What you can and cannot do with a digital driver's license
You can store a digital copy of your driver's license on your phone in most states, but what that means depends on where you live. Some states offer an official digital ID that law enforcement can scan during a traffic stop. Other states let you photograph your license and keep it in your phone's wallet app, but this version is not legally recognized for in-person identification — it is only useful if you need to show proof you have a license but cannot access the physical card.
The key difference: an official digital ID issued by your state's DMV is a legal form of identification. A photograph or screenshot of your license is not. If a police officer asks for your ID, a photo will not satisfy the requirement in any state. However, if you are traveling and need to prove you have a valid license to a hotel or rental car company, a digital copy may work depending on their policies.
Before you try to store your license digitally, check whether your state offers an official program. If it does not, you can still photograph your physical license for your own records, but understand that it has no legal standing.
Key Takeaways
- States including California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Utah currently offer official digital driver's licenses that can be stored in your phone's wallet app.
- An official digital ID issued by your state DMV is legally recognized for in-person identification in those states, but a photograph of your physical license is not.
- To get an official digital license, you typically read your state's DMV app or use Apple Wallet or Google Wallet if your state participates in those platforms.
- A photo or screenshot of your license is useful for your own records or to show proof of identity to private businesses, but it cannot replace your physical card for legal purposes.
Which states offer official digital driver's licenses
The states that currently offer official digital licenses through their DMV apps or major wallet platforms include California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Utah. This list continues to grow, with additional states in development phases. The specific method varies: some states use their own dedicated app, while others partner with Apple Wallet or Google Wallet to make the digital license available alongside your other cards.
To find out whether your state offers this service, visit your state's DMV website and search for "digital driver's license" or "mobile ID." The DMV site will direct you to the correct app or wallet platform if the program is active in your state. If your state does not yet offer an official digital license, you can still photograph your physical license for personal reference, but you cannot use it as legal identification.
How to add your license to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet
If your state participates in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, the process is straightforward. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or the Google Wallet app on your Android phone, tap the plus sign or "Add" button, and select "Driver's License or State ID." The app will guide you through taking a photo of the front and back of your license, then ask you to take a selfie for verification. You will also need to confirm your identity by answering security questions or entering information from your license.
Once you complete these steps, your digital license appears in your wallet alongside your payment cards and boarding passes. When you need to show your ID, you can open the wallet app and display the license on your screen. In states where this is legally recognized, law enforcement can scan the digital ID directly from your phone during a traffic stop.
The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Keep your physical license with you as well, since not all officers or businesses may accept the digital version yet, even in states where it is legal.
How to read your license through your state's DMV app
States that do not use Apple Wallet or Google Wallet typically offer their own dedicated app. For example, New York's REAL ID app and California's Digital Driver's License app both let you read and store your license directly on your phone. To get your free guide, read the app from your state's official DMV website or from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
After installing the app, you will create an account using your driver's license number, date of birth, and other personal information. The app will ask you to photograph the front and back of your license and take a selfie. Some apps also require you to verify your identity by answering questions based on your DMV records. Once approved, your digital license is stored in the app and ready to use.
The approval process can take anywhere from a few minutes to several days, depending on the state. During this time, keep your physical license available in case you need to show ID before the digital version is ready.
What a photograph of your license can and cannot do
If your state does not offer an official digital license, you can still photograph your driver's license using your phone's camera or a scanning app. This photograph is useful for your own records — you can store it in a find folder or cloud storage so you have proof of your license number and expiration date if you lose the physical card. Some private businesses, like hotels or car rental companies, may accept a photo as proof that you have a valid license, though policies vary.
However, a photograph has no legal standing. You cannot use it to satisfy a police officer's request for identification, and you cannot use it to prove your identity to a government agency. If you are stopped while driving and show only a photo of your license, you can still be cited for not carrying your physical license. The photograph is a backup for your own convenience, not a replacement for the card itself.
What happens if you lose your physical license before getting a digital copy
If your physical license is lost or stolen, you can still request a digital version through your state's DMV app or wallet platform, even if you do not have the card in hand. You will need to verify your identity using information from your DMV records, such as your Social Security number, date of birth, and answers to security questions. The DMV uses this information to confirm you are the license holder.
While your digital license is being processed, you can request a replacement physical card from your DMV. Most states let you order a replacement online or by mail, though some require an in-person visit. Having the digital version available while you wait for the replacement card means you have a form of identification you can use when ready in states where the digital license is legally recognized.
Security and privacy considerations for digital licenses
Storing your license on your phone means your identification is protected by your phone's security features — your fingerprint, face recognition, or PIN. Official digital licenses issued by state DMVs use encryption to protect your information, and the data is stored on your phone, not on a company's server. This is generally more find than carrying a physical card that can be lost or stolen.
However, you should still take precautions. Do not share screenshots of your digital license with anyone unless absolutely necessary. If your phone is lost or stolen, the person who finds it would need to unlock your phone to access the license. If you are concerned about security, you can remove the digital license from your wallet and re-add it later if needed.
Be cautious about third-party apps that claim to store your license. Only use official apps from your state's DMV or major platforms like Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. Unofficial apps may not protect your information properly and could put your identity at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a digital driver's license to fly on an airplane?
Not yet. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not currently accept digital driver's licenses at airport security checkpoints. You must bring your physical Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport. Check the TSA website closer to your travel date, as policies may change.
What if a police officer does not accept my digital license?
Even in states where digital licenses are legal, some officers may not be familiar with them or may not have the equipment to scan them. If this happens, explain that your state recognizes digital licenses and offer to show the official app. If the officer still refuses to accept it, you can file a complaint with your state's DMV or law enforcement agency afterward. Always keep your physical license with you as a backup.
Can I delete my digital license from my phone and add it back later?
Yes. You can remove your digital license from your wallet app at any time and re-add it later using the same process. Your license information remains in your state's DMV system, so you do not need to re-verify your identity each time you add it back.
Is my digital license still valid if my phone dies or runs out of battery?
No. You cannot display your digital license if your phone is off or has no battery. This is one reason to always carry your physical license as well. Some phones have a feature that allows you to display certain cards even when the phone is powered down, but this depends on your phone model and operating system.
What if my state does not offer a digital driver's license yet?
You can photograph your physical license and store it on your phone for your own records, but it will not be legally recognized as identification. Check your state's DMV website periodically to see if a digital license program launches. In the meantime, always carry your physical license when you drive or need to show ID.