Apple Wallet now holds digital driver's licenses in some states, but not all

Apple Wallet can store a digital version of your driver's license or state ID in a handful of states. When you add your ID to Apple Wallet, you can show it on your iPhone or Apple Watch at airport security checkpoints and some police traffic stops — you don't have to hand over your physical card. The states that currently support this feature are Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. The list continues to grow, with more states announcing plans to add the feature.

The process of adding your ID differs slightly by state, but generally involves opening Apple Wallet, selecting the option to add an ID, and following your state's verification steps — which may include taking a photo of yourself and your physical ID. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency controls whether the feature is available and how it works in your state.

Key Takeaways

  • Digital IDs in Apple Wallet are available in about 30 states, with more expected to launch in the coming months.
  • You can present your digital ID at TSA airport security checkpoints and during some police traffic stops instead of your physical card.
  • Adding your ID to Apple Wallet requires verification through your state's DMV, usually involving a photo of yourself and your physical ID.
  • Your physical driver's license remains valid and necessary — the digital version is an additional option, not a replacement.
  • Availability and the specific steps to add your ID depend on which state issued your license.

How to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet

Open Apple Wallet on your iPhone or iPad and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the menu. Your phone will ask you to choose your state — select the state that issued your license. You'll then be guided through a verification process that typically requires you to take a photo of the front and back of your physical ID and a selfie.

After you submit these photos, your state's DMV verifies your identity. This verification can take anywhere from a few minutes to several days, depending on your state's system. Once approved, your digital ID appears in Apple Wallet and you can use it when ready. If your state hasn't launched the feature yet, the option to add an ID won't appear when you try to add one.

Where you can use your digital ID

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts digital IDs at airport security checkpoints in all 50 states. When you reach the ID checkpoint, tell the TSA officer you have a digital ID and unlock your iPhone or Apple Watch to show it. The officer scans the ID or reviews it on your screen. You can also use your digital ID during some police traffic stops, though this depends on the individual officer and your state's policies — not all officers are trained to accept digital IDs yet.

Some states are expanding where digital IDs can be used. For example, some retailers and venues may eventually accept them, but currently the main uses are TSA checkpoints and law enforcement. Your state's DMV website will list the specific places where your digital ID is accepted.

What information appears on your digital ID

Your digital ID in Apple Wallet contains the same information as your physical card: your name, date of birth, address, license number, and expiration date. It also includes your photo. When you present it to TSA or law enforcement, they see only the information they need — for example, TSA sees your name and date of birth to verify your identity, but not your full address or license number unless they request it.

Apple does not store a copy of your ID information on its servers. The data lives only on your device, encrypted and protected by your phone's security features. If you lose your phone, your digital ID is not accessible to anyone else without unlocking your device.

Security and privacy when using a digital ID

Your digital ID requires you to unlock your phone before it can be displayed, which adds a layer of security compared to carrying a physical card. You control exactly what information is shared each time you present it — you can choose to show only your age verification without revealing your address, for example. Apple Wallet uses encryption to protect the data on your device.

When you present your digital ID to TSA or law enforcement, that interaction is between you and the officer or agency — Apple does not track or store records of when or where you use your digital ID. Your state's DMV may keep records of when your digital ID was activated, but this varies by state.

What happens if your state hasn't launched digital IDs yet

If your state is not on the list of states that currently support digital IDs, you cannot add your license to Apple Wallet yet. Check your state's DMV website to see if a launch date has been announced. Many states are in the process of building the technology and security systems needed to support digital IDs, and new states are expected to launch the feature regularly.

In the meantime, your physical driver's license works everywhere a digital ID would. You do not need to do anything special — continue carrying your physical card as you normally would. When your state launches digital ID support, you'll be able to add your license to Apple Wallet at that time.

Keeping your digital ID up to date

If your driver's license expires or you renew it, you'll need to update your digital ID in Apple Wallet. When you renew your physical license through your state's DMV, you can add the new license to Apple Wallet using the same process you used the first time. You can keep multiple versions of your ID in Apple Wallet if needed, though typically you'll want to remove the expired one to avoid confusion.

If you move to a different state and get a new driver's license, you can add that new license to Apple Wallet. You can keep your old state's digital ID in your wallet if you want, but you'll typically only need the current one.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your digital ID is an additional option, not a replacement for your physical license. You should continue carrying your physical driver's license because not all places accept digital IDs yet, and some situations (like getting pulled over) may require a physical card. TSA and some police departments accept digital IDs, but it's safest to have both.

What if I don't have an iPhone or Apple Watch?

Digital IDs in Apple Wallet are only available on Apple devices. If you use an Android phone, you cannot store your ID in Apple Wallet. Some states are developing digital ID options for Android users through other apps or systems, so check your state's DMV website for alternatives.

Is my digital ID find if my phone is stolen?

Your digital ID requires your phone to be unlocked before it can be displayed, so a thief cannot access it without your passcode or biometric authentication. If your phone is stolen, you can remotely erase it using Find My iPhone, which removes your digital ID from that device.

Can I use my digital ID at bars or stores that check ID?

Currently, most bars and retail stores do not accept digital IDs — they expect a physical card. TSA and law enforcement are the primary places where digital IDs are accepted. Check with your state's DMV to see if any retailers or venues in your area have begun accepting digital IDs.

What if my state's digital ID system is down or not working?

If you cannot access your digital ID on your phone, you can always show your physical driver's license instead. TSA and law enforcement will accept your physical card. This is another reason to continue carrying your physical license even after you add your ID to Apple Wallet.