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

Apple Wallet can hold a digital copy of your driver's license or state ID, but only if your state has made this feature available and your device supports it. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah allow digital IDs in Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add this feature over time, but the rollout is gradual and controlled by each state's DMV.

The digital ID is not a replacement for your physical license — you still need to carry the card itself. The digital version is meant to work at TSA airport checkpoints and some police interactions, though acceptance varies by location and officer. Your phone must have battery power and cellular or Wi-Fi connection for the digital ID to work.

Key Takeaways

  • Only certain states currently support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet, and your state's DMV must have launched the program.
  • You need an iPhone 15 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 9 or later, to store and use a digital ID.
  • The digital ID works at TSA checkpoints and some police stops, but you must still carry your physical license as a backup.
  • Adding your license involves opening the Wallet app, selecting the plus icon, and following your state's verification steps, which usually include a video selfie.

Which devices can hold a digital driver's license

You need an iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or iPhone 16 model to add a driver's license to Apple Wallet. On the Apple Watch side, only Series 9 and Series 10 models support digital IDs. Older iPhones and watches cannot store this feature, even if your state offers it.

Your device must also be running the current version of iOS or watchOS. Before you start, check Settings > General > About to see your device model and software version. If you have an older iPhone or watch, you will not be able to add a digital ID until you upgrade.

How to add your driver's license step by step

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the menu. The app will ask you to choose your state — only the states that have launched the program will appear as options.

Next, you will need to provide your driver's license number, expiration date, and date of birth. The app will then ask you to take a video selfie while holding your physical license. This video is used to verify your identity and prevent fraud. Make sure you are in good lighting and follow the on-screen prompts exactly.

After you submit the video, your state's DMV will review your information. This verification process usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, though it can take longer during high-volume periods. You will receive a notification when your digital ID is approved and ready to use. Until then, the license will show as "pending" in your Wallet.

Where you can use your digital driver's license

The primary use for a digital ID in Apple Wallet is at TSA airport security checkpoints. You can hold your iPhone or Apple Watch up to the TSA reader instead of handing over your physical card. The reader scans the digital ID the same way it would scan a barcode on a physical license.

Some police officers may also accept a digital ID during traffic stops or other interactions, but this is not yet standard practice everywhere. Acceptance depends on the officer, the state, and local policy. Because of this variation, you should always carry your physical license with you. The digital version is a convenience tool, not a substitute.

Retail locations, bars, and other businesses that check ID typically do not yet accept digital licenses. If you need to prove your age or identity for a purchase or entry, bring your physical card.

What happens if your phone dies or you lose service

Your digital ID will not work if your iPhone battery is dead. The Wallet app requires power to display the license, and TSA readers need to communicate with your phone to scan it. If your battery is low, charge your phone before heading to the airport.

You also need either cellular data or Wi-Fi to use your digital ID. If you are in an area with no signal, the license may not display or scan properly. This is why carrying your physical license remains essential — it works anywhere, regardless of battery or connectivity.

If you lose your phone or it is stolen, you can remove your digital ID from Wallet when ready by signing into iCloud.com on another device and using Find My iPhone to erase your phone remotely. Your state's DMV can also help you remove the digital ID from their records if needed.

Security and privacy considerations

Your digital ID is encrypted and stored securely on your phone. Apple does not see the contents of your license, and the data does not sync to iCloud or back up to the cloud. Only your phone holds the information, and it is protected by your Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.

When you present your digital ID at a TSA checkpoint or to a police officer, they see only the information necessary for that transaction. You have control over what data is shared each time you use it. Unlike handing over a physical card, which shows your full address and other details, the digital version can limit what is displayed.

If you are concerned about privacy, you can remove your digital ID from Wallet at any time. Open Wallet, tap your digital ID, tap the three dots, and select "Remove." Your physical license will continue to work normally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my state does not support digital IDs yet?

Check your state's DMV website to see if a digital ID program is planned. States are rolling out this feature gradually, and more are expected to launch in coming months. Until your state launches, you can only use your physical license. You can still add other items to Apple Wallet, such as credit cards, transit passes, and vaccination records.

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if I have an iPhone 14 or older?

No. Digital IDs require iPhone 15 or later. If you have an older model, you will need to upgrade your phone to use this feature. Check Apple's website or your carrier to see current iPhone models available in your area.

Do I still need to carry my physical driver's license?

Yes. The digital ID is not yet accepted everywhere, and your phone could lose battery or signal at any time. Always carry your physical license as your primary form of ID. The digital version is a backup convenience, not a replacement.

What if the TSA reader does not recognize my digital ID?

Hand the officer your physical license. TSA checkpoints are equipped to read digital IDs, but if there is a technical issue, your physical card will work. You can also report the problem to TSA so they can investigate the reader.

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet on my Apple Watch instead of my iPhone?

Yes, if you have a Series 9 or Series 10 Apple Watch. You can add your digital ID to the watch and use it at TSA checkpoints by holding your wrist up to the reader. You still need to set it up on your iPhone first, then it syncs to your watch.