California Governor Teases Support for Digital IDs: 'We're Going to Do It Like No Other State'

[MacRumors]

Apple in 2022 enhanced the Wallet app with a new feature that is designed to allow driver's licenses and state ID cards to be stored in the Wallet app, but states need to implement support for the option, and only a handful have done so as of now.

California has been developing a digital ID for some time now, and the California DMV received permission to start testing mobile driver's licenses and ID cards with a limited number of people back in 2021. The state has not yet confirmed specifically that its mobile ID solution will integrate with the Wallet app function that Apple has introduced, but we may not have long to wait to find out what California has planned.

California governor Gavin Newsom today outlined the 2023/2024 California budget proposal, and as part of his speech, he said that the state is ready to roll out some kind of digital ID solution in "a matter of months," with plans to implement support in a unique way compared to other states.

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 a digital wallet. And we're going to do it like no other state has done it. There's only a few that have. But there's issues. Ours we think it'll be next level. We're so excited about what the DMV can look like.

Little is known about California's digital identification plans, as the state has not shared details at this time, but the California legislature has been privacy focused. As outlined by The Los Angeles Times last year, digital IDs and corresponding mobile apps are not able to collect or hold any information beyond what's needed to perform stated functions, and all information is limited to what's on a physical driver's license or ID card.

The legislation also specifies that digital IDs be opt-in and that digital ID users cannot be forced to hand over a smartphone to verify ID, nor does using a device for an ID provide consent for law enforcement to search a smartphone.

As of right now, digital driver's licenses and IDs in the Wallet app are supported by Arizona, Maryland, and Colorado.

Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah have all committed to allowing residents to add a state ID or driver's license to the wallet app, but timing is not yet clear. Apple has been discussing support with many other states as well as Puerto Rico, but no California-specific announcements have been made.

It is possible that California could eschew the Wallet app and offer driver's licenses through a state-operated app similar to what Florida and Louisiana do, but California has supported other integrations with the iPhone and Apple is based in California, so it is likely the Cupertino company will be able to convince California officials to participate.

In states that do support IDs and driver's licenses in the Wallet app on the iPhone, the information can be used in lieu of a physical ID at select airports, including the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).

Digital IDs can also be used in select iPhone apps for identity or age verification purposes as of iOS 16, and Apple is also working with retailers and venues to begin accepting digital identification verification.

Article Link: California Governor Teases Support for Digital IDs: 'We're Going to Do It Like No Other State'

 

[tmaxxtigger]

"And we're going to do it like no other state has done it."

That's the problem, everyone doing their own thing,

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

"We're going to do it like no other state has done it."

This is the main problem. All the states should be on the same page. If they were to follow the same pattern/protocol there won't be any delays or hiccups.

 

[GBaughma]

Didn't their digital license plates JUST get hacked?

 

[jz0309]

I will hold any criticism until we really understand what they're offering, but, there are plenty of issues with the CA DMV website so I'm not overly optimistic ... and it's only a 35min flight from Sacramento to San Jose so TC could lobby maybe a bit more ...

 

[lanegandy]

I'm hoping "We're going to do it like no other state has done it." just means it will be mandated to be accepted. It would be great to be able to use it at a grocery store or to get into a bar/dispensary.

 

[nutmac]

Before anyone gets too excited, this might be just a testing phase. Whether I am right or not, this is progressing way faster than I expected. I am guessing Apple is heavily involved.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Didn't their digital license plates JUST get hacked?

It did few days ago, SMH

Researchers Hacked California's Digital License Plates, Gaining Access To GPS Location And User Info (Update) - Jalopnik

Cybersecurity researchers managed to hack into California’s new digital license plates, which are sold and managed by tech company Reviver. The digital plates, called Rplates, went on sale in California late last year, but it was only a matter of time before hackers found a backdoor into...

jalopnik.com

 

[Apleeseed84]

I just got my iPhone stolen and dealing with the headaches of how apple executes “lost” mode. God no. The iPhone becomes an expensive brick mind you but hot dog, every single service tied to all my devices becomes endless customer service hours of non stop explaiNing, not going to lie, it works beautiful but I’m so glad I still got my physical ID because I would had totally missed my flight if it weren’t for this.

 

[jz0309]

"We're going to do it like no other state has done it."

This is the main problem. All the states should be on the same page. If they were to follow the same pattern/protocol there won't be any delays or hiccups.

name a single topic where all states are on the same page...

 

[erikkfi]

Big, beautiful digital IDs. You'll use it so much you'll get tired of it. They tell me, these are the -- the digital IDs are so good, so perfect.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

What happens if your iPhone battery is dead and you no longer have access to the Digital IDs?

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

name a single topic where all states are on the same page...

I'd say obtaining a non-digital Driver's License.

 

[Chaos215bar2]

It did few days ago, SMH

Researchers Hacked California's Digital License Plates, Gaining Access To GPS Location And User Info (Update) - Jalopnik

Cybersecurity researchers managed to hack into California’s new digital license plates, which are sold and managed by tech company Reviver. The digital plates, called Rplates, went on sale in California late last year, but it was only a matter of time before hackers found a backdoor into...

jalopnik.com

Why the heck are digital plates even tracking GPS location? Sounds like an excellent reason never to get one.

 

[zapmymac]

Do it Cali, do it good! It will be great! As long as it’s opt-in, I see no issue generally. It would be nice as backup.

 

[antiprotest]

"We're going to get hacked like no other state"

Nah that's the direction things are going I guess. There will be years of growing pains.

 

[Sayewhat]

"Your California ID may have been hacked. You may be entitled to compensation." commercials coming soon.

 

[TheMountainLife]

We have a long way to go. I've had a digital id for awhile now with the myColorado app. Has worked in some established nightclubs, music venues and bars but definitely doesn't fly at banks, TSA, direct alcohol sales etc. Forget about using it out of state. So I don't gain much benefit to ID within Wallet unless they will somehow make it available on the watch and other states/business adopt a verification method.

 

[Juicy Box]

name a single topic where all states are on the same page...

Never.

Although the closest was probably the US Presidential Election in 1984, 49 out of 50.

 

[HQuest]

the information can be used in lieu of a physical ID at select airports, including the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

Assuming the TSA digital ID reading machines are working. Been flying out there quite regularly and I’ve been using my regular ID more than the digital.

 

[dontwalkhand]

"And we're going to do it like no other state has done it."

That's the problem, everyone doing their own thing,

If the Apple solution won’t work at CA’s airports, it’ll be worthless to me.

 

[sw1tcher]

name a single topic where all states are on the same page...

Gerrymandering 🤣

 

[jlbraun]

"We're going to do it like no other state has done it."

This is the main problem. All the states should be on the same page. If they were to follow the same pattern/protocol there won't be any delays or hiccups.

All states doing it differently is a feature of the federal system of the USA, not a bug.

 

[joshseibert]

Wish RI a would jump on this — but it’ll be ages, I’m sure.

 

[JimmyHook]

What happens if your iPhone battery is dead and you no longer have access to the Digital IDs?

What happens when your iPhone is dead and you no longer have access to your digital insurance card?

You have a backup.