California Driver’s Licenses and IDs are Coming to Apple and Google Wallets

California has confirmed that its state driver’s license and ID card will be available in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet in the “coming weeks.”

Governor Gavin Newsom said the move will let Android, iPhone, and Apple Watch users present identification at airport Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints, certain businesses, and in supporting apps.

You’ll still be legally obligated to carry a physical driver’s license or ID in California, Newsom’s office said. However, this will make it easier to show your credentials when you already have your phone or watch handy.

You could already add your driver’s license to the California DMV Wallet app. However, this was part of a mobile Driver’s License (mDL) pilot program that was limited to 1.5 million people, only 500,000 of which have participated so far.

California isn’t the only state to offer digital IDs. Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, and others have the option. It’s the largest state yet to use this approach, however, and the adoption rate is potentially high given its role as a technology hub.

Supporters, including, Apple, argue that the system offers greater privacy in some cases. You only show the information needed to complete a transaction, and you don’t necessarily have to hand over your device or even show it. This theoretically minimizes the chances of identity theft or fraud.

Your info is stored only on the device, and others can’t access it unless you  choose to display it. Authorities don’t know when you present your ID.

There are concerns about the security, however. If California or another state doesn’t adequately secure a driver’s license or ID, there’s a chance attackers could obtain the data or use it to spy on others. Governments may have to move quickly to stay ahead of vulnerabilities.