What happens when you add your driver's license to Apple Wallet
Adding your driver's license to Apple Wallet stores a digital copy on your iPhone or iPad that you can show to police during traffic stops or to TSA agents at airport security. You don't need to carry the physical card, though most states still require you to have it with you. The digital version lives in the Wallet app alongside your credit cards and boarding passes.
Apple Wallet encrypts your license information and stores it separately from the rest of your phone. When you show it to an officer or TSA agent, they scan it with a special reader — they cannot see your full license number, address, or other details unless you unlock your phone and approve the scan each time. You remain in control of what information gets shared.
Not every state offers this feature yet. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add support over time.
Key Takeaways
- Your state must support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet — check your state's DMV website to confirm yours does.
- You need an iPhone XS or later, or an iPad Air (3rd generation) or later, running the current version of iOS or iPadOS.
- The process takes place entirely in the Wallet app and requires you to take photos of your license and verify your identity through your phone's camera.
- You can show your digital license to police and TSA agents by unlocking your phone and holding it up for them to scan.
- Your physical license remains valid and required by law in most states — the digital version is an additional option, not a replacement.
Check if your state supports digital licenses
Before you start, confirm that your state's DMV offers this feature. Visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and search for "digital driver's license" or "Apple Wallet." The site will tell you whether the program is available and which documents you'll need to have ready.
If your state doesn't yet support digital licenses, you cannot add your license to Wallet no matter what steps you follow. The feature only works in states that have partnered with Apple and set up the infrastructure to verify your identity remotely.
Verify your device meets the requirements
Apple Wallet requires a relatively recent iPhone or iPad. You need an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or any newer iPhone model. If you have an older iPhone (iPhone X or earlier), you cannot add a driver's license to Wallet.
For iPad, you need an iPad Air (3rd generation or later), iPad Pro (all models), or iPad (5th generation or later). Your device must also be running the current version of iOS or iPadOS — check Settings > General > Software Update to see if an update is available.
Gather your documents and information
Before you open the Wallet app, have your physical driver's license in front of you. You'll need to photograph both the front and back of the card, so make sure the lighting is good and the text is clearly visible. You'll also need your phone number and email address on file with your state's DMV.
Some states require additional documents to verify your identity — for example, a recent utility bill or tax return showing your current address. Check your state's DMV website to see what documents you should have ready before you start. Having everything prepared means you won't have to stop halfway through the process.
Add your license through the Wallet app
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner, then select "Driver's License or State ID." The app will ask you to choose your state and confirm that you have the required documents.
Follow the on-screen instructions to photograph the front and back of your license. Hold your phone steady and make sure the entire card is visible and in focus. The app will check that the photos are clear enough to read before moving forward.
Next, you'll take a selfie and a short video of yourself. This is how Apple and your state verify that you are the person on the license. Follow the prompts carefully — the video usually involves moving your head slightly or blinking. The process takes about two minutes.
After you submit your photos and video, the app will tell you that your information is being reviewed. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on your state's system. You'll receive a notification when the review is complete.
What to do if the review is delayed or rejected
If your submission is rejected, the Wallet app will explain why — usually because a photo was unclear, the video didn't meet requirements, or the information didn't match your DMV records. You can try again when ready by tapping the option to resubmit.
If the review is taking longer than expected, check your email and phone for messages from your state's DMV. Some states send updates about the status of your submission. If you don't hear anything after several hours, you can contact your state's DMV directly to ask about the status.
Show your license to police or TSA
Once your license is approved and appears in your Wallet app, you can show it to law enforcement or TSA agents. Unlock your iPhone or iPad, open Wallet, and tap your driver's license. Hold the screen up for the officer or agent to scan with their reader.
The reader will only access the information you've authorized — it cannot pull your full address, license number, or other sensitive details without your permission. You remain in control of what gets shared during each scan. If an officer or agent asks you to unlock your phone or hand it to them, you can decline and show your physical license instead.
Keep your physical license with you at all times. The digital version is a convenience, but it is not a legal replacement for the physical card in most states. Some situations — like renewing your registration or proving your identity to a bank — still require the physical card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my digital license if my phone dies or runs out of battery?
No. Your digital license only works when your phone is powered on and has enough battery to unlock and open the Wallet app. If your phone is dead or in airplane mode, you cannot show your digital license. This is why you should always carry your physical license as a backup.
What happens if I get a new phone?
When you set up a new iPhone or iPad, you can restore your Wallet data from your iCloud backup, which includes your digital driver's license. If you don't restore from backup, you'll need to add your license to Wallet again on the new device. The process is the same as the first time.
Can someone else use my digital license if they have my phone?
No. Your phone must be unlocked before anyone can view your digital license in Wallet. Even if someone has your phone, they cannot open Wallet or show your license without your Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode. This is a built-in security feature.
Do I still need to carry my physical license?
Yes. Your state law still requires you to carry your physical driver's license. The digital version is an additional option for convenience, not a replacement. Some situations — like renewing your registration or proving your identity to a bank — still require the physical card.
What if my state doesn't support digital licenses yet?
You cannot add your license to Wallet if your state hasn't partnered with Apple. Check your state's DMV website periodically to see if the program becomes available. More states are expected to add support over time, but there is no set timeline for when your state might join.