It's possible that California will be the next state to provide a digital driver's license that works with Apple's Wallet app, but that's not certain just yet.
Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, hinted during a speech that the state's digital driver's license might be available in a few months, iMore reports.
There Is Not Much Information About The Matter Yet
Driver's licenses and state identification cards can now be saved in the Wallet app thanks to a new feature added by Apple in 2022.
However, only a small number of states have so far implemented support for the option as of press moment.
California has been working on a digital ID for some time, and in 2021, the California DMV was given authorization to begin testing mobile ID cards and driver's licenses on a small scale.
Although the state has not explicitly stated that its mobile ID solution will work with Apple's new Wallet app feature, customers might not have to wait long to find out what California has in mind.
The state of California has not disclosed many information about its intentions for digital identity, although its legislature has prioritized privacy.
Digital IDs and associated mobile apps can only store the information that is present on a physical driver's license or ID card.
It is important to note that neither may they store any information that is not required for the indicated tasks, Mac Rumors says.
The law further states that using a device as an ID does not give permission for law enforcement to check a smartphone and that digital IDs must be opt-in.
Additionally, users of digital IDs cannot be forced to turn over a smartphone to verify their identity to authorities.
Read More: Apple Pay Later May Be Delayed Until 2023 - But Why?
Other States Are Also Discussing And Operating Apple Wallet Support For Digital IDs
It has been reported that Arizona, Maryland, and Colorado are the current states that support digital licenses and IDs in the Wallet app.
A state ID or driver's license can now be added to the wallet app in Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah, however the exact date has not yet been determined.
Although Apple has spoken with numerous other states and Puerto Rico about support, no concrete announcements for California have been made.
It's possible that California will forego the Wallet app in favor of a state-run program that offers driver's licenses, similar to what Florida and Louisiana do.
However, since Apple is based in California and the state has previously promoted iPhone integrations, it is possible that the Cupertino giant will be able to persuade California officials to take part.
Mac Rumors writes that Select airports in states that accept IDs and driver's licenses on the iPhone may accept the information in place of a real ID.
This applies to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) (PHX).
With iOS 16, certain iPhone apps can also use digital IDs to verify a user's identity or age, and Apple is collaborating with businesses to start accepting digital IDs for identification purposes.
Related Article: Apple iOS 16.1 Likely Allows iPhone Users to Delete Built-in Wallet App
