Summary SFO, SJC, and LAX now support digital identification in Google Wallet for a smoother traveler experience. California joins five states offering digital driver's licenses in Google Wallet, and plans to expand to Apple Wallet in the future. The Digital ID pilot project limited to 1.
5 million participants, with possibilities for broader adoption if successful. San Francisco International Airport (SFO), San Jose International Airport (SJC), and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) now all support digital identification, a move that follows an announcement yesterday from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It says that Google Wallet has been added as an option to hold "secure, convenient, and private" digital driver's licenses and identification cards.
This is a big step as it could mean a much smoother travel experience for passengers looking to store most of their details on their phones. Note, of course, that the addition of Google Wallet as an option is only available on Android. Details of the new digital ID pilot program Announced by Governor Gavin Newsom, the latest move will make California one of the five states to offer a digital driver's license capability in Google Wallet.
Newsom said: “It’s never been easier to keep a digital driver’s license and identification card in California. 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 Wallet.” While it is only available on android for now, the Governor has also announced plans to introduce it in Apple Wallet too.
Device Atlas reported in 2018 that approximately 66% of the Californian population owns an iPhone, while Android operating systems make up just under 34% of the market. DMV Director, Steve Gordon said: “We continue to expand the availability and acceptance of digital licenses and identification cards. Having an mDL in your smartphone wallet is a huge convenience for Californians.
” Still a pilot project So far, the digital identification program on Google Wallet is limited to 1.5 million participants under the state's mobile driver's license pilot project. In a statement, DMV says that to date, "more than half a million Californians have added the mDL to their smartphones.
" Aside from use at TSA checkpoints, it is also possible to use it as a valid form of identification at select retail locations. The DMV says that it is working to broaden the scope of its use "with public and private partners". Theoretically, that could mean that more airports in the region begin to adopt it.
Jenny Cheng, Vice President and General Manager of Google Wallet said: “Google Wallet makes navigating day-to-day life easier by giving people convenient and secure access to everyday essentials like your payment cards, loyalty cards, concert tickets and more. Our research shows that having a way to save an ID to Wallet is critical in order for people to feel like they have a complete digital wallet. By bringing this capability to Android users in California, we’re excited to provide yet another way for people to move seamlessly throughout their day.
” If you are part of the mDL pilot project and wish to use your digital ID including to pass through a TSA checkpoint, you must also carry your physical ID. DMV says that pilot participants "still must carry their physical card, though acceptance and uses of the mDL will continue to evolve." California's Chief Information Officer and Department of Technology Director, Liana Bailey-Crimmins, says that the latest announcement is a testament to the state's continued investment in and adoption of new technology.
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