The Californer - California IDs coming soon in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet

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~ Sacramento, CA - In the coming weeks, Californians will have the option to store their driver's licenses and state IDs in their Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. This announcement was made by Governor Gavin Newsom today, as part of the DMV's mobile Driver's License (mDL) pilot program.

The new capabilities will allow Californians to add and present their driver's licenses and ID cards using their iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android devices. This partnership with two iconic California companies, Apple and Google, aims to provide a more convenient and secure way for individuals to carry their identification.

Governor Newsom stated, "We're partnering with two iconic California companies - Apple and Google - to provide convenient, private and secure driver's licenses and ID cards directly on people's phones. This is a big step in our efforts to better serve all Californians, meeting people where they're at and with technology people use every day."

These options will be available for use at select businesses, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport security checkpoints, and in select apps. It offers a more convenient option for identity verification while giving individuals more control over how they share their information.

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Since the launch of the mDL pilot program last year, over 500,000 Californians have added an mDL to their phone using the California DMV Wallet app. However, the program is limited to 1.5 million participants.

DMV Director Steve Gordon stated that they are continuously working towards expanding the availability and acceptance of digital licenses while ensuring the highest level of privacy and security.

It is important to note that having a California ID in an Apple Wallet or Google Wallet does not replace the requirement for individuals to carry a physical card. However, it does make it easier for Californians to validate their age and identity at participating businesses and airports.

The DMV is also working with various groups such as financial institutions, retail establishments, law enforcement, and government agencies to encourage the broad acceptance of the mDL. In the fall, they will be hosting two "hackathons" for innovators interested in incorporating this secure digital identity into their customer experience.

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More information about California IDs in Google Wallet and Apple Wallet, as well as other California-issued mDLs, can be found on the DMV's website at dmv.ca.gov/mDL.

In other news, Governor Newsom announced that in July, California's Organized Retail Crime Task Force operations resulted in over 800 arrests and the recovery of $7.2 million in stolen goods. This was a significant increase from the previous month's total arrests.

Additionally, Governor Newsom is providing nine communities in California with $130.6 million through the Homekey program to create 533 new permanent supportive homes for individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness, including families.

Furthermore, a recent operation led by the Governor's Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce successfully seized over 2 million illicit cannabis packages that were illegally marked with a forged California seal. This action aims to protect public safety and prevent children from accessing these products marketed as candy.

Filed Under: Government, State

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