Carrying a driver’s license might look a little different for millions of Californians soon. Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed Senate Bill 169, dramatically expanding the state’s mobile driver’s license pilot program, the system that lets Californians store a digital version of their license or state ID right on their smartphone.
“California’s DMV has put in the hard work to make operations more efficient and modernize how people get things done. Now we’re going further by cutting the red tape that slows government down and giving more Californians the option to carry their ID right on their phone.” Stated Governor Gavin Newsom.
📈 A massive expansion
The bill raises the program’s enrollment cap from 15% of the state’s licensed drivers to 60%, opening the door for more than 16 million Californians to participate. Since launching in 2023, more than 3.5 million people have already enrolled.
The expansion is part of a broader push to modernize the DMV, an agency long associated with long lines and slow service. Officials say more than 90% of DMV transactions can now be completed online, and new QR codes at DMV offices have cut customer wait times by nearly 40%. The bill also eliminates some mailed notices and ends the requirement to print physical driver handbooks.
Despite the upgrade, a mobile driver’s license doesn’t replace the physical card. The DMV still requires drivers to carry their physical license while driving, and officials note that most law enforcement, government agencies, and businesses don’t yet accept the digital version.
✈️ Where it works right now
Mobile IDs are currently accepted at select TSA checkpoints, including LAX and San Francisco International Airport, with a full list of participating airports available on the TSA’s website. According to the LA Times, the digital ID is also accepted at roughly 800 participating businesses equipped with electronic scanners, and can be used for age-restricted online purchases.
📲 How to sign up
Eligible Californians can enroll by downloading the DMV Wallet app, or by adding their ID directly through Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet apps.
