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 on your iPhone or iPad. The feature is called ID in Wallet, and it works alongside your physical license — you don't replace the original. When you present your ID at a store, airport, or other location that accepts it, you unlock your phone and hold it up to a reader, similar to how you'd use a contactless payment card.

Not every state offers this feature yet. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah have launched ID in Wallet. More states are expected to add support over time. You can check Apple's official list to see whether your state participates.

The process requires your state's DMV to issue you a digital version of your ID. You cannot straightforward photograph your physical license and add it to Wallet — the digital ID must come directly from your state's system and be encrypted on your device.

Key Takeaways

  • ID in Wallet is available only in certain states; check Apple's list to see if your state supports it.
  • You request a digital ID through your state's DMV website or app, not through Apple Wallet itself.
  • Your iPhone or iPad must be running iOS 15.1 or later (or iPadOS 15.1 or later) to store an ID.
  • You keep your physical license and use the digital version as an additional option at participating locations.
  • The digital ID is encrypted on your device and requires Face ID or Touch ID to display.

Which states currently support ID in Wallet

The states that have launched ID in Wallet are Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah. Each state rolled out the feature at different times, and not all DMVs in a state may have completed their setup yet.

If your state is not on this list, you cannot add your driver's license to Apple Wallet at this time. Your state's DMV would need to partner with Apple and build the infrastructure to issue digital IDs. You can contact your state's DMV to ask whether they plan to offer this feature in the future.

How to request a digital ID from your state DMV

The process varies slightly by state, but the general steps are the same. First, visit your state's DMV website or read your state's official DMV app. Look for a section labeled "Digital ID," "ID in Wallet," or "Mobile ID." Some states let you request it directly through their website; others require you to use their mobile app.

You will need to verify your identity, which usually means answering security questions or providing information from your driver's license. Some states may ask you to take a photo of yourself or your license. Once your state's DMV approves your request, you will receive a notification to add the ID to Apple Wallet.

The approval process typically takes a few days to a week, though this varies by state. During that time, your physical license remains valid and is the only ID you can use.

Adding the digital ID to your iPhone or iPad

Once your state's DMV has approved your digital ID request, you will see a notification or a link in your state's app or website. Tap the option to add it to Apple Wallet. Your device will open Wallet and walk you through the final steps.

You will need to verify your identity one more time using Face ID or Touch ID. Apple does this to may support that only you can add the ID to your device. After verification, the digital ID appears in your Wallet alongside your payment cards and passes.

Your device must be running iOS 15.1 or later (for iPhone) or iPadOS 15.1 or later (for iPad) to support ID in Wallet. If your device is older or running an earlier version of the operating system, you will not be able to add a digital ID.

Where you can use your digital ID

You can present your digital ID at locations that have installed readers to accept it. Currently, this includes some TSA checkpoints at participating airports and certain retail locations. The list of places that accept digital IDs is growing, but it is still limited compared to where you can use your physical license.

Always carry your physical driver's license as well. Many locations do not yet have the equipment to read digital IDs, and some may not accept them at all. Your physical license is still the primary form of ID you will need in most situations.

When you present your digital ID, you unlock your phone and hold it up to the reader. The reader scans the encrypted information on your device. You control what information is shared — for example, you can choose not to share your address if it is not required for the transaction.

Security and privacy considerations

Your digital ID is encrypted on your device and cannot be accessed without your Face ID or Touch ID. This means that if someone steals your phone, they cannot view or use your digital ID without unlocking it first. Apple does not store a copy of your ID on its servers.

When you present your digital ID to a reader, only the information necessary for that transaction is shared. You can see what data was shared and to whom. Your state's DMV retains a record that you requested a digital ID, but the actual ID data lives only on your device.

If you lose your phone or want to remove the digital ID, you can delete it from Wallet at any time. You can request a new digital ID from your state's DMV whenever you need one.

Troubleshooting common issues

If you cannot find the option to add your ID to Wallet, first confirm that your state supports the feature and that your device is running the required operating system version. Go to Settings, then General, then Software Update to check your current version. If your device is older than iOS 15.1 or iPadOS 15.1, you will need to update it.

If your state's DMV approved your digital ID but you do not see a notification in Wallet, check your state's DMV app or website. Sometimes the notification appears there instead of in Wallet itself. You may need to manually navigate to the option to add it to Wallet.

If you are having trouble verifying your identity during the request process, contact your state's DMV directly. They can help you troubleshoot authentication issues or resend your approval if something went wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use my digital ID, or can I keep using my physical license?

You can use either one. Your physical license remains valid and is accepted everywhere. The digital ID is an additional option at locations that have the equipment to read it. You are not required to use it.

What happens if my phone dies or I forget it at home?

You will not be able to use your digital ID. This is why you should always carry your physical license as a backup. The digital ID is a convenience option, not a replacement for your physical ID.

Can I add my ID to Apple Wallet if I have an iPad but not an iPhone?

Yes, you can add your digital ID to an iPad running iPadOS 15.1 or later. However, most places that accept digital IDs are set up to scan iPhones, so an iPad may not work at all locations. Check with the specific location before you rely on your iPad's digital ID.

Is my digital ID valid across state lines?

Your digital ID is issued by your state and is valid in your state. If you travel to another state, use your physical license. Other states may eventually accept digital IDs from other states, but that infrastructure does not exist yet.

Can I request a digital ID if my physical license is expired?

Most states require your physical license to be current and valid to request a digital ID. If your license is expired, renew it first through your state's DMV, then request the digital version.