politics
California Expands Mobile Driver's License Program to 17 Million Residents
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 169, which raises participation in the Mobile Driver License Pilot Program from 13% to 60%. The change allows 17 million Californians to access digital driver's licenses. nypost.com reported the signing and related program details.
Jul 20, 1:43 PM·1m read1 source
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Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 169 into law, expanding the Mobile Driver License Pilot Program first introduced in 2023. The measure increases participation from 13% to 60%, giving 17 million Californians access to digital driver's licenses, nypost.com reported.
Newsom stated that the DMV has made operations more efficient and modernized services. He added that the law cuts red tape and gives more residents the option to carry identification on their phones. Motorists download the license through the DMV mobile ID app, verify identity, and add the digital version to their device.
The digital ID can be used at certain TSA checkpoints, retailers such as gas stations and convenience stores, and when applying for financial aid. DMV Chief Digital Transformation Officer Ajay Gupta said users can go through TSA checkpoints by tapping or scanning the license without removing the plastic card.
He noted that age verification can also be completed at many locations and online services using the credential.
Driver wait times at DMV offices have decreased by 40%, Newsom said. The DMV states that usage of the mobile ID app is not tracked and no data leaves the device without user consent. Law enforcement and certain government agencies will still require the physical version.
