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Physical identification cards may soon be a thing of the past, especially in California.
Apple announced Thursday that California residents can now add their California driver’s license or state ID to Apple walletIf you need to show proof of your age or identity, you can quickly swipe your driver’s license or state ID on your iPhone or Apple Watch.
This is an extension of the California DMV mobile driving license pilot programwhich lets you verify your identity at airports without having to hand your phone to anyone. All you have to do is hold your device up to an ID reader and you can pass through certain TSA checkpoints — no problem.
However, this requires a third-party application.
Now you can do this through Apple Wallet, making it even smoother on your iPhone.
Here’s everything you need to know about adding your driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet, where to use your digital ID, and how to then use it in person or online.
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How to Add Your California Driver’s License or State ID to Apple Wallet on Your iPhone
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and then tap the plus (+) icon top right. Then go to Driver’s license or state ID and tap California mDL pilot.
Remark: You can also add your ID in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, and Ohio.
Hit Continue and you will be asked to scan both the front and back of your driver’s license or state ID. Do this in a well-lit area with the physical card lying flat on a plain, dark background. If your card is lying on a white background in the dark, your phone may have trouble recognizing it.
Now you need to verify your identity via a facial scan. Click Continue, Place your face in the frame and tap Getting Started. You will be asked to do a few things, including open your mouth, tilt your head down, and close your eyes. Do this until your phone vibrates, which means the scan was successful. You will also need to take a selfie, which will be used to match the photo on file with the DMV.
The process only takes a few minutes.
Finally, you can view your information, including your driver’s license or ID photos and your photo. Tap Continue and then agree to the terms of use. All of your information will then be sent to the DMV to verify your identity. You will receive a notification from Wallet when there is an update and your ID will be added to your iPhone.
We will let you know how long it will take.
Where can you even use your driver’s license or ID in Apple Wallet?
Before we get into how to use your ID, it’s good to know where you can use it.
You can use your ID in certain locations in Apple Wallet for now airports, companies and locations. This includes the following locations in California:
- Los Angeles International Airport
- San Francisco International Airport
- Circle K (currently only five stores, all located in Sacramento)
- Bank of America Plaza (Downtown Los Angeles only)
- National Bank Plaza (Downtown Los Angeles only)
- Apple store
Your digital ID will get you through the TSA at LAX.
Of course, the locations where you can use your Digital ID in California are still limited at this time, but it’s a great way to get through an airport quickly without having to reach for your wallet, especially if you have your boarding pass on your phone as well.
In addition to physical locations, you can use your ID in Apple Wallet to log in to DMV’s online services. You can also use it in select apps, like Turo. And soon, you’ll be able to use it with Clear, Uber Eats, and MyChart.
How to Use Your Driver’s License or ID in Apple Wallet
The driver’s license or state ID you carry in your wallet can be used to prove your age when purchasing alcohol or to prove your identity when trying to get through the TSA at the airport. At an Apple Store, you can use your Digital ID to pick up orders, book appointments at the Genius Bar, and more.
To show your digital ID, go to Apple wallet and choose your identity cardYou can then hold your iPhone or Apple Wallet near an identity reader, verify the requested information, then use Face ID or Touch ID to authenticate yourself.
This is pretty much the same way you pay via Apple Pay.
When you use your ID in Apple Wallet in an app on your phone, you will see a button that says Verify with Apple Wallet or Continue with Apple WalletYou can then view and verify the specific information being requested using Face ID or Touch ID.
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