Digital Driver’s License: What To Know 

Everything is going digital – including your driver’s license. 

Very soon, some Californians will be able to carry their driver’s license on their Apple and Android devices, thanks to a new pilot program that aims to provide a more secure, convenient way of carrying a driver’s license or state-issued ID card. 

Continue reading to learn more about California’s mobile driver’s license (mDL) program and if you can sign up for this new pilot program to be used at certain airports and locations across the state.  

What Is a Digital Driver’s License? 

A digital driver’s license (mDL) is a digital ID or driver’s license that can be stored on devices like iPhones, Apple Watches, and Android smartphones. Much like adding a credit card to a mobile wallet, users can now store their identification in a more convenient and safe manner. 

With the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Wallet app, you can easily add your driver’s license or state ID, giving you instant access with a simple tap. This modern solution is designed to streamline day-to-day activities, whether passing through TSA checkpoints at airports like San Francisco International (SFO) and Los Angeles International (LAX) or verifying your age at select businesses, including Circle K.

Currently, the digital driver’s license is in a pilot phase, open to 1.5 million Californians. Participants can also use it with a TruAge QR code to simplify age-restricted purchases, making transactions faster and safer.

How Do I Add My mDL to My Google or Apple Wallet? 

To add your California mobile driver’s license (mDL) to either your Google or Apple Wallet, follow these steps: 

For Apple Wallet:

1. Open Apple Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch.
2. Tap the Add (+) button at the top of the screen.
3. Select “Driver’s License or State ID”.
4. Choose “California mDL Pilot.”
5. Follow the prompts to scan the front and back of your driver’s license.
6. Complete the identity verification process, including taking a selfie and additional verification steps.

For Google Wallet:

1. Open the Google Wallet app on your Android device.
2. Tap the “Add to Wallet” button.
3. Select “ID card” and then choose “Driver’s License”.
4. Follow the instructions to scan your license and verify your identity.

Ensure you have the latest version of the app, as the mDL is still part of a pilot program in California.

Do I Still Need to Carry My Physical Driver’s License? 

You must still carry your physical driver’s license while operating a motor vehicle in California. Even though mobile driver’s licenses (mDL) are becoming available in digital wallets, it is currently illegal to present anything other than a physical driver’s license to law enforcement if pulled over. Failing to carry your physical license can result in fines or other penalties, as outlined by California Vehicle Code Section 12951 VC. 

Law enforcement, state government agencies, and most businesses are not yet accepting the mDL. You must keep your physical license while driving until laws change to recognize digital licenses. 

Is This Program Permanent? 

California’s mobile driver’s license (mDL) program is not yet permanent. It is currently part of a pilot program until June 30, 2026. The program allows California residents to store their driver’s licenses digitally using the California DMV Wallet app. 

Although the pilot program continues, officials have not guaranteed it will become permanent, but interest in expanding the program and exploring its long-term potential is growing.

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