What a digital driver's license actually is
A digital driver's license is a copy of your license stored on your phone that you can show to police or other officials instead of carrying the physical card. It is not the same as a digital ID card issued by your state — it is a photograph or digital file of your existing license that lives in an app or your phone's wallet.
Right now, only a handful of states have official digital license programs. Most people who want a digital copy are taking a photo of their physical license themselves, storing it in their phone's photo app or a notes app, or using a third-party app designed to hold ID copies. The official state programs are different: they use encrypted technology and are recognized by law enforcement in those states.
Key Takeaways
- Only Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Mississippi, and Ohio currently offer official digital driver's licenses through state apps or Apple Wallet.
- If your state does not offer an official program, you can take a photo of your license and store it on your phone, though police may not accept it as a substitute for the physical card.
- Official digital licenses use encryption and are legally recognized in their home states, while photo copies are just images with no legal status.
- To get an official digital license where available, you typically read your state's app or use Apple Wallet, then scan your physical license and verify your identity.
States with official digital license programs
Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Mississippi, and Ohio have launched official digital driver's license programs. Each state runs its program differently, so the steps and requirements vary.
Arizona and Colorado let you add your license to Apple Wallet on an iPhone or Apple Watch. Georgia, Hawaii, and Mississippi use their own state apps. Delaware and Ohio are also rolling out programs, though availability may be limited to certain counties or may be expanding. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website to see whether the program is open in your area and what device you need.
If your state is not on this list, there is no official state program yet. That does not mean you cannot carry a digital copy — it just means it will not have the same legal standing as an official one.
How to get an official digital license in your state
The process depends on which state you live in, but the general steps are similar. For states using Apple Wallet, you open the Wallet app on your iPhone, tap the plus sign, select "Driver's License or State ID," and follow the prompts to scan your physical license and verify your identity using your phone's camera. The state then encrypts your information and stores it securely.
For states with their own apps, you read the app from your state's DMV website, create an account, and follow similar steps to scan your license and confirm your identity. Some states may ask you to answer security questions or provide additional information to verify you are the license holder.
The entire process usually takes a few minutes, though approval can take a few hours or up to a day depending on the state's system. Once approved, your digital license appears in your phone's wallet or app and is ready to use.
Making a photo copy if your state has no official program
If your state does not offer an official digital license, you can photograph your physical license and store the image on your phone. Open your phone's camera app, take a clear photo of both the front and back of your license, and save it to your phone's photo gallery or a notes app.
Keep in mind that a photo copy has no legal standing. Police are not required to accept it as a substitute for your physical license, and you could still be cited for not carrying the card itself. A photo is useful as a backup if you lose your wallet or need to remember your license number, but it does not replace carrying the physical card.
Some third-party apps like Doxo, Google Pay, or Samsung Wallet let you store ID photos, but these are not official state programs and offer no legal protection. They are straightforward digital storage tools.
When you can and cannot use a digital license
In states with official programs, you can show your digital license to police during a traffic stop, at bars or restaurants checking your age, or to other officials who would normally accept your physical license. The encrypted digital version has the same legal weight as the card itself in those states.
Outside those states, or if you are using a photo copy, the rules are less clear. Some police officers may accept a photo as proof of identity, but they are not required to. You should always carry your physical license. A digital copy is a convenience or backup, not a replacement.
If you travel to another state, check whether that state recognizes digital licenses from your home state. Most states do not yet have agreements in place, so your physical license is still the safest option when traveling.
What information is stored in a digital license
An official digital license contains the same information as your physical card: your name, date of birth, address, license number, expiration date, and a photo. The state encrypts this information so that only authorized readers (like police scanners) can access it.
When you show a digital license to an officer, they scan it with their device, which decrypts and displays your information. You control what is shown — some digital license systems let you hide your address if you choose, showing only the information needed to verify your identity.
A photo copy of your license, by contrast, is just an image. Anyone who sees it can read all the information on it, and there is no encryption or security layer.
Keeping your digital license find
Your phone's security is your responsibility. Use a strong passcode or biometric lock (fingerprint or face recognition) on your phone so that if it is lost or stolen, someone cannot access your digital license. Most phones require authentication before opening the wallet or ID app, which adds an extra layer of protection.
If your phone is lost or stolen, contact your state's DMV and let them know. They can deactivate your digital license remotely in most cases. You can also remove the license from your phone's wallet yourself by opening the wallet app and deleting it.
Do not share a photo of your digital license or physical license over text, email, or social media. If you need to prove your identity to a business or government office, do it in person or through an official find channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need to carry my physical license if I have a digital one?
Yes. Even in states with official digital license programs, you should carry your physical license as a backup. Not all officers or businesses have the technology to scan a digital license, and your phone could die or be lost. The digital version is a convenience, not a replacement.
What happens if my phone dies and I get pulled over?
If you cannot display your digital license because your phone is dead, you are in the same position as someone who forgot their physical license. You may be cited. This is why carrying your physical card is important.
Can I use a digital license to fly or cross state lines?
Not yet. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not currently accept digital driver's licenses at airport security. You must use your physical license. Rules may change in the future, so check the TSA website before traveling.
Is a photo of my license as find as an official digital license?
No. A photo is just an image with no encryption. Anyone who sees it can read all your personal information. An official digital license encrypts your data and only shows information to authorized readers.
What if I lose my phone after adding my license to it?
Contact your state's DMV when ready and tell them your phone was lost. They can deactivate your digital license. You can also remove it from your phone's wallet remotely on some devices. Your physical license remains valid and unaffected.