Digital California driver's licenses, ID cards coming to Apple Wallet, Google Wallet

Californians will soon have a new option to display a version of their driver's licenses or ID cards on their mobile phones via Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, officials announced Thursday.

According to a statement from Gov. Gavin Newsom's office, the state's mobile driver's License pilot program, which currently allows licenses and IDs to be displayed through the DMV Wallet app, will be expanded to include the two major tech companies' apps.

Once up and running, residents can show their IDs on just about any Apple iPhone, Apple Watch, and Android devices.

“We’re partnering with two iconic California companies — Apple and Google — to provide convenient, private, and secure driver’s licenses and ID cards directly on people’s phones," Newsom said. "This is a big step in our efforts to better serve all Californians, meeting people where they’re at and with technology people use every day."

The digital IDs do not replace their traditional plastic counterparts, according to the statement. "However, it does make it easier for Californians to validate their age and identity at participating businesses and airports."

More than 500,000 people have signed up for a California mobile drivers license , officials said. The pilot program was initially designed to allow for up to 1.5 million participants.

More than 500,000 Californians have added an mDL to their phone using the California DMV Wallet app. The mDL pilot program is limited to 1.5 million participants.

DMV Director Steve Gordon said security is not being compromised for convenience.

“We continue to expand the availability and acceptance of digital licenses and identification cards while ensuring the highest level of privacy and security,” he said.

More information on the new options will be posted as it becomes available online at a dmv.ca.gov/mDL .

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Digital California driver's licenses, ID cards coming to Apple Wallet, Google Wallet