California residents with Android smartphones can now add their driver’s licenses and identification cards to Google Wallet, the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles announced Friday.

In a statement, the agency said California joins four other states that offer a digital driver’s license on the Google platform.

“We’re excited to bring this feature to Android users in California, giving them another way to make their day smoother,” said Jenny Cheng, vice president and general manager of Google Wallet.

Governor Gavin Newsom said, “It has never been easier to have a digital driver’s license and identification card in California. The state continues to work to provide greater convenience to those who choose the mobile driver’s license program.”

Last week, Newsom announced that mobile driver’s licenses would soon be available for Apple Wallet.

“Meeting people where they are”

The announcement builds on the agency’s Mobile Driver License (mDL) pilot program, which launched last year and uses an app from the DMV. Officials say more than half a million Californians have installed a mobile driver’s license on their phones under the program, which is limited to 1.5 million residents.

“This is a big step in our efforts to better serve all Californians by meeting people where they are, with the technology people use every day,” the governor said last week.

According to the DMV, digital driver’s licenses and national ID cards will be accepted as a valid form of identification at select retail stores and at TSA checkpoints at select airports throughout the United States.

As of Friday, the following California airports have accepted digital identification: San Francisco, San Jose and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Physical IDs still required

While the DMV is adding digital options for driver’s licenses and IDs, officials stressed that drivers must still carry their physical cards while driving. The agency said the acceptance and use of mobile driver’s licenses will continue to evolve.

“We continue to expand the availability and acceptance of digital driver’s licenses and ID cards,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon.