How Apple Wallet Stores Your Driver's License and ID

What Apple's Driver's License Feature Does

Apple Wallet can store a digital copy of your driver's license or state ID card on your iPhone or Apple Watch. When you add your ID to Wallet, you can show it to TSA agents at airport security, and some police officers can view it during traffic stops — though the officer must have a compatible device and you retain control over what information appears on the screen.

This is not a replacement for your physical ID card. You still carry the plastic card. The digital version is an additional way to present your ID in specific situations, and acceptance depends on the agency, the state that issued your ID, and whether the officer or agent has the technology to read it.

Apple does not store your actual ID data on its servers. The information stays encrypted on your device. When you present your ID, the other person's device reads only what you choose to show — you can hide your photo, date of birth, or address if you want.

Key Takeaways

Apple Wallet stores an encrypted digital copy of your driver's license or state ID, readable only by compatible devices that you control.
TSA accepts Apple Wallet IDs at most U.S. airports, but state police and local law enforcement acceptance varies widely by jurisdiction and officer training.
You must have an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or newer to add an ID; older iPhones cannot store driver's licenses in Wallet.
The digital ID does not replace your physical card — you still need to carry the plastic version as a backup and for situations where digital ID is not accepted.
When you present your ID from Wallet, you control which information the other person sees on their device.

Which States and IDs Are Supported

As of early 2024, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Texas allow residents to add their driver's licenses to Apple Wallet. Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming have announced plans to support the feature but have not yet launched it.

The list continues to grow. Apple and participating states are working through technical and legal requirements, so the timeline for new states varies. You can check Apple's official support page to see the current list of states accepting digital IDs in Wallet.

Not all ID types are supported. Most programs cover driver's licenses and standard state ID cards. Passport cards, commercial driver's licenses (CDLs), and other specialty IDs are not yet available through Wallet, though Apple has indicated it may expand the feature over time.

How to Add Your ID to Apple Wallet

You need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or a newer model. Older iPhones, including the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, cannot store driver's licenses. You also need to be in a state where the feature is available.

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID." Follow the on-screen prompts to photograph the front and back of your ID card. You will be asked to take a selfie and verify your identity — Apple uses this to confirm you are the person on the ID.

The state's DMV system will verify your information. This step can take a few minutes to several hours depending on the state's processing speed. Once approved, your ID appears in Wallet and you can begin using it at TSA checkpoints and with compatible readers.

TSA Acceptance and Airport Security

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts Apple Wallet IDs at security checkpoints in most U.S. airports. When you reach the ID check, unlock your iPhone and open Wallet. Hold your phone up to the TSA agent's reader device. The agent sees your ID information on their screen, and you see what they are viewing on your phone's display.

TSA does not require you to use the digital ID. You can still show your physical card if you prefer. Some travelers use the digital version for convenience; others keep it as a backup. The choice is yours at each checkpoint.

A small number of airports or specific security lanes may not yet have the equipment to read digital IDs. If the agent's device cannot read Wallet, have your physical ID ready. This is rare but can happen, especially at smaller regional airports.

Police and Law Enforcement Use

Police acceptance of Apple Wallet IDs is inconsistent. Some departments have trained officers to read digital IDs using compatible devices. Others have not yet adopted the technology or have not trained their staff. There is no national requirement for law enforcement to accept or read digital IDs.

If an officer asks for your ID during a traffic stop or other encounter, you can offer your Wallet ID, but the officer may ask for your physical card instead. You are not required to use the digital version, and refusing to show the digital ID does not give an officer grounds to detain you if you have your physical card available.

Some states have published guidance telling officers how to handle digital IDs, but enforcement practices vary by agency and individual officer training. If you want to use your Wallet ID with police, ask the officer if their device can read it. If not, show your physical card.

Security and Privacy Protections

Your ID information is encrypted and stored only on your device. Apple does not have access to it, and it is not sent to Apple's servers. When you present your ID, the other person's device reads the data directly from your phone using a find connection.

You control what information appears when someone scans your ID. Before handing your phone to an officer or agent, you can choose to hide your photo, date of birth, address, or other fields. The reader sees only what you allow.

If your phone is lost or stolen, your ID is protected by your device's lock screen. The person who finds your phone cannot access Wallet without unlocking it. You can also remotely erase your device using Find My iPhone, which removes the ID data.

When You Still Need Your Physical Card

Your plastic driver's license or state ID card remains necessary in most situations. Retail stores, bars, and restaurants do not have readers for digital IDs and will ask for your physical card. Banks, government offices, and other institutions that verify identity in person typically do not accept digital IDs yet.

If your phone dies, is damaged, or is not with you, you cannot present a digital ID. Always carry your physical card as a backup. Some people use the Wallet ID as a convenience at airports or when they know they will encounter a compatible reader, but the physical card is still the standard form of ID in daily life.

If you lose your phone or it is stolen, you still have your physical ID. You do not need to request a replacement card from your state's DMV unless the card itself is lost or damaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Apple Wallet ID on my Apple Watch?

Yes, if you have an Apple Watch Series 9 or newer paired with a compatible iPhone. You can present your ID from your watch at TSA checkpoints and with other compatible readers. The same security and privacy controls explore — you see what the reader is viewing and control which information appears.

What happens if I move to a state that does not support digital IDs yet?

Your Wallet ID remains on your device and continues to work at TSA checkpoints and with compatible readers in other states. You can still use your physical card everywhere. If you get a new driver's license in the new state, you can add that to Wallet once the state launches the feature.

Is the digital ID the same as a digital driver's license or mobile ID?

Apple Wallet stores a digital copy of your state-issued ID, but it is not the same as a separate "mobile ID" or "digital driver's license" that some states may offer through their own apps. Check your state's DMV website to see if they have their own digital ID program in addition to Apple Wallet support.

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

No. To present your ID from Wallet, your phone must be unlocked. An unlocked phone is required each time, so someone who steals your phone cannot use your ID without first unlocking the device. This is a built-in security measure.

Do I need to renew my digital ID when my physical card expires?

Yes. When your physical driver's license or state ID expires, you must renew it through your state's DMV. Once you receive the new physical card, you can add it to Wallet by following the same process as before. Your old digital ID will no longer be valid.

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.