Californians can now add their driver’s license or state ID to their Apple Wallet, allowing them to carry official state identification on their iPhones or Apple Watches. This initiative is part of a pilot program involving over 650,000 participants and follows a similar rollout on Google Wallet last month.
The move aims to provide a more consumer-friendly option for digital identification, replacing the previous system that required a dedicated app from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Currently, the mobile IDs are accepted at Los Angeles International Airport Terminal 7 and San Francisco International Airport Terminal 3. However, they are not yet recognized by law enforcement, government agencies, or most businesses, except for six convenience stores.
Apple emphasizes the privacy protections in place, noting that the state authority receives only the necessary information to approve or deny the request for activation. The data is encrypted on the user’s device, ensuring that neither Apple nor others can access it without the user’s consent.
The registration process utilizes selfie-based facial recognition technology. Users upload photos of the front and back of their physical ID and take a selfie, with biometric technology comparing the images for identity verification. New York-based startup SpruceID provided the issuance platform for this digital ID. SpruceID CEO Wayne Chang expressed gratitude for the partnership with the California DMV, highlighting the balance between security and user convenience.
With this launch, California joins a growing list of states offering mobile-based digital IDs, including Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, and Utah. The expansion reflects an increasing adoption of biometric and identity technologies aimed at enhancing security and accessibility for users.
Sources: Los Angeles Times, ABC 7 News
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September 20, 2024 – by The Mobile ID World Editorial Team
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