What Apple Wallet Does With Your Driver's License
Apple Wallet can store a digital copy of your driver's license or state ID on your iPhone or Apple Watch. When you add your license to Wallet, Apple encrypts the information and stores it on your device — not on Apple's servers. You can then show this digital version to TSA agents at airport security, or to police officers during traffic stops, depending on which states have made this option available.
The digital license looks similar to your physical card on your phone's screen. You control when and how it's displayed — you can require Face ID or Touch ID before the license shows, and you can choose to share only certain information (like your age) rather than your full license details.
This is different from taking a photo of your license or storing it in a notes app. Apple's system is designed so that the information is verified and harder to counterfeit, and so that you have more control over what gets shown.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Wallet stores your driver's license encrypted on your device, and you must unlock it with Face ID or Touch ID before anyone can see it.
- Only certain states have made digital licenses available through Apple Wallet, and availability is expanding over time.
- TSA accepts digital licenses at airport security in participating states; police acceptance varies by state and by individual officer.
- You keep your physical license even after adding it to Wallet — the digital version is an additional option, not a replacement.
- Adding your license to Wallet requires your state's DMV or equivalent agency to support the feature and your device to be compatible.
Which States Currently Support Digital Licenses in Apple Wallet
As of early 2024, Arizona, Georgia, Connecticut, Maryland, Colorado, Delaware, and Mississippi have made digital driver's licenses available through Apple Wallet. Several other states have announced plans to add support, but the rollout is gradual and varies by state.
To find out whether your state supports this feature, open Wallet on your iPhone, tap the plus button to add a card or ID, and look for the driver's license option. If your state isn't listed, the option won't appear. You can also check your state's DMV website for announcements about digital ID availability.
Even within states that support digital licenses, not all ID types may be available — some states may offer it for driver's licenses but not yet for state ID cards, or vice versa.
How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet
The process begins in the Wallet app on your iPhone. Tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, select "Driver's License or State ID," and choose your state. You'll be asked to take a photo of the front and back of your physical license using your phone's camera.
Next, you'll need to verify your identity. Apple typically asks you to take a video selfie while you move your head in specific ways — this is to confirm you're the person on the license. You may also be asked to enter information from your license or answer security questions based on your state's records.
Once verification is complete, your digital license appears in Wallet. You can set it to require Face ID or Touch ID before display, and you can choose whether to show your full license or just your age when someone requests it.
Using Your Digital License at Airport Security and Beyond
TSA officers at participating airports can scan or view your digital license through Apple Wallet. When you reach the security checkpoint, you can hold your phone up and the officer can see your license information on your screen. Some airports have readers that can scan the digital license directly.
Police officers and other officials may also accept your digital license, but this depends on your state's laws and the individual officer's familiarity with the system. Some states have explicitly authorized police to accept digital licenses; others have not yet made a formal decision. If an officer is unsure, having your physical license available can prevent confusion.
Digital licenses are not yet widely accepted for purposes like buying alcohol or entering age-restricted venues, though this may change as the technology becomes more common.
Security and Privacy Protections Built Into Digital Licenses
Apple Wallet uses encryption to protect your license information. The data is stored on your device only, not on Apple's servers or in the cloud. This means your license information stays private unless you actively choose to show it.
When you present your digital license, you control what information is displayed. You can choose to show only your age rather than your full name, address, and license number. The person viewing your license cannot take a screenshot or save the information — Apple's system prevents this.
Your device must be unlocked with Face ID or Touch ID before your license can be displayed, adding another layer of security. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can use Find My iPhone to remotely erase your Wallet data.
Keeping Your Physical License Even After Going Digital
Adding your license to Apple Wallet does not replace your physical license. You should continue to carry your physical ID card with you. The digital version is an additional option, not a substitute.
There are several reasons to keep your physical license: not all officers or officials accept digital licenses yet, your phone could run out of battery, your device might malfunction, or you might encounter someone unfamiliar with the digital system. Having both gives you flexibility.
Your physical license remains valid and should be presented if the person asking for ID is uncomfortable with or unfamiliar with the digital version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my digital license if my phone dies?
No. Your digital license requires your phone to be powered on and unlocked. If your battery is dead, you'll need your physical license. This is one reason to always carry both versions.
What happens if I get a new phone?
When you set up a new iPhone, you can restore your Wallet data from your backup. If you don't have a backup, you'll need to add your license to Wallet again on the new device by going through the verification process a second time.
Can someone screenshot my digital license?
No. Apple's system prevents screenshots when your license is displayed in Wallet. The person viewing it cannot save or copy the information.
Do I need to update my digital license if I renew my physical one?
Yes. When you renew your physical license with your state's DMV, you'll need to add the new license to Wallet separately. The old digital license will no longer be valid.
What if a police officer doesn't accept my digital license?
Provide your physical license instead. Not all officers are trained on digital IDs yet, and some states have not formally authorized their use for police stops. Having your physical card prevents any complications.