California could be the next state to launch digital driver’s licenses compatible with Apple’s Wallet app, but it’s unclear at this time.
As reported by MacRumors, California Governor Gavin Newsom was speaking earlier today on the state’s proposed budget. In his speech, Newsom hinted at the launch of the state’s digital driver’s license, saying it would be ready for launch “in the coming months.”
Governor said: Very little has been done, but there are problems. We think it will be next level. I am very excited to see what the DMV will look like. ”
It’s currently unclear exactly what a “next level” digital driver’s license means, but I can only hope that Newsom played a ton of cyberpunk and came up with some insane ideas.
Will it work with Apple’s Wallet app?
It’s unclear at this time if California’s digital ID will work with Apple’s Wallet app, or if the state will choose its own app that provides access to a digital version of a driver’s license. Hopefully not. So, it’s better than nothing, but I already have my credit cards, debit cards, airline tickets, etc. in the Wallet app, and I want my driver’s license to be there too.
Apple launched digital ID support in the US in March 2022, but only a handful of states have launched support so far. The company will also activate his TSA digital ID at the airport.
In a statement as Apple announced its first state partners in 2021, Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, said: Replace physical wallets with secure and easy-to-use mobile wallets. We’re thrilled that the TSA and so many states are already on board to make this possible for travelers across the country using only iPhones and Apple Watches. nationally in the future. ”
Hopefully, in the next few months, California will be the latest state to offer digital identities in wallet apps. It would be strange if California-based Apple didn’t support digital IDs in its own apps.