What you need to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet

Apple Wallet lets you store a digital copy of your driver's license or state ID on your iPhone or Apple Watch. To add it, you need an iPhone 15 Pro or later, or an Apple Watch Series 9 or later. The feature works in all 50 states, but each state controls which documents it accepts and when the feature became available in that state.

Before you start, have your physical driver's license or state ID card ready. You'll also need your phone's Face ID or Touch ID to work properly, since Apple uses biometric verification when you present your ID to someone. Make sure your device is running the current version of iOS or watchOS — older versions don't support this feature.

The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. You'll photograph your ID, answer identity verification questions, and then wait for Apple and your state's motor vehicle department to confirm your information. Most people see their digital ID ready to use within a few hours, though it can take up to 24 hours in some cases.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an iPhone 15 Pro or later, or Apple Watch Series 9 or later, running the current iOS or watchOS version to store a driver's license in Apple Wallet.
  • The process involves photographing your physical ID, answering identity verification questions, and waiting for your state's motor vehicle department to confirm your information.
  • Your state must support digital IDs in Apple Wallet — not all states have launched the feature yet, and some states have different rules about when and how you can use it.
  • When you present your digital ID to a police officer or TSA agent, you control what information they see and can require Face ID or Touch ID authentication each time.

Step-by-step process to add your ID to Apple Wallet

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the menu. The app will ask you which state issued your ID — choose your state from the list. If your state doesn't appear, it hasn't launched digital ID support yet, and you'll need to check back later.

Next, you'll photograph the front and back of your physical ID. Hold your phone steady and follow the on-screen instructions. The camera will guide you to position the card correctly. Take clear photos in good lighting — blurry or partially cut-off images will cause the verification to fail and you'll have to start over.

After photographing your ID, Apple will ask you to take a selfie and answer identity verification questions. These questions pull from public records and are designed to confirm you are the person on the ID. Answer honestly — incorrect answers will cause the verification to fail. You may be asked about previous addresses, loan amounts, or other details from your credit history.

Once you complete these steps, Apple sends your information to your state's motor vehicle department for verification. You'll see a message saying your ID is pending. During this time, you can't yet use the digital ID, but you can check the status in Wallet by tapping the ID and scrolling down. Most states complete verification within a few hours.

Which states support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet

As of early 2024, the following states have launched digital ID support in Apple Wallet: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. This list continues to grow as more states build the infrastructure to verify digital IDs.

Each state controls its own rollout schedule and rules. Some states launched the feature to all residents at once. Others rolled it out in phases, starting with a limited group and expanding over weeks or months. Check your state's motor vehicle department website to see whether the feature is currently available and whether there are any restrictions on how you can use it.

If your state is not yet on this list, you can still use your physical ID. There is no penalty for waiting, and the feature will become available in your state eventually. You don't need to do anything now — when your state launches, you'll see the option appear in Wallet.

How to use your digital ID when you need to show it

When a police officer, TSA agent, or other official asks to see your ID, open Wallet and tap your driver's license. Your phone will ask you to authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID. This step happens every time — you control whether the person sees your ID, and they cannot bypass your biometric lock.

After you authenticate, your phone displays your ID information. The official can see your name, photo, date of birth, and other details on your license. You can swipe left or right to show the front or back of the ID. You remain in control of the screen the entire time — the official cannot take your phone or scroll to see information you haven't shown them.

Some states restrict where you can use your digital ID. For example, some states allow it for TSA airport screening but not for police traffic stops, or vice versa. Check your state's rules before you rely on the digital version as your only form of ID. You should carry your physical ID as a backup until you're certain your state allows digital ID in all the situations where you might need it.

What happens if verification fails or takes longer than expected

If your state's motor vehicle department cannot verify your information, you'll see a message in Wallet explaining why. Common reasons include a mismatch between the photo on your ID and the selfie you took, incorrect answers to identity verification questions, or information that doesn't match your state's records.

If verification fails, you can try again. Delete the pending ID from Wallet and start the process over. Take a new selfie in better lighting, re-photograph your ID, and answer the identity questions more carefully. If you're unsure about an answer, leave it blank rather than guessing — a blank answer is better than a wrong one.

If verification is taking longer than 24 hours, contact your state's motor vehicle department directly. Provide them with the reference number shown in Wallet under your pending ID. They can tell you whether your process is still processing or whether there's a problem that needs to be resolved. Do not delete the pending ID and start over without checking with your state first — doing so may restart the verification process and delay things further.

Security and privacy considerations for digital IDs

Your digital ID is encrypted on your phone and cannot be accessed without your Face ID or Touch ID. Apple does not store a copy of your ID, and your state's motor vehicle department does not have access to it after verification is complete. The only way someone can see your digital ID is if they have your phone and can unlock it with your biometric data.

If you lose your phone or it is stolen, your digital ID is protected by the same security as everything else on your device. You can use Find My iPhone to remotely lock or erase your phone. Your digital ID will be erased along with everything else. When you get a new phone, you can add your ID to Wallet again using the same process.

Your digital ID does not replace your physical ID. Some officials may not yet accept digital IDs, and some situations may require the physical card. Keep your physical driver's license in your wallet as a backup. Over time, as more officials become familiar with digital IDs, you may use the digital version more often, but that transition is still underway in most states.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital ID if I don't have Face ID or Touch ID set up?

No. Apple Wallet requires biometric authentication to display your ID. If your device doesn't have Face ID or Touch ID, or if you've disabled it, you cannot add a driver's license to Wallet. You'll need to use your physical ID instead.

What if my state says my ID is not supported yet?

Your state has not yet launched the feature. Check your state's motor vehicle department website for updates. You can also check Wallet periodically — when your state launches, the option will appear in the app. There's no need to do anything now.

Can I add my ID to Apple Wallet if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, as long as your state issued your driver's license or state ID card. The feature works for any valid state ID, regardless of citizenship status. You'll go through the same verification process as anyone else.

What if I take a bad photo of my ID and verification fails?

Delete the pending ID from Wallet and try again. Make sure you're in good lighting, hold your phone steady, and follow the on-screen positioning guides. Take multiple photos if needed and choose the clearest one. You can retry as many times as necessary.

Will TSA accept my digital ID at the airport?

Yes, TSA accepts digital IDs in Apple Wallet at airport security checkpoints in all states that support the feature. However, some states may have restrictions on other uses. Check your state's rules to see whether your digital ID is accepted for all situations where you might need it, or only for specific purposes like airport screening.