Mobile ID rollout and adoption in California
California offers a mobile IDs through multiple wallets.
- California ID in Apple Wallet
- California ID in Google Wallet
Since its launch in 2024, over 500,000 California residents have added their driver’s licenses or state IDs to their phones. Recent updates to Senate Bill 169 by Gavin Newsome, has also expanded the mDL program to include 60% of licensed drivers; an increase from the previous 15%. This increase opens the mDL program to an additional 17 million residents statewide.
Where can the California mobile ID be used?
The California mobile ID is accepted at participating TSAs around the country.
Per recent updates to SB 169, the digital ID is an acceptable form of identification when interacting with law enforcement.
California residents can also use the mDL to buy age-restricted products once you activate the TruAge capability in the CA DMV Wallet. Then simply share your TruAge QR code at checkout at select retail locations in Sacramento to safely and securely verify your age, while protecting your privacy
How can businesses read/verify California mobile IDs?
Residents in the Sacramento area can share their TruAge QR code at checkout at select retail locations. This companion app allows users the ability to pick and choose which bits of your personal information you share based on what is needed at your location. In the past, you just had to hand over your entire ID, but now Californians will select what information they want shown, and only the required information will be displayed to the individual scanning.
VeriScan for Windows with a Tap2ID mobile ID reader is capable of reading and verifying mobile IDs, including the California mobile ID, and storing information alongside data from scanned physical IDs and passports.
Other California mDL resources
Digital Identity Project (California Department of Technology)
Digital IDs could arrive for Californians this spring. Here’s how they’ll work (KRON4)
California Moves to Test New Digital Driver’s Licenses (Government Technology)
