Google Wallet officially introduces digital IDs for Californians

Expanding this feature will allow more people to streamline their daily lives. California joins a growing list of states offering digital IDs in Google Wallet, including Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, and Maryland. To access this feature, Android users must be running Android 9.0 or later and have a valid ID from one of these states.

Safety is a priority

Google emphasizes that security and protection are integral to every aspect of Google Wallet, including ID storage. IDs stored in Google Wallet are encrypted, and personal information such as names and addresses are only shared with the user's explicit consent. When presenting an ID, users must authenticate on their device and select the specific fields they want to share. Information is transferred securely between the phone and a reader or through an API for online use, ensuring privacy and control. Google has taken steps to address potential security and privacy concerns. In the event of a phone theft, the ID cannot be used without user authorization. Users can remotely delete their ID from Google Wallet using their Google Account or contact the DMV directly.

Adding your ID to Google Wallet

Adding your ID to Google Wallet is easy:

1. Open the Google Wallet app and tap Add to Wallet.
2. Select “Identity Card” and choose your state.
3. Verify your ID/driver's license by scanning both sides, recording a short video and submitting your application to the state.
4. Once approved, your ID will be available in the app.

The launch of Google Wallet for digital IDs in California aligns with the broader Digital Identity Framework, which is designed to enable secure and convenient identity verification for various government services. The state's mDL pilot program is seeing significant participation, with over half a million Californians adding their mDL to their smartphones. While presenting your mDL in Google Wallet or the California DMV Wallet app is currently accepted at select retail locations and TSA airports, the DMV is actively working to expand acceptance across various public and private sectors.

In the future, the mDL will be integrated into California's Digital ID Framework, further enhancing its capabilities for secure and convenient identity verification. The mDL pilot program is still ongoing and currently capped at 1.5 million participants, but its potential to streamline daily tasks and provide greater control over personal information is evident.