California is expanding its mobile driver’s license program by allowing residents to store digital driver’s licenses and state IDs in Samsung Wallet, giving Samsung smartphone users another option alongside the CA DMV Wallet, Apple Wallet and Google Wallet.
California launched its mobile driver’s license pilot program in 2023 as part of a broader effort to modernize DMV services. State officials say about 1.7 million Californians now actively use mobile IDs, including roughly 900,000 people using the DMV’s own digital wallet.
The digital IDs can be used for identity verification at participating businesses and government locations, and they are accepted at select TSA airport security checkpoints nationwide. The state says additional uses are expected to be added as adoption grows.
The mobile license program remains voluntary and does not replace a traditional driver’s license or state ID card. State officials emphasize that many law enforcement agencies, businesses and public agencies still do not accept digital identification, so drivers should continue carrying their physical license or ID.
Samsung Wallet users who want to add a mobile ID can scan the front and back of their license or ID card and complete identity verification steps that include facial recognition and device authentication through a fingerprint or PIN.
California officials say digital IDs are designed with privacy protections that allow users to share only specific information needed for verification rather than displaying all information on a physical card.
Currently, 14 states and Puerto Rico offer official digital driver’s licenses (mDLs). Depending on your location, you can add your ID to your smartphone’s digital wallet or a state-specific app to use for identity verification.
RELATED
- Are more drivers ignoring traffic laws?
- States crack down on license plate flippers
- Lawsuit accuses GEICO of unlawfully raising insurance rates
- You might not have the right driver’s license for your RV; laws vary by state
RVT1262b
I can see now how many illegals use this system to try to prove they are here legitimately.
It’s all well and good under the next spate of solar storms, it wouldn’t even need to be a Carrington event.
Oh thank goodness they’ve come up with this. The weight of my ID in my pocket was becoming so burdensome that I was hoping for this.
This should be a great relief to those that would have to physically steal my wallet to get my official government identification instead of creating one with Photoshop. College kids can rejoice in lower costs for fake ID’s as well! Nothing but great stuff with this advancement of sophistication!
/s
TLDR: From the state that has mastered unintended consequences from providing solutions absent problems, what could possibly go wrong?