California DMV expands digital driver's license program: How to sign up

OAKLAND, Calif. - Ever wish you had your driver's license on your phone? If you live in California, now you can. 

The California DMV announced it has expanded its pilot program allowing drivers to get a digital license or ID card - also known as an "mDL," which stands for mobile driver's license. 

According to the DMV website, the free pilot program is now open to 1.5 million participants.

All you have to do is download the "CA DMV Wallet" app on iOS and Android.

Then, you take a picture of the front and back of your Real ID and upload it to the app. 

The DMV said this is not meant to replace your Real ID. 

But you can use the digital version at three California airports - SFO, San Jose and LAX – to get through a TSA screening.

Las Vegas and Phoenix airport will also accept it.

And you can use it as proof of your age at stores and restaurants, if you buy alcohol.

You cannot use it to show law enforcement if you get pulled over.

California drivers have mixed feelings about using it.

Jordan Sanelli of Martinez said that as long as it's encrypted, "I feel it would make a lot of sense for people."

Sue Brouwer of Concord said she's not really a  fan, but she knows "that's where we're going with technology."

And Leyra Gonzalez of Pacheco said she fears her information would be hacked. 

"I feel like it would be so much easier for somebody to steal that," she said. 

Anita Gore, California DMV deputy director of communications, insisted that "privacy is the No.1 concern at the DMV, across the board, and certainly that includes the mobile driver's license."

She added that the app requires encryption and biometrics. 

Privacy experts with the Electronic Frontier Foundation say encryption and biometrics are good security steps. They want to keep a close eye on how the technology is expanded in the years ahead. 

"We understand the convenience that comes with MDL," said EFF's director of engineering Alexis Hancock. "We're engaged in conversations about, ‘What does this look like at a federal level with TSA?’ Even if it feels inevitable, we want to provide safeguards for people."

The DMV also said it "does not permanently store your personal data," but it does keep your phone number and an "encrypted photo of your DL/ID card."

Additionally, the mDL is only available within the app - you can't add it to your digital Apple or Google wallet just yet.

But the DMV said it hopes to bring the mDL to more platforms in the future. 

To learn more, click here.