Storing your driver’s license on a smartphone? It could soon be possible in California

California residents may soon be able to store their driver’s license or state ID on their smartphone.

Gov. Gavin Newsom teased the possibility in remarks on his proposed 2023-24 state budget this week.

“Know this, in just a matter of months we’re finally going to have those digital wallets where you can get your driver’s license on. ... And we’re going to do it like no other state has done it, and there’s only a few that have. But there’s issues. Ours we think will be next level,” Newsom said.

According to the budget summary, the California Department of Technology “continues to progress” on the Digital Identification Project, which aims to create a single identifier that would eliminate the need for residents to manage multiple IDs across various websites to obtain state services.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles told KRON that the department will be rolling out a pilot program for select participants this spring.

“The DMV said it is working with popular mobile wallet providers, including Apple and Android, to place the (secure mobile driver’s license) into their devices,” according to KRON.

The pilot will utilize smartphone security capabilities, including biometric readings or a PIN code, KRON reported.

In March 2022, Apple announced that Arizona had become the first state to make its driver’s license or state ID available in Apple Wallet, with several other states and Puerto Rico set to follow.

This story was originally published January 12, 2023 at 12:11 PM.