The California Department of Motor Vehicles has recently introduced new ways for people to store their driver’s license or state ID with a new pilot program. By enrolling in the mobile driver’s license (mDL) pilot program, California drivers can digitally access their license and ID information through their digital wallet. However, despite the convenience, there are a few limitations that are important to understand before enrolling.
What is California’s Mobile Driver’s License Pilot Program?
California’s mDL pilot program is run by the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles as part of the state’s ongoing Digital ID Framework. After enrolling, participants can store their California license and ID information directly on their digital wallet through the CA DMV Wallet app available on iOS and Android devices. The mobile driver’s license program is currently limited to 1.5 million participants. To date, more than 635,000 residents have added an mDL to their DMV Wallet.
How Does California’s mDL Program Work?
Before accessing your California driver’s license on your digital wallet, you must enroll in the mDL program through the DMV mobile app. Here’s how:
- To enroll, you’ll need a smartphone and a valid California driver’s license/ID that is easy to read. Using your phone, download the CA DMV Wallet app from the App Store or Google Play. iPhone minimum requirements: iPhone 6s and 6s Plus with iOS 14 and newer. Android minimum requirements: Android 8 and newer. Android 10-based EMUI 10 devices are not supported.
- Open the app from your phone, then log in or create a MyDMV account. Once in your account, provide your DL# and/or SSN# to access the mDL.
- Follow the instructions provided to scan your physical DL or ID card. If you have both, you can choose which to enroll in.
Where Can I Use My Mobile Driver’s License?
Although the new program will allow Californians to access their ID information digitally, there are a few limitations. For starters, all participants must still carry their physical driver’s license and ID cards and present them to law officials when requested. Although the mDL does not replace the physical cards, it does provide a convenient identification option in some spaces.
With the mDL, registered Californians can use their digital wallet ID in person where accepted and in apps to show proof of age or identity. Currently, participants can use their mDL at select TSA checkpoints in airports such as LAX and SFO. Additionally, some businesses across the state use the TruAge feature to verify your age when purchasing certain items. Representatives of the DMV say they will continue to collaborate with businesses and agencies to increase the acceptance of mDLs.
Keeping You Updated with California Insurance
At AIS, we’re proud to call California home, and our local specialists are here to help you with all of your California car insurance needs. Whether it’s comparing car insurance quotes from our network of partners or helping you prepare for the coming insurance limit increases, our insurance specialists are ready to assist you. To speak to a representative, give us a call today at (888) 772-4247.
The information in this article is obtained from various sources and is offered for educational purposes. Furthermore, it should not replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.
