How to Add Your Driver License to Apple Wallet

What Apple Driver License Does and How It Works

Apple driver license is a digital copy of your state-issued driver license that you store in the Wallet app on your iPhone or Apple Watch. When you add your license to Wallet, you can show it to TSA agents at airport security or to police officers during traffic stops without handing over your physical card. Apple encrypts the data on your device, and you control what information the other person sees.

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 allow digital driver licenses in Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add the feature over time. Your state's DMV must have partnered with Apple to make this available.

The process of adding your license takes about 10 to 15 minutes and requires your phone's camera, your state ID number, and your Social Security number. You will need to take a photo of yourself and answer identity verification questions. Once approved, your digital license appears in Wallet alongside your credit cards and boarding passes.

Key Takeaways

Digital driver licenses are available only in 15 states as of now, and your state's DMV must have partnered with Apple for the feature to work.
You add your license through the Wallet app by taking a selfie, providing your ID and Social Security number, and answering verification questions.
TSA agents at airport security and some police officers can scan your digital license from your phone or watch without you handing over your physical card.
Your digital license is encrypted on your device, and you choose what information is shown each time someone requests to see it.
You still need to carry your physical driver license because not all businesses, officers, or agencies accept the digital version yet.

Which States Currently Support Apple Driver License

The following states allow you to add your driver license to Apple Wallet: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah. Each state rolled out the feature at different times, and the list continues to grow as more DMVs complete their technical setup with Apple.

To find out whether your state is on this list, open the Wallet app on your iPhone, tap the plus sign in the top right corner, and select "Driver's License or State ID." The app will show you whether your state is available. If your state does not appear, you cannot add your license through this method yet, though your state may announce support in the future.

Step-by-Step: Adding Your License to Wallet

Step 1: Open Wallet and start the process. On your iPhone, open the Wallet app. Tap the plus sign (+) in the top right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID." Choose your state from the list. If your state does not appear, the feature is not yet available to you.

Step 2: Take a photo of your license. Use your phone's camera to photograph the front and back of your physical driver license. Make sure the entire card is visible and the text is clear. The app will guide you through positioning and lighting.

Step 3: Take a selfie for identity verification. The app will ask you to take a photo of your face. Follow the on-screen instructions to position your head and may support good lighting. This photo is used to verify that you are the person on the license.

Step 4: Provide your personal information. Enter your state ID number and Social Security number. The app will use this information to confirm your identity with your state's DMV database. Double-check that you type these correctly, as errors can delay approval.

Step 5: Answer identity verification questions. The app will ask you questions about your personal history — such as previous addresses, loan amounts, or other details from your credit file. These questions confirm that you are who you claim to be. Answer them truthfully based on your records.

Step 6: Wait for approval. After you submit your information, Apple and your state's DMV review your request. Approval usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, though it can take longer if additional verification is needed. You will receive a notification in Wallet when your license is approved and ready to use.

How to Use Your Digital License at Airport Security and Traffic Stops

When you reach the TSA checkpoint at an airport, tell the agent that you have a digital driver license. Open Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch and tap your license. The agent will scan the code on your screen using a handheld scanner, just as they would scan a physical card. You do not hand over your phone — the agent scans it while you hold it.

During a traffic stop, you can also show your digital license to a police officer. Open Wallet, tap your license, and hold your phone so the officer can scan it. Not all police departments accept digital licenses yet, so some officers may ask for your physical card instead. If that happens, you will need to show your physical license.

Each time someone scans your digital license, you control what information appears. The Wallet app shows only the data fields that are relevant — for example, at airport security, the TSA sees your name, date of birth, and license number, but not your address or Social Security number. You can review what was shared after each scan.

What Information Is Stored and How Apple Protects It

Your digital driver license contains the same information as your physical card: your name, date of birth, address, license number, and expiration date. This data is stored directly on your iPhone or Apple Watch, not on Apple's servers or in the cloud. Only you can access it through your device's Face ID or Touch ID.

Apple uses encryption to protect your license data. When someone scans your license, the information is transmitted securely and cannot be intercepted or copied. Apple does not retain a copy of your license, and your state's DMV does not store a record of each scan. The transaction is between your device and the scanner, with no third party holding onto the data afterward.

If your phone is lost or stolen, your digital license is protected by your device's security settings. A thief cannot access Wallet without unlocking your phone first. You can also remove your license from Wallet at any time by opening the app, pressing and holding your license, and selecting "Remove."

When You Still Need Your Physical Driver License

Even after you add your license to Wallet, you should continue to carry your physical driver license. Many businesses, government offices, and law enforcement agencies do not yet accept digital licenses. Banks, rental car companies, bars, and retailers may still require the physical card.

Some police departments and traffic enforcement agencies have not yet updated their systems to scan digital licenses. If an officer does not have a compatible scanner, you will need to show your physical card. The same applies to border crossings, where federal agents may not accept digital versions.

Your digital license also cannot be used to prove your identity for purposes like opening a bank account, explore for credit, or registering to vote. Government and financial institutions still require the physical card for these transactions. Think of your digital license as a convenience for situations where scanning is available, not as a replacement for your physical card.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Your state does not appear in the list. If you live in a state that has not yet partnered with Apple, you cannot add your license through Wallet. Check back periodically, as more states continue to roll out the feature. You can also contact your state's DMV to ask when digital licenses will be available.

Your identity verification was rejected. This usually happens when the information you entered does not match your state's DMV records. Check that your state ID number and Social Security number are correct. If you recently moved or changed your name, your DMV records may not be updated yet. Update your information with your state's DMV first, then try adding your license again.

The scanner will not read your digital license. Make sure your phone's screen is clean and bright enough for the scanner to read the code. Hold your phone steady and at the angle the agent requests. If the scanner still does not work, show your physical license instead. Not all scanners are compatible with digital licenses yet.

You want to remove your license from Wallet. Open Wallet, press and hold your driver license, and tap "Remove." Your license will be deleted from your phone. You can add it again later if you change your mind. Removing it from your phone does not affect your physical license or your state's DMV records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license to renew my driver license online?

No. Your digital license is for showing to TSA agents and police officers. You still need to renew your physical license through your state's DMV website or in person. The digital version does not replace the renewal process.

What happens if my phone dies while I am at airport security?

If your battery is too low to open Wallet, you will need to show your physical driver license instead. The TSA will accept your physical card. To avoid this, keep your phone charged before traveling, or carry your physical license as a backup.

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if I have a learner's permit or state ID card instead of a driver license?

Some states allow you to add a state ID card to Wallet, but learner's permits are not yet supported. Check the Wallet app to see whether your state offers this option for non-driver IDs. If your state does not support it, you will need to carry your physical permit or ID card.

Is my digital license valid if I am traveling outside the United States?

Your digital license is recognized only by TSA agents at U.S. airports and by participating U.S. law enforcement agencies. It is not valid for international travel. You will need your physical passport or passport card to travel outside the country.

Can someone else use my digital license if they have access to my phone?

No. Your digital license is protected by your phone's Face ID or Touch ID. Even if someone unlocks your phone, they cannot open Wallet and show your license without your biometric approval. Each time your license is scanned, you must authenticate it first.

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.