Yes, you can add your driver's license to Apple Wallet on supported devices

Apple Wallet lets you store a digital copy of your driver's license or state ID card on your iPhone or iPad. When you add it, you get a version that works at TSA checkpoints at U.S. airports and some state DMVs for in-person transactions. The digital ID does not replace your physical license — you still carry the card itself — but it gives you another way to prove your identity in certain situations.

Not every state offers this yet, and not every iPhone model supports it. The feature rolled out gradually starting in 2021, so availability depends on where you live and what device you own. Before you start, check whether your state participates and whether your phone can handle it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state must offer digital ID through Apple Wallet; currently about half of U.S. states do, with more being added over time.
  • You need an iPhone XS or later, or an iPad Pro, Air, or mini from 2017 or later to store a digital ID.
  • The setup process involves taking photos of your license, answering identity questions, and verifying your information through your state's DMV system.
  • A digital ID in Apple Wallet works at TSA airport checkpoints and some state DMVs, but you still need your physical card for most everyday situations.

Which states currently offer digital driver's licenses

States that have launched digital ID in Apple Wallet include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Utah. More states are in development or testing phases. The list changes regularly as states complete their systems and security reviews.

To find out whether your state offers this, open Apple Wallet on a supported device and tap the plus sign to add an item. If your state appears in the list, you can proceed. If it does not, your state either has not launched the feature yet or has not made it available through Apple Wallet.

What devices can store a digital ID

You need an iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, or any newer iPhone model. Older iPhones, including the iPhone X and earlier, cannot store digital IDs. If you have an iPad, it must be an iPad Pro (2017 or later), iPad Air (2017 or later), or iPad mini (2019 or later).

Your device also needs to be running the current or recent version of iOS or iPadOS. Before you start, check your device settings to make sure your software is up to date. If your phone or tablet is too old, you will not see the option to add a digital ID, even if your state offers it.

How to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet

Open Apple Wallet and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the list of items you can add. Choose your state from the menu. Apple will ask you to take a photo of the front and back of your license using your device's camera, so have your physical card ready.

After you photograph both sides, you will answer a series of identity verification questions. These questions pull from public records and are designed to confirm you are the person on the license. Answer them as accurately as you can. Once you finish, your state's DMV system will review your information. This verification step usually takes a few minutes, but can take longer depending on the state's system.

When verification is complete, your digital ID appears in Apple Wallet. You can view it by opening Wallet and tapping the ID card. The card displays your name, photo, license number, and expiration date. You do not need to do anything else — it stays in your Wallet and is ready to use.

Where you can use a digital driver's license

The main use right now is at TSA security checkpoints at participating U.S. airports. When you reach the ID check, you can show your digital license on your iPhone or iPad instead of handing over your physical card. The TSA agent scans or views the digital version, and you proceed through security. This works at most major airports, though some smaller regional airports may not have the technology yet.

Some state DMVs also accept digital IDs for certain in-person transactions, such as renewing your registration or updating your address. Check your state's DMV website to see which services accept digital ID. For everyday situations — driving a car, entering a bar, opening a bank account — you still need your physical license. Digital ID is an addition to your physical card, not a replacement.

What happens if you lose your phone or get a new one

If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remove your digital ID from Apple Wallet when ready through your iCloud account on another device or computer. Go to iCloud.com, sign in, and use Find My to locate your phone or mark it as lost. You can also remove the ID from your Apple ID settings. Once removed, the digital ID no longer works, even if someone else has your phone.

When you get a new phone, you can add your digital ID again by going through the same process in Apple Wallet. Your state's system will recognize that you already verified once, so the second setup is usually faster. You will still need to photograph your license and answer verification questions, but the process typically moves quicker the second time.

Security and privacy with a digital ID

Apple Wallet stores your digital ID on your device using encryption, which means the information is scrambled and protected. When you show your ID to a TSA agent or DMV employee, they see only the information they need — they cannot access your full data or anything else on your phone. Your digital ID does not contain your Social Security number, even though your physical license might have one printed on it.

Your state's DMV has your information on file already, so adding it to Apple Wallet does not create a new database or expose you to additional risk. The verification process confirms your identity to prevent someone else from adding your license to their phone. If you are concerned about privacy, remember that you control when and where you show your digital ID — you can always hand over your physical card instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital ID to drive a car or prove my age at a store?

Not yet. Digital ID in Apple Wallet currently works only at TSA airport checkpoints and some state DMVs for specific transactions. For driving, purchasing alcohol, or other everyday situations, you still need your physical license. This may change as more businesses and law enforcement agencies adopt the technology.

What if my state is not on the list?

Your state either has not launched digital ID through Apple Wallet yet or is still in testing. Check your state's DMV website to see if they plan to offer it. Some states are developing their own digital ID systems that may work differently than Apple Wallet. You can continue using your physical license in the meantime.

Do I need to delete my digital ID if I renew my physical license?

When your physical license expires and you renew it, you should remove the old digital ID from Apple Wallet and add the new one. Your state's DMV will issue you a new license number or update your information. Adding the new digital ID ensures the version in your Wallet matches your current physical card.

Can someone else add my license to their phone?

No. The verification process requires you to answer identity questions that only you should be able to answer. Someone would need your physical license, your phone, and knowledge of personal details from your background to attempt it. Even then, the state's system is designed to catch fraudulent attempts.

What if the photo verification fails?

If Apple cannot read your license clearly, it will ask you to retake the photos. Make sure the license is flat, well-lit, and fully visible in the frame. If verification fails repeatedly, contact your state's DMV for help. Some states have customer service lines specifically for digital ID issues.