Adding your driver license to Apple Wallet

You can store your driver license or state ID in Apple Wallet on your iPhone or iPad, then show it to police, TSA agents, or other officials by unlocking your phone and opening the Wallet app. The process takes about 10 minutes and involves taking photos of your license, answering identity verification questions, and waiting for your state to confirm the information.

Not every state offers this yet. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Utah allow digital IDs in Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add the feature over time. You can check whether your state supports it by opening Wallet, tapping the plus sign, and looking for "Driver's License or State ID" as an option.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an iPhone XS or later, or an iPad Air (3rd generation) or later, running the current version of iOS or iPadOS.
  • Your state must support digital IDs in Apple Wallet — currently 16 states do, and the list is growing.
  • The setup process asks you to photograph your license, take a selfie, and answer security questions to verify your identity.
  • Once added, you can show your digital ID by opening Wallet, selecting it, and holding your phone near a reader or to an official's device.

What you need before you start

Check that your device is compatible. Apple Wallet accepts digital IDs on iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and all newer iPhone models. On iPad, you need iPad Air (3rd generation) or later, iPad (5th generation) or later, or iPad Pro (2nd generation) or later. Your device must be running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS — you can update by going to Settings, then General, then Software Update.

Make sure you have your physical driver license or state ID in front of you. You will need to photograph both the front and back. Have good lighting and a steady hand, or ask someone to help you take clear photos. The camera will guide you through positioning the license so the entire card is visible and in focus.

Step-by-step process for adding your ID

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Scroll down and tap "Driver's License or State ID." Select your state from the list. If your state is not listed, that state does not yet support digital IDs in Wallet.

Follow the on-screen prompts to photograph the front of your license, then the back. The camera will tell you when the image is clear enough. After you submit both photos, you will answer security questions to verify your identity — these are usually based on information from your driver license record, such as your address history or previous addresses you have lived at.

Your state's DMV or licensing agency will review your information. This verification step usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, though it can take longer during busy periods. You will receive a notification when your ID is approved and ready to use. Until then, your license will appear in Wallet but marked as "pending verification."

How to show your digital ID to an official

When you need to show your ID, open Wallet and tap your driver license or state ID. Your phone will ask you to unlock it using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode — this is a security step that happens every time, even if you have already unlocked your phone. This prevents someone else from accessing your ID if they pick up your device.

Once unlocked, hold your phone near the reader or official's device. Some readers are handheld scanners that TSA agents or police officers hold near your phone. Other times, an official may ask you to hold your phone so they can see the screen. You do not have to hand over your phone — you stay in control of what information is shown.

What information gets shared when you show your ID

When you present your digital ID to a reader, only the information that would appear on your physical license is shared — your name, date of birth, license number, expiration date, and address. The reader does not have access to your phone's other data, photos, or apps. You remain in control of what is displayed.

If an official is looking at your screen rather than scanning it, they see the same information as they would on a plastic card. Some states allow you to hide certain details, such as your full address, before showing your ID — check your state's Wallet settings to see what options are available.

Troubleshooting common problems

If your state does not appear in the list when you try to add your ID, your state has not yet launched digital ID support in Apple Wallet. You can still use your physical license. Check back periodically, as more states are expected to add this feature throughout the year.

If your verification is taking longer than expected, your state's system may be processing a high volume of requests. You will receive a notification when your ID is approved. If you see an error message during the photo step, make sure you have good lighting, the entire license is visible in the frame, and the image is in focus. Try again with a clearer photo.

If your ID shows as "pending verification" for more than a few hours, contact your state's DMV directly. They can tell you whether there is a problem with the information you submitted or whether the system is straightforward processing your request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital ID instead of my physical license?

In most cases, yes — TSA accepts digital IDs at airport security in participating states, and many police officers will accept them during traffic stops. However, some officials may not be familiar with the feature yet, so it is wise to carry your physical license as a backup until digital IDs become more widely recognized.

What happens if I lose my phone or it breaks?

Your digital ID is tied to your Apple account and stored securely on your device. If you lose your phone, you can remove your ID from that device using Find My iPhone, then add it to a new device once you get one. Your state's records are not affected — you can re-add your ID to a new phone without contacting the DMV.

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

No. Every time you show your ID, your phone requires you to unlock it with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. This happens even if your phone is already unlocked. This security step ensures that only you can present your ID, even if someone else has temporary access to your device.

Do I still need to renew my physical license?

Yes. Your digital ID expires on the same date as your physical license. When your license expires, you will need to renew it through your state's DMV in the usual way. Once you have renewed your physical license, you can update your digital ID in Wallet by photographing the new card.

Is my information safe in Apple Wallet?

Apple Wallet uses encryption to protect your ID information. Your data is stored on your device, not on Apple's servers, and is only shared when you actively present your ID to a reader or official. Apple does not have access to your ID information, and your state's DMV only sees what you choose to share during verification.