California

iPhone users can now add California driver's license to phone. Here's how

The digital IDs will be accepted at TSA check points, including LAX. But there's a catch.

NBC Universal, Inc.

California driverā€™s license holders can now add their state ID to Apple Wallet on their IPhone and Apple Watch, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday.

The digital IDs will be accepted at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) check points, including Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco Airport, as well as select businesses. 

ā€œWith this new integration, weā€™re working to better serve the people of California in the 21st Century,ā€ Newsom said in a statement.

Hereā€™s how to add your ID to Apple Wallet

  1. Go to Apple Wallet
  2. Click the + button on the top right-hand corner
  3. Under the ā€œAdd to Walletā€ section, tap ā€œDriverā€™s License or State IDā€ to select ā€œCalifornia mDL Pilot.
  4. Scan the front and back sides of your California ID
  5. Scan your face
  6. Take a picture
  7. Wait for verification from the California DMV.

But thereā€™s a catch

The mobile driverā€™s license (mDL) pilot program is currently only limited to 1.5 million participants. 

If your license is expired or suspended, your mDL will be rejected.

Other factors that could impact your mDL applications are:

  • Wearing headwear
  • Not using plain background
  • Lack of consistent lighting
  • Other faces in the frame
  • Wearing sunglasses

More tips can be found here.

Last month, the state announced the DMV addition of Google Wallet as an option to hold driverā€™s licenses and identification cards. 

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