How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

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

You can add your driver's license or state ID to Apple Wallet on an iPhone or iPad running iOS 15.1 or later, or iPadOS 15.1 or later. Not every state offers this feature yet. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, and Wyoming have made digital IDs available through Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add the feature over time, but the rollout depends on each state's Department of Motor Vehicles and their readiness to support the system.

The process requires your physical driver's license or state ID, a compatible Apple device, and a working internet connection. You'll also need to verify your identity through a series of steps that Apple and your state's DMV use to confirm you are who you claim to be. The entire process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, though approval can take a few days in some cases.

Key Takeaways

Your state must support digital IDs in Apple Wallet — check Apple's list of participating states before you start, because the feature is not available everywhere yet.
You will need your physical driver's license or state ID, an iPhone or iPad with iOS 15.1 or later, and a working camera to scan your ID and take a selfie.
The setup process asks you to scan your ID, take a selfie, and answer security questions to verify your identity before the digital version appears in Wallet.
Once added, you can show your digital ID at TSA checkpoints at participating airports and to law enforcement in some states, but not everywhere yet.
Your digital ID is encrypted and stored only on your device — Apple and your state cannot see the information unless you choose to share it.

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

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the menu. If your state is not listed, the feature is not yet available in your state, and you will need to wait for your DMV to roll out support.

Tap "Continue" and follow the on-screen instructions to scan the front and back of your physical ID. Hold your device steady and make sure the entire ID is visible in the frame. The camera will guide you through the scan — wait for the green checkmark before moving to the next step.

Next, you will take a selfie. Position your face in the center of the frame and follow any prompts to move your head or adjust the angle. This step helps Apple and your state verify that you are the person on the ID. After the selfie is complete, you may be asked to answer security questions or provide additional information to confirm your identity.

Review the information on your screen to make sure everything is correct. Tap "Submit" to send your request to your state's DMV. You will see a message saying your request is being processed. In most cases, your digital ID will appear in Wallet within a few minutes, but some states take up to a few days to complete the verification.

Where you can use your digital driver's license

The primary use for a digital ID in Apple Wallet is at airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts digital IDs at more than 200 U.S. airports. When you reach the TSA checkpoint, open Wallet, select your digital ID, and hold your iPhone or iPad up to the TSA agent's reader. You do not need to unlock your device or use Face ID — the agent's equipment reads the ID directly from your screen.

Some state law enforcement agencies also accept digital IDs during traffic stops or other interactions, though this varies by state and by individual officer. Check with your state's DMV or law enforcement website to see whether officers in your area are trained to accept digital IDs. Even where digital IDs are accepted by police, you may still want to carry your physical ID as a backup.

Retail businesses, bars, and other private establishments do not yet widely accept digital IDs. If you need to show ID for age verification or other purposes, bring your physical license. The digital version is designed to supplement, not replace, your physical ID.

Security and privacy of your digital ID

Your digital ID is encrypted and stored only on your device. Apple does not have access to the information on your digital ID, and your state's DMV cannot see it unless you choose to share it by presenting it to an authorized reader. When you show your digital ID at an airport or to law enforcement, only the information you choose to share is transmitted — you can select which details appear.

If your device is lost or stolen, your digital ID is protected by your device's security settings. Anyone trying to use your digital ID would need to unlock your phone or iPad first. You can also remove your digital ID from Wallet at any time by opening the Wallet app, pressing and holding the ID, and selecting "Remove."

Apple's system is designed so that each time you present your digital ID, the transaction is recorded only on your device and the reader's system — not in a central database. This means there is no single record of everywhere you have shown your ID, which is different from how physical IDs work.

Troubleshooting common problems during setup

If your state does not appear in the list when you try to add an ID, your state's DMV has not yet launched digital ID support. Check Apple's official list of participating states on their website, or contact your state's DMV directly to ask when the feature will be available. You can still use your physical ID everywhere in the meantime.

If the camera cannot scan your ID clearly, make sure you are in good lighting and that the entire ID is visible in the frame. Remove any screen protectors or cases that might interfere with the camera. If you are using an older device, confirm that it is running iOS 15.1 or later by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

If your verification is rejected or takes longer than expected, your state's DMV may need additional information. Check your email for any messages from Apple or your DMV asking for clarification. You can also contact your state's DMV directly — they can tell you the status of your request and what to do next.

What happens if you lose your device or upgrade to a new one

If you get a new iPhone or iPad, you can add your digital ID again on the new device by following the same setup process. You will need to scan your physical ID and take a new selfie. Your old digital ID will remain on your old device until you remove it manually.

If your device is lost or stolen, remove your digital ID from Wallet as soon as possible. You can do this through iCloud.com by signing into your account and using Find My to locate your device and erase it remotely. Once your device is erased, your digital ID is deleted. You can then add your digital ID to a replacement device.

Keep your physical driver's license in a safe place as a backup. Even though your digital ID is convenient, your physical license is still the most widely accepted form of ID and does not depend on your device having battery or internet connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital ID everywhere a physical license is accepted?

Not yet. Digital IDs in Apple Wallet work at TSA checkpoints and with some law enforcement agencies, but most businesses, bars, and other places still require a physical license. Carry your physical ID with you for now, and use the digital version as a convenient option when it is accepted.

What if I do not have an iPhone or iPad?

Digital IDs in Apple Wallet are only available on Apple devices. If you use an Android phone, you cannot add your ID to Apple Wallet. Some states may offer digital ID options through other systems or apps, so check with your state's DMV about alternatives.

Do I need to unlock my phone to show my digital ID?

No. When you present your digital ID at an airport or to law enforcement, the reader can access it directly from your locked screen without requiring Face ID or a passcode. This is by design to make the process faster and more convenient.

Can someone else use my digital ID if they have my phone?

They would need to unlock your device first. Once unlocked, they could theoretically present your digital ID, but TSA readers and law enforcement equipment are designed to detect mismatches between the person presenting the ID and the photo on the ID. If your device is stolen, remove your digital ID when ready through iCloud.

What information does the TSA agent see when I show my digital ID?

You control what information is shared. When you present your digital ID, you can choose which details appear on the reader's screen. Typically, the TSA sees your name, date of birth, and ID number — the same information they would see on a physical license — but not your address or other personal details unless you choose to share them.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.