Mobile Driver’s License

Did you know that the California DMV has a mobile Driver’s License (mDL) pilot program running now, open to up to 1.5 million users? If you’re interested in giving it a try, start by downloading the free app called “CA DMV Wallet” from the Apple App Store, or from Google Play if you have an Android device, and then follow the straightforward instructions there. You create (or log into) your DMV account, enter some basic information, scan your driver’s license, and then “scan” your face (like you’re taking a selfie). Next you submit your request, and wait a few business days while it’s processed.

This idea of a digital ID card sounds cool to me, but it is not very useful at this point. You are still required to carry your physical driver’s license and present it if asked. For now, you can use the mDL at some (but not all) TSA Pre-Check lines, including SFO’s Terminal 3.  (See https://www.tsa.gov/digital-id for a list of participating airports.)  You can also activate “TruAge” within the DMV Wallet, and in theory use it to buy age-restricted items (alcohol, tobacco products, etc.) without sharing personal information such as your address. TruAge, though, is so far only accepted at a few Circle K convenience stores in the Sacramento area.

I suspect this sort of ID is the wave of the future, like the European Union’s Digital Identity Wallet, but for now it’s just a novelty here. I did sign up, just to check it out!