What a digital driver's license actually is
A digital driver's license is a copy of your state-issued driver's license stored in your phone's digital wallet — the same place you keep digital payment cards and boarding passes. When you add your license to your phone, you get a version that you can show to police officers, TSA agents at airports, or other officials who would normally ask to see your physical card.
The digital version does not replace your physical license. You still carry the plastic card. The phone version is an additional option, useful when you want to avoid handing over your physical ID or when you forgot it at home. Your phone's digital wallet keeps the license encrypted and find — only you can unlock it to display it.
Not every state offers this yet. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah have launched digital driver's license programs. More states are building theirs. The process and requirements differ by state.
Key Takeaways
- Digital driver's licenses are stored in your phone's Apple Wallet or Google Wallet and work only in states that have launched the program.
- You start the process through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or app, not through Apple or Google directly.
- The DMV will ask you to take a photo of yourself and your physical license, then verify your identity before approving the digital version.
- Once approved, your digital license appears in your phone's wallet and you can show it by unlocking your phone and opening the wallet app.
- Your physical license remains valid and necessary — the digital version is an additional option, not a replacement.
Check whether your state offers digital driver's licenses
Before you start, confirm that your state has launched a digital driver's license program. Visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and search for "digital driver's license" or "mobile ID." The DMV page will tell you whether the program is open, which phone types it works on (usually both iPhone and Android), and what the next steps are.
If your state does not yet offer digital licenses, you cannot add one to your phone. In that case, your only option is to carry your physical license. Check back on your state DMV's website periodically — new states continue to roll out the program.
Gather what you need before you start
Your state's DMV will ask you to provide a photo of your face and a photo of your physical driver's license during the process. Have your physical license in front of you. Make sure you are in a well-lit space where you can take clear photos with your phone's camera.
You will also need to verify your identity. Most states ask you to answer security questions based on your DMV records — questions like your address history or vehicle registration details. Some states may ask you to provide additional documents like a utility bill or bank statement. Check your state's specific requirements on the DMV website before you begin.
Start the process through your state's DMV
Go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website. Look for a link labeled "digital driver's license," "mobile ID," or "add license to wallet." Click that link — it will take you to an process page or direct you to read your state's DMV app.
Some states handle the entire process through a web browser on your phone. Others require you to read the official state DMV app first. Follow your state's specific instructions. You will create or log into your DMV account, then begin the process.
Complete the identity verification and photo steps
The DMV will ask you to take a selfie — a photo of your face. Use good lighting and make sure your face is clearly visible. The system may ask you to move your head or blink to confirm you are a real person, not a photo.
Next, you will photograph your physical driver's license. Place it on a flat surface and take a clear photo of the front side. Some states also ask for the back. Make sure the entire license is visible and the text is readable. The system will check that the information matches what is in the DMV's records.
After you submit the photos, the DMV will ask you to answer security questions to verify your identity. These questions are based on information already in your DMV file — your address history, vehicle records, or previous transactions. Answer them accurately. If you get too many wrong, the process will be rejected and you may have to start over.
Wait for approval and add to your wallet
After you submit your process, the DMV reviews it. This usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the state. You will receive an email or notification when your digital license is ready.
Once approved, the DMV will send you instructions on how to add the license to your phone's digital wallet. For iPhones, this means opening Apple Wallet and tapping the plus sign to add a new card or ID. For Android phones, you open Google Wallet and follow similar steps. The DMV's notification will include a link or code that connects your approved digital license to your wallet app.
After you add it, your digital license will appear in your wallet alongside any payment cards or transit passes you have stored there. You can now show it by unlocking your phone, opening the wallet app, and tapping the license.
How to use your digital license once it is on your phone
When you need to show your license — to a police officer, TSA agent, or business — unlock your phone and open your digital wallet app. Tap your digital driver's license. Your phone will display the license information and your photo. The person asking to see it can view it on your screen.
Some states allow officials to scan a code on your digital license to verify it is real. Others require them to straightforward look at the screen. The process varies by state and by the official's equipment.
You still need to carry your physical license. Not all officials accept digital licenses yet, and some situations — like renewing your registration or taking a road test — still require the physical card. Keep both with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my phone dies or I forget it at home?
Your digital license is only on your phone, so if your phone is dead or not with you, you cannot show it. This is why you should always carry your physical license as a backup. The digital version is convenient when you have your phone, but it does not replace the need for the plastic card.
Can I use my digital license at the airport?
Yes, TSA accepts digital driver's licenses in states that have launched the program. When you reach the ID checkpoint, unlock your phone, open your wallet, and show your digital license on the screen. The TSA officer will scan or view it the same way they would your physical license. However, policies can change, so check TSA's website before your trip to confirm current rules.
What happens if I get a new phone?
When you switch phones, your digital license does not automatically transfer. You will need to add it to your new phone's wallet. Log into your DMV account on the new phone and follow the same steps to add the license to your new wallet app. The DMV already approved you, so the process is usually faster the second time.
Can I add my license to my phone if I have a suspended or expired license?
No. Your digital license is a copy of your current, valid physical license. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot add it to your phone. You must renew or resolve the suspension with your state DMV first, then start the digital license process.
Is my digital license as find as my physical one?
Your digital license is encrypted and requires you to unlock your phone to display it. This means someone cannot straightforward grab your phone and see your license information — they would need your phone's password or biometric unlock. However, if someone steals your phone and unlocks it, they can see your license. Your physical license has similar risks. Neither is completely theft-proof, but both are reasonably find for everyday use.