Apple Wallet driver's licenses work in a growing but still limited set of states
You can add your driver's license or state ID to Apple Wallet on an iPhone or Apple Watch, but not every state has made this option available yet. As of now, only a handful of states have launched digital ID programs that work with Apple's system. The states currently offering this are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Washington. More states are expected to roll out their own versions over time, but the timeline varies.
The reason for this gradual rollout is that each state has to build its own system and coordinate with Apple to make sure the digital ID meets security and verification standards. This is not something a state can do overnight. Some states are still in the planning phase, while others are testing their systems before a full launch.
Key Takeaways
- Over 20 states now allow you to add your driver's license or ID to Apple Wallet, but availability depends on where you live.
- You can use a digital ID at TSA airport security checkpoints and at some retail locations, though not everywhere yet.
- Adding your ID to Apple Wallet requires you to verify your identity through your state's DMV system, usually by scanning your physical license.
- Your digital ID is encrypted and stored only on your device — Apple and the state cannot see what you show to others.
- If your state has not launched a digital ID program yet, you will still need to carry your physical license.
How to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet
The process starts in the Wallet app on your iPhone or Apple Watch. Open Wallet, tap the plus sign, and select "Driver's License or State ID." The app will guide you through taking photos of the front and back of your physical license, then recording a short video of your face to confirm your identity.
After you submit these images, your state's DMV system verifies that the information matches their records. This verification step is why you need a valid, current license — the state is checking that you are who you say you are. Once approved, your digital ID appears in Wallet and you can use it right away. The whole process usually takes a few minutes, though approval can take longer depending on your state's system.
If your state is not yet offering digital IDs, the Wallet app will not show this option when you open it. You can check your state's DMV website to see if the program is available or when it is expected to launch.
Where you can use your digital ID
The most common place to use a digital ID is at TSA security checkpoints in airports. TSA officers can scan the ID directly from your phone or watch, and the transaction is complete. You do not have to hand over your device — the officer uses a special reader that pulls the information without accessing anything else on your phone.
Some retail locations, banks, and other businesses are beginning to accept digital IDs, but this is still rolling out unevenly. A few major retailers and some state agencies have started accepting them, but you cannot assume every store will take a digital ID yet. It is safest to carry your physical license as a backup until digital ID acceptance becomes more widespread in your area.
Your state's DMV website will list which businesses and agencies in your state currently accept digital IDs. This list changes as more organizations set up the technology to read them.
Security and privacy of your digital ID
Your digital ID is encrypted and stored only on your device. Apple cannot see it, and neither can your state. When you show your ID to someone — whether at an airport or a store — you control exactly what information they see. You can choose to show just your age, for example, without revealing your address or full name.
If you lose your phone, your digital ID is protected by Face ID or Touch ID, the same security that protects everything else on your device. If your phone is stolen, the thief cannot access your ID without unlocking the phone first. You can also remove the ID from Wallet at any time, and it will no longer be usable.
Because the ID is tied to your specific device, you will need to add it again if you get a new phone. The process is the same as the first time — your state will verify your identity again through the DMV system.
What happens if your state has not launched digital IDs yet
If your state is not on the list of states offering digital IDs, you will not see the option in Wallet. Your state's DMV is likely still working on building the system or testing it before launch. You can check your state's DMV website or contact them directly to find out when the program might become available.
In the meantime, you will need to carry your physical driver's license or ID card as you normally do. There is no way to create a digital ID through Apple Wallet if your state has not officially launched the program — third-party apps that claim to do this are not the same thing and are not accepted at TSA checkpoints or most official locations.
Differences between digital ID and a digital copy
A digital ID in Apple Wallet is not the same as taking a photo of your license and storing it on your phone. The digital ID is an official document that your state has verified and encrypted. It connects to your state's DMV system, which means the person or machine reading it can confirm that it is real and current.
A photo of your license, by contrast, is just an image. It cannot be verified as authentic, and most official places will not accept it. TSA will not scan a photo, and neither will most businesses that have set up readers for digital IDs. The digital ID in Wallet is the official version that carries legal weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my digital ID if I am traveling to another state?
Yes. TSA accepts digital IDs from any state that has launched the program, regardless of where you are flying. If you are traveling to a state that does not yet have digital IDs, you can still use your digital ID at the airport, but you may not be able to use it at retail locations in that state.
What if I renew my license — do I have to add it to Wallet again?
Yes. When you renew your physical license, you will need to add the new one to Apple Wallet. The old digital ID will no longer work. Your state's DMV will guide you through the process when you renew.
Can I use my digital ID to vote or for other official documents?
Digital IDs are currently limited to TSA checkpoints and some retail and business locations. They are not yet accepted for voting, opening bank accounts, or other official government transactions. Your physical license is still required for those purposes.
What if my phone dies at the airport — can I still use my digital ID?
No. Your digital ID only works when your phone is powered on and unlocked. If your battery dies, you will need to use your physical license. This is why carrying your physical license as a backup is still important.
Is my digital ID safe if I lose my phone?
Your digital ID is protected by Face ID or Touch ID, so someone cannot access it without unlocking your phone. You can also remove the ID from Wallet remotely if you lose your device. However, it is a good idea to contact your state's DMV to report the loss, just as you would with a physical license.