Millions of drivers will never lose their license again under new option – but loophole makes it useless at some stores

A PILOT program for drivers to have their licenses digitally accessible is now a law – but only certain stores will accept digital versions.

The state is now one of four that accepts a digital version of a driver’s license as a valid form of identification through popular banking apps .

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California Governor Gavin Newsom started a pilot program in the Golden State last year that allowed millions of drivers to access their driver’s license through a DMV-sanctioned digital wallet (mDL).

The concept was for drivers to always have their license handy, even if a wallet was left at home or stolen.

It was also a program that would make domestic travel easier, as TSA PreCheck at SFO and LAX would accept them as valid forms of ID.

“The mDL offers a quick and secure identity check at airports, without handing over your phone,” reads the DMV webpage for the pilot program.

The program was also designed to make buying adult beverages more streamlined.

Drivers access their California license through a DMV app they can download on the Apple App Store or Google Play, create an account, and then access their license at any time after scanning their physical license.

In late August 2024, Newsom announced the program was transitioning from a pilot program to fully accessible.

“It’s never been easier to keep a digital driver’s license and identification card in California,” Newsom said, quoted by CW affiliate KRON .

To make it easier and more attractive to those on the fence, Newson announced the state’s process of working with Google and Apple to have driver’s licenses be accessible through the company’s digital wallets.

“The state continues to work to offer convenience for those opting into the mobile driver’s license program, now with the option of using Google or Apple Wallet,” he said.

Only a little more than 500,000 drivers took part in the program initially but is now limited to 1.5 million participants for testing.

Steve Gorden, the California DMV Director, said the program will soon expand to all willing drivers.

“We continue to expand the availability and acceptance of digital licenses and identification cards,” he said.

“Having an mDL in your smartphone wallet is a huge convenience for California.”

Thirteen states, including California, allow drivers to use a digital form of their license.

But only four offer the license through Google and Apple Wallet.

While the program has successfully made domestic air travel easier for those participating in the pilot, a driver in Georgia couldn’t help but react to Newsom’s X post announcing the Google and Apple accessibility.

How to get the mDL

According the DMV, it takes three simple steps.

1. Download the mDL app from the Apple App Store or Google Play .
2. Create an account through the DMV’s website or upon launching the app – you’ll need your driver’s license number and social security number.
3. Scan your physical license – thorough instructions will be through the app.

Source: California DMV

“We have this in Georgia, but I was told by Publix employees they’re not allowed to use the digital version per a corporate policy,” wrote Drew Cannon, a marketing consultant.

“I can use it to get through TSA but not to buy a bottle of wine for guests visiting.”

Another driver wrote that they’d been experiencing issues with the DMV app.

“Finally, Thank you! Been waiting for it to come to Apple and Google Wallets,” they wrote.

“The DMV mobile ID app has been resetting itself every time my iPhone crashes.”

Another wrote they intended to stick to a physical form.

“I’m sure Apple and Google have much more of my personal information than they need,” their comment read.

“I’ll stick with my physical form of ID.”