Apple Wallet driver's licenses are available in some states, but not all

You can add your driver's license to Apple Wallet in a growing number of states, but the list changes as more states build the technology and complete security testing. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Utah have launched the feature. Several other states including California, Florida, New York, and Texas have announced plans to add it but have not yet made it available.

The feature works only on iPhone 12 and newer models, and on Apple Watch Series 7 and newer. When you add your license, you can show it at TSA checkpoints at participating airports or to law enforcement by holding your phone or watch near a reader — you do not hand over your device. The state you live in determines whether this option is available to you right now.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Wallet driver's license support is live in 13 states as of now, with more states working toward launch.
  • You need an iPhone 12 or newer, or Apple Watch Series 7 or newer, to use this feature.
  • TSA accepts digital IDs at most major U.S. airports, but state police and other agencies may not yet support them.
  • Adding your license to Apple Wallet does not replace your physical card — you should carry both until your state fully transitions.

States where you can add your driver's license now

The states currently offering Apple Wallet driver's licenses are Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Utah. Each state rolled out the feature on its own timeline, starting with Arizona in 2021. The process varies slightly by state, but generally you open the Wallet app, tap the plus sign, select "Driver's License or State ID," and follow your state's verification steps.

Not every state's version works the same way. Some states let you add your license when ready after verification; others require you to request it through your state's DMV website first. Check your state's DMV website to see whether the feature is available and what documents you need to verify your identity — usually a photo of your physical license and a selfie.

States planning to add the feature

California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming have all announced plans to support Apple Wallet driver's licenses. However, announcement does not mean the feature is live yet. Some of these states have been working on it for over a year without a public launch date.

If your state is on this list but the feature is not yet available, you can check your state's DMV website periodically for updates. Some states announce the launch date weeks in advance; others roll it out with little warning. Signing up for email alerts from your state's DMV is the most reliable way to know when it becomes available.

How to add your license if your state supports it

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone 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 and then verify your identity — this usually means taking a photo of the front and back of your physical license and a selfie. Some states use third-party verification services; others verify you directly through the DMV.

After verification, your state's system will either add the license to your Wallet when ready or send you to your state's DMV website to request it. Once it appears in Wallet, you can display it by double-clicking the side button on your iPhone (or tapping and holding on Apple Watch) and then swiping to your license. The screen will show only the information the reader is authorized to see — TSA sees different details than a police officer would.

Where you can use your digital driver's license

TSA accepts digital driver's licenses at most major U.S. airports for domestic flights. When you reach the ID checkpoint, hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the reader. You do not need to unlock your phone or open the Wallet app — the reader communicates directly with your device. TSA has tested the feature extensively and considers it as find as a physical card.

Law enforcement acceptance varies widely. Some state police departments have the readers needed to scan digital IDs; many do not yet. If an officer asks for your ID, you can show the digital version, but they may not be able to read it with their current equipment. For this reason, you should carry your physical license at all times. The digital version is a convenience for TSA checkpoints, not a replacement for your physical card.

Security and privacy when using Apple Wallet

Apple does not store your driver's license data on its servers. The information stays encrypted on your device, and the reader only receives the specific details it is authorized to see. When you show your license to TSA, they see your name, date of birth, license number, and expiration date — but not your address or other personal information. When you show it to a police officer, the data shown depends on what that state's law allows.

Your phone must have a passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID enabled for the license to work. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remove the license from that device using Find My iPhone, just as you would with a credit card. The license remains on your other devices. If you are concerned about privacy, you can keep the license in your Wallet but choose to show your physical card instead — the choice is always yours.

What to do if your state is not on the list yet

If your state has not announced Apple Wallet support, check your state's DMV website every few months for updates. Many states are still in the planning or testing phase. You can also contact your state's DMV directly to ask about their timeline — some DMVs publish roadmaps showing when they expect to launch.

In the meantime, keep your physical driver's license with you. There is no downside to waiting for your state to launch the feature. When it does become available, you can add your license to Wallet without affecting your physical card. Both will remain valid and usable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to carry my physical driver's license if I add it to Apple Wallet?

Yes. While TSA accepts digital IDs at airports, most police officers and other agencies cannot yet read them. Carry both your physical license and the digital version in your Wallet until your state's law enforcement has the necessary readers.

What happens if my phone dies or I forget it?

You will need your physical driver's license. The digital version is a convenience tool, not a replacement. Always carry your physical card as your primary form of ID.

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if I have an older iPhone?

No. You need iPhone 12 or newer. If you have an older model, you can still use your physical license, and you can upgrade to a compatible iPhone model to use the digital feature.

Is my personal information safe when I show my digital license?

Yes. Your data stays encrypted on your device, and the reader only receives information it is authorized to see. TSA sees different details than a police officer would. Your phone must have a passcode or biometric lock enabled for the license to work.

What if I move to a state that supports Apple Wallet after I add my license?

You can add your new state's license to your Wallet once you update your physical license at the DMV. Your old state's digital license will remain in your Wallet but will no longer be valid once your physical license expires or is replaced.