What California's Digital Driver's License Is
California's digital driver's license is a digital copy of your driver's license that you can store on your iPhone or Apple Watch. It is not a replacement for your physical license — you still carry the plastic card. Instead, it is an additional way to show your identity and age at certain locations without handing over your physical card.
The state began rolling out this program in 2021. You can use the digital version at TSA airport security checkpoints, at some retail locations that check ID for age-restricted purchases, and at some police traffic stops. The digital license uses encrypted technology, so your information is not stored on Apple's servers or shared with businesses you show it to.
Key Takeaways
- California's digital driver's license works only on iPhone or Apple Watch and requires iOS 15.1 or later.
- You add your license through the Wallet app by scanning your physical license and taking a selfie; the state verifies your identity before set up.
- You can use the digital license at TSA checkpoints, some retail stores, and some police traffic stops, but not everywhere a physical license works.
- The digital license is optional and does not replace your physical card, which you must still carry.
- Adding your license to Wallet is free and takes about 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish.
Which Devices Support California's Digital License
Your device must be an iPhone or Apple Watch running current software. Specifically, you need iOS 15.1 or later on an iPhone, or watchOS 8.1 or later on an Apple Watch. Android phones do not support California's digital license at this time.
If you have an older iPhone or Apple Watch that cannot update to these versions, you cannot add a digital license. You can check your device's current software version in Settings (iPhone) or the Watch app (Apple Watch). If your device is compatible but you have not updated it recently, update it before you begin the process.
How to Add Your License to Wallet
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone. Tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, then select "Driver's License or State ID." The app will ask you to scan your physical license using your phone's camera — hold it steady and make sure all four corners are visible in the frame. After you scan the front, you will scan the back.
Next, you will take a selfie. The app uses facial recognition to match your photo to the one on your license. Hold your phone at eye level and follow the on-screen instructions. Do not wear sunglasses or a hat, and make sure your face is well-lit.
After you submit your selfie, the California Department of Motor Vehicles verifies your identity. This verification usually takes a few minutes, but can take up to 24 hours. Once verified, your digital license appears in Wallet and is ready to use. You will see a notification when verification is complete.
Where You Can Use Your Digital License
TSA airport security is the most common place to use your digital license. At the checkpoint, unlock your iPhone or Apple Watch and open Wallet. Hold your device up to the TSA agent's reader — they will scan it the same way they would scan a physical ID. You do not hand over your phone.
Some retail stores that sell age-restricted items (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis) accept digital licenses. Not all retailers participate, so you may still need your physical card. A growing number of police departments also accept digital licenses during traffic stops, though this varies by jurisdiction. If you are unsure whether a specific location accepts digital licenses, ask before you hand over your phone.
Your digital license does not work for voting, opening a bank account, explore for loans, or other transactions that require a government-issued ID document. For those situations, you must use your physical license.
What Happens to Your Information
When you add your license to Wallet, Apple does not store your information on its servers. Instead, the data stays encrypted on your device. When you show your digital license to a TSA agent or retailer, they see only the information they need — your name, photo, date of birth, and license number. They cannot see your address, Social Security number, or other details from your physical license.
If your phone is lost or stolen, your digital license is protected by your phone's security settings (Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode). You can also remove your digital license from Wallet at any time by opening Wallet, tapping your license, and selecting "Remove." The license is then deleted from your device.
Renewing or Updating Your Digital License
When you renew your physical driver's license with the DMV, you will need to add the new license to Wallet separately. The old digital license does not automatically update. After you receive your renewed physical license in the mail, open Wallet and add the new license using the same process: scan the front and back, take a selfie, and wait for verification.
If your phone information changes — for example, if you get a new iPhone — your digital license does not transfer automatically. You will need to add your license to Wallet on the new device. Your physical license remains valid and unchanged throughout this process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my digital license instead of my physical license everywhere?
No. Your digital license works at TSA checkpoints, some retail stores, and some police traffic stops, but not everywhere. You must still carry your physical license because many places do not accept digital licenses, and some situations legally require a physical document.
What if I do not have an iPhone or Apple Watch?
California's digital license is only available on Apple devices. If you use an Android phone, you cannot add a digital license. You can still use your physical driver's license everywhere it is accepted.
Is adding my license to Wallet safe?
Yes. Your information stays encrypted on your device and is not sent to Apple's servers or shared with businesses. When you show your license, the reader sees only the information needed for that transaction. You can delete the license from Wallet at any time.
What if my phone dies or runs out of battery?
If your battery is too low, you cannot use your digital license because Wallet requires your phone to be powered on. Always carry your physical license as a backup, especially when traveling or going through airport security.
Do I need to do anything special to keep my digital license active?
No. Once your license is added to Wallet, it stays there until you remove it or your phone is reset. You do not need to renew it or take any action to keep it active, except to add a new digital license when you renew your physical license with the DMV.