State of mobile ID in California
The California mDL finally went live in July of 2024 after a pilot testing period. Per California DMV officials, the app is available on both iOS and Android platforms and already has the most number of mobile IDs in the nation.
How many Californians are using the California MDL?
Over 543,000 mobile driver licenses (MDLs) have been issued, with an average of 1,000 to 1,200 daily MDL approvals. The majority of MDL adopters are between 25 and 60 years old.
California mobile ID app features
The exciting new features of this ID type include 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 and trust that someone isn’t going to steal other pertinent information from it upon checking it, but now Californians will have the upper hand. Based on the venue, you select what information you want shown, and only the required information will be displayed to the individual scanning.
It is important to note that California residents should continue carrying their physical driver’s license or state issued ID card as some businesses and government agencies are not yet accepting the mDL. There are a list of participating airports that accept the mobile ID, as well as a list of stores that accept the TruAge component of the mDL.
What is TruAge?
TruAge is a feature built in to the new California mDL that allows users to purchase age-restricted products without having to show excessive personal information like address, height, weight, etc.. After activating the TruAge component inside the app, Californians can then generate a QR code to be scanned at participating locations thus limiting what sensitive information retailers see during the checkout process.
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)
Updated July 18, 2024.