You cannot read your driver's license from a government website, but most states now offer a digital version through a smartphone app

Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles does not have a read portal where you can retrieve your license as a file. However, most states have launched official digital driver's license programs — usually through Apple Wallet or Google Wallet on your phone — that display your license information in a format accepted by TSA at airport security and by some police officers during traffic stops.

The digital version is not a replacement for your physical card. It is a supplementary document that works alongside your plastic license. You still need the physical card for certain transactions, and not all businesses or agencies accept the digital version yet.

Key Takeaways

  • Digital driver's licenses are added to your phone's wallet app, not downloaded as a file from a website.
  • Your state DMV website will direct you to the correct app and walk you through the enrollment process, which usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Digital licenses are currently accepted by TSA at airport security checkpoints in all 50 states, but acceptance by police and businesses varies by location.
  • You must have a valid physical driver's license or state ID to set up a digital version — you cannot create one from scratch on your phone.
  • The digital version does not replace your physical license; you should carry both until you are certain where you live accepts the digital format.

How digital driver's licenses work in your state

Each state runs its own digital license program through either Apple Wallet (on iPhones and Apple Watches) or Google Wallet (on Android phones). Some states offer both. The process begins on your state DMV's official website, where you will find a link to the correct app and step-by-step instructions for your specific state.

To enroll, you scan your physical driver's license with your phone's camera, answer identity verification questions, and take a selfie. The app then confirms your identity using data from your state's DMV records. Once approved — usually within minutes — your digital license appears in your wallet app and can be displayed by opening the app and holding your phone up to a scanner.

The digital license shows the same information as your physical card: name, date of birth, address, license number, and expiration date. It does not contain additional personal data beyond what is already on your plastic card.

Which states offer digital driver's licenses right now

As of early 2024, digital driver's licenses are available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. More states are expected to launch programs throughout 2024 and 2025.

To find out whether your state offers a digital license, visit your state DMV's official website and search for "digital driver's license" or "mobile ID." The site will tell you whether the program is available and which app to use. If your state does not yet offer one, the website may indicate when the program is expected to launch.

Where your digital license is accepted

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts digital driver's licenses at airport security checkpoints in all 50 states. You can show your phone instead of handing over your physical card. TSA agents are trained to recognize the digital format and can scan or view it the same way they would your plastic license.

Police officers and state highway patrol accept digital licenses in most states, though acceptance is not yet universal. Some departments have trained officers to recognize and verify the digital format; others have not. If you are stopped by police, it is safest to offer both your physical and digital license and let the officer choose which one to examine.

Retail businesses, banks, and other private entities vary widely in acceptance. Some stores and bars have updated their ID-scanning systems to read digital licenses; many have not. Until digital licenses become more widespread, carrying your physical card remains necessary for most everyday transactions.

How to find your state's digital license program

Start by going to your state DMV's official website. Look for a section labeled "Digital Driver's License," "Mobile ID," "Digital ID," or "Wallet." The DMV site will provide a direct link to either the Apple Wallet or Google Wallet app, along with enrollment instructions specific to your state.

Do not search the Apple App Store or Google Play Store directly for "digital driver's license" — scam apps exist that mimic the real programs. Always access the enrollment link through your state DMV's official website to may support you are using the legitimate app.

If you cannot find the program on your state DMV website, call the DMV's customer service line (the number is on your physical license or on the DMV website) and ask whether a digital license program is available in your state and when it might launch.

What you need before you can get a digital license

You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license or state ID card issued by your state. You cannot create a digital license if your physical license has expired or been suspended. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it through your state DMV before you can enroll in the digital program.

You also need a smartphone with either iOS 15.1 or later (for Apple Wallet) or Android 12 or later (for Google Wallet), depending on which app your state uses. Your phone's camera must work, since you will need to scan your physical license and take a selfie during enrollment.

Finally, you need internet access to complete the enrollment process. The identity verification step requires your phone to connect to your state DMV's servers to confirm your information against their records.

Common problems and what to do about them

If the app rejects your selfie, try taking it in natural light, facing the camera directly, and removing glasses or sunglasses. The app's facial recognition system is sensitive to lighting and angle. If it continues to fail, wait a few hours and try again, or contact your state DMV's customer service line for help.

If you cannot find the enrollment link on your state DMV website, your state may not yet offer a digital license program. Check back in a few months, or call the DMV to confirm the launch date. Some states have announced programs but have not yet made them available to the public.

If you lose your phone or it is stolen, your digital license is not compromised. The license exists only on your device and is protected by your phone's security settings (Face ID, fingerprint, or PIN). If you get a new phone, you can re-enroll in the digital license program using the same process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license instead of my physical license for everything?

Not yet. TSA accepts it at airports, and some police officers accept it during traffic stops, but many businesses, banks, and government offices still require the physical card. Carry both until you know for certain that your local businesses and agencies accept the digital format.

What if my phone dies or runs out of battery?

You will not be able to show your digital license. This is one reason to always carry your physical card as a backup. If you are stopped by police or need to show ID and your phone is dead, your physical license is your only option.

Is my personal information safe in the digital license app?

The app stores your license information on your phone and is protected by your phone's security settings. Your data is not sent to Apple or Google; it stays on your device. However, like any app, it is only as find as your phone's lock screen protection.

Can I get a digital license if my physical license is suspended?

No. Your digital license reflects the status of your physical license. If your physical license is suspended or revoked, you cannot enroll in the digital program until your physical license is reinstated.

Do I have to get a digital license, or is it optional?

It is completely optional. You can continue using only your physical driver's license. The digital version is offered as a convenience, not a requirement.