Arizona driver licenses can be added to Apple Wallet on compatible iPhones and Apple Watches
Arizona allows you to store a digital copy of your driver license in Apple Wallet on iPhones running iOS 15.1 or later, and on Apple Watches running watchOS 8.1 or later. When you add your license to Wallet, you can show it to law enforcement or at certain businesses without pulling out your physical card. The digital version is encrypted and stored securely on your device.
Not every iPhone model supports this feature. You need an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or any newer model. Older iPhones cannot store driver licenses in Wallet, though you can still use the Wallet app for other purposes like payment cards and boarding passes.
Arizona began offering digital driver licenses through Apple Wallet in 2021. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires your physical license, a compatible device, and internet access.
Key Takeaways
- You need an iPhone XS or newer running iOS 15.1 or later to add your Arizona driver license to Wallet.
- The digital license is encrypted on your device and does not replace your physical card, which you should keep with you.
- You can add your license to Wallet through the Wallet app itself by tapping the plus icon and selecting "Driver's License or State ID."
- Arizona law enforcement and some businesses accept the digital license, but acceptance varies by location and situation.
What you need before you start
Gather your physical Arizona driver license and have it nearby. You will need to photograph the front and back of your license during the setup process, and the app will verify the images match your actual card.
Make sure your iPhone is updated to iOS 15.1 or later. Go to Settings, tap General, then Software Update to check your current version. If an update is available, connect to Wi-Fi and plug in your device before updating, as the process can take 15 minutes or longer.
You will also need to verify your identity using your phone number and a code sent to you by text message. Have your phone number ready and make sure you can receive text messages on that number during setup.
How to add your license to Apple Wallet step by step
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone. Tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Scroll down and tap "Driver's License or State ID." Select Arizona from the list of states.
Tap "Continue" and follow the on-screen instructions. You will be asked to photograph the front of your license first. Position your license in the frame shown on screen, make sure the lighting is clear, and tap the shutter button. The app will check that the image is readable before moving forward.
Photograph the back of your license next using the same process. After both images are captured, the app will ask you to take a selfie. Position your face in the frame and tap the shutter button. This photo is used to verify your identity and is not stored in Wallet.
Enter your phone number and tap "Send Code." You will receive a text message with a six-digit code within one minute. Enter that code in the app to verify your number. The app will then confirm that your information matches Arizona DMV records.
Review the terms and conditions, then tap "Agree." Your license will be added to Wallet within a few seconds. You will see it listed in your Wallet app alongside any payment cards or passes you have stored.
Using your digital license in person
When you need to show your license, open Wallet and tap your Arizona driver license. Your license will display on screen with your photo, name, license number, and expiration date. You do not need to unlock your phone or use Face ID to display it.
Law enforcement in Arizona can scan the digital license using their standard license-reading equipment. Some officers may ask to see your physical license instead, and you should comply with that request. The digital version is not a replacement for your physical card.
Some businesses, such as certain bars and retailers, may accept the digital license for age verification. However, acceptance varies by location and business policy. If a business asks for ID, it is safest to offer your physical license first unless they specifically indicate they accept digital versions.
Keep your physical Arizona driver license with you at all times. The digital version is a convenience, not a substitute. Some situations, such as crossing state lines or traveling by air, may require your physical license.
What happens if your phone is lost or stolen
Your digital license is encrypted on your device and cannot be accessed without unlocking your phone. If your iPhone is lost or stolen, the person who finds it cannot view your license without your passcode or Face ID.
If you lose your phone, you can remove your license from that device using Find My iPhone. Open iCloud.com, select Find My, choose your device, and select "Erase This Device." This will wipe your phone remotely, including your Wallet data.
Once your phone is erased or replaced, you can add your license to Wallet again on your new device by following the same steps. You will need to verify your identity again with a new selfie and text code.
Updating or removing your digital license
If you renew your Arizona driver license, you will need to add the new license to Wallet as a separate entry. Open Wallet, tap the plus sign, and repeat the process with your new physical license. You can keep the old license in Wallet until you delete it, or delete it when ready.
To remove your license from Wallet, open the Wallet app, tap and hold your license, and select "Remove." Your physical license remains valid and unchanged. Removing the digital version from your phone does not affect your actual license status with Arizona DMV.
If your license expires, the digital version in Wallet will also expire on the same date. You will need to renew your physical license with Arizona DMV and then add the renewed license to Wallet.
Troubleshooting common problems
If the app says your images are not clear enough, make sure you are in good lighting and that your license is flat and fully visible in the frame. Shadows, glare, or tilted angles often cause the app to reject images. Try again in a brighter location or near a window.
If you do not receive the text code, check that you entered your phone number correctly. Wait a full minute before assuming the message did not arrive. If you still do not receive it, tap "Resend Code" in the app. If the problem continues, restart your iPhone and try again.
If the app says your information does not match Arizona DMV records, double-check that your photos are clear and that the information on your license is current. If your address or name has changed recently, contact Arizona DMV to confirm your records are updated before trying again.
If your iPhone is too old to support the feature, you will see a message saying your device is not compatible. Only iPhone XS and newer models support digital driver licenses. If you have an older iPhone, you will need to upgrade your device to use this feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the digital license if my physical license is suspended or revoked?
No. Your digital license has the same legal status as your physical license. If your license is suspended or revoked by Arizona DMV, both versions become invalid. You cannot use either one to drive or prove your identity legally.
Do I need to show my digital license or my physical license to police?
You can show either one. Arizona law enforcement can read both the digital and physical versions. If an officer asks for your license, you can hand them your phone with the digital version displayed, or hand them your physical card. Either is acceptable.
What if I have an Arizona ID card instead of a driver license?
Arizona ID cards can also be added to Apple Wallet using the same process. Open Wallet, tap the plus sign, and select "Driver's License or State ID." The steps are identical to adding a driver license.
Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if I live outside Arizona?
No. You must have an Arizona driver license or ID card issued by Arizona DMV. If you moved to another state and have a license from that state, you can only add that state's license to Wallet if your state offers the feature.
Is the digital license accepted at TSA checkpoints for air travel?
TSA does not currently accept digital driver licenses for airport security screening. You must present your physical Arizona driver license at the checkpoint. The digital version is useful for everyday situations but not for federal identification purposes.