Play or App Store using an eligible smartphone. Minimum iPhone requirements: iPhone 6s with iOS 14 or newer. Minimum Android requirements: Android 8 and newer. Android 10-based EMUI 10 devices are not eligible for the program.
- Open the app using your phone and log in to or create a MyDMV account. Once you’ve created an account, provide relevant information, such as your driver’s license number or SSN#, to access the mDL features.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to scan your physical ID or driver’s license card. For the best results, your physical card must be easy to read. If you have both forms of identification, you’ll have to choose which to enroll.
Can I Use My Mobile Driver’s License Anywhere?
California’s mDL program allows residents to access their ID information digitally, but there are a few limitations that are important to know if you plan on enrolling. For one, all participants must still carry their physical driver’s license or ID and must present them to law officials when requested. Note that the mDL or ID does not replace their physical counterparts. However, it does provide a convenient identification option in certain locations.
By enrolling in the mDL program, registered users can use their digital identification in person where accepted and in certain apps to show proof of age and identity. For example, current participants can use their digital wallet as an ID at select TSA checkpoints in California airports such as LAX or SFO. Furthermore, some businesses that use the TruAge feature can accept your digital ID to verify your age at checkout. Although the uses are slightly limited, DMV representatives say they will continue to collaborate with agencies and businesses to increase the acceptance of mobile driver’s licenses.
Stay Up to Date with California Insurance News
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The information in this article is obtained from various sources and offered for educational purposes only. Furthermore, it should not replace the advice of a qualified professional. The definitions, terms, and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.
