Digital Identity Documents are NOT for employers…yet

Last month, California announced that individuals were able to use their Google Wallet as an option to hold private digital driver’s licenses and state-issued identification cards as a Mobile Driver’s License (“mDL”). Now, California expands on that program by permitting California residents to present these documents using their iPhone or Apple Watch as identification to move through TSA security checkpoints and at certain businesses that provide age-restricted products. (I can’t wait until the day I can just reboot by iPhone to renew my license!)

However, it is important that California employers understand that this change does not expand into the employment realm at this time. Employees who choose to provide this type of identification to attest to their ability to work in the United States are still required to provide the actual documents for employer review. Additionally, law enforcement officers will not accept the mDL, so employees who drive a company vehicle or their own vehicle on company business should be directed to carry their physical driver’s license with them at all times.