Google Wallet now supports California state ID: here’s what you need to know
Top 3 Key Points:
- California State ID Support: Google Wallet now supports California’s digital IDs, joining Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, and Maryland.
- Easy Setup Process: Add your ID by scanning it, taking a selfie, and verifying your identity through the DMV.
- Limited Availability: The program is capped at 1.5 million users, so early enrollment is recommended.
Google Wallet has recently expanded its support for state IDs, adding California to its list. This makes California the fifth state to be included, alongside Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, and Maryland. Initially, California offered its residents a standalone DMV Wallet app without Google Wallet integration, but now the state has joined the Google Wallet ecosystem.
To add your California ID to Google Wallet, open the app, tap the “Add to Wallet” button, and select “ID card.” California will now appear as an option. The ID card design features “California mDL” followed by your first name, with “USA” in the top-right corner and the DMV logo at the bottom-left. The card’s background includes a scenic image of poppies with a road stretching across a vast field.
Setting up your digital ID is straightforward. You’ll need to take photos of the front and back of your physical ID, along with a short video (selfie) for facial verification. This information is sent to the California DMV for review. Within a few minutes, you’ll receive a notification that your digital ID is ready for use, along with an email confirmation from the DMV.
When using your digital ID, you control what information is shared. Start by tapping the reader or scanning your QR code—your details aren’t shared immediately. You can then review and select which information you’d like to share. There’s no need to hand over your phone; your ID is securely shared via Bluetooth. You’ll be prompted to verify your identity using facial recognition, fingerprint, password, or PIN for added security.
The digital ID in Google Wallet appears as “Driver’s License | California” in your card carousel. It is prominently placed at the top of your main Google Wallet list and cannot be moved below other passes. Your ID can be read by NFC or by scanning its QR code and is currently accepted by the TSA at certain terminals in airports such as LAX, SFO, and SJC. However, it’s important to note that you still need to carry your physical ID card, as the digital version does not replace the physical one.
California’s mobile driver’s license and state ID program is currently a pilot with a limit of 1.5 million participants. So, if you’re interested in using this feature, it’s a good idea to add your ID sooner rather than later.
To use the digital ID, your phone must be running Android 8 or higher, have a screen lock enabled, and have Bluetooth and Nearby devices turned on. You can delete the state ID from Google Wallet at any time through your Google account settings. The digital ID is treated as a private pass, meaning it doesn’t sync to the cloud and is only available on one device.
To remove the ID, go to Personal Info in your Google account, scroll to “Digital ID,” select Manage Digital ID, and delete the ID from your device and account.