Residents of California will Obtain Digital Driver's Licenses through Apple Wallet in 2023
In the realm of digital convenience, Californians are about to join an exclusive club. Soon, they'll be able to reduce their 'go out' essentials to just two items: keys and a phone. Why so? The California Department of Motor Vehicles has allegedly been working on integrating digital driver's licenses and identification cards into Apple Wallet, according to a recent leak.
The whisper came from a quiet corner of the internet - a dormant CDMV landing page, as discovered on the Apple Wallet Wikipedia page. MacRumors broke the news on the 16th of August, 2025[1]. The page hints at California's inclusion as an "upcoming state" in Apple Wallet, although it's missing some key components, like instructional videos and images, suggesting it might not be ready for prime time yet.
For Californians using the official DMV app, the transition might seem less groundbreaking. However, once Apple Wallet is up, the app is obsolete. With digital IDs in Apple Wallet, it becomes easier to juggle between your iPhone and Apple Watch, making presentations in security lines a breeze, or offering a secure link to third-party services. And yes, it also significantly reduces the chances of leaving your ID behind at the bar or grocery store.
Apple's expedition into digital IDs began in 2021 with eight prospective states in tow. Three hopped on board immediately, while others followed suit at their own pace. As of 2025, Arizona, Maryland, and Colorado hosted digital IDs, narrowly joined by Georgia in 2023. The latest addition to the crew was Ohio, which boarded just last week.
California's entry into digital IDs is significant, as it could potentially pave the way for national adoption. Unfortunately, you'll still need your car keys, unless you're one of the privileged folks with high-tech vehicles equipped with ultra-wideband for remote unlocking.
[1] Source: MacRumors, 16th August 2025.
This tech advancement in California could revolutionize the way people carry their identification, as digital driver's licenses and identification cards are reportedly set to be integrated into Apple Wallet. Unless any unexpected obstacles arise, Californians might soon be adopting this technology, reducing their 'go out' essentials to just their keys and their smartphones. This integration could make handling presentations at security lines easier and reduce the likelihood of losing IDs in public places. Furthermore, this move could potentially influence other states to adopt similar technology, paving the way for a future where physical wallets become nearly obsolete.
