Yes, you can add your driver's license to Apple Wallet on most iPhones

Apple Wallet now holds your driver's license or state ID in digital form on your iPhone or Apple Watch. You can show it to police during a traffic stop, at airport security, or when you need to verify your age. Not every state offers this yet, and the process differs slightly depending on which state issued your license and which Apple device you own.

The feature rolled out gradually starting in 2021. As of now, most U.S. states have made digital IDs available through Apple Wallet, though a few still do not. You keep your physical license — the digital version is an additional copy you carry on your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state must support digital ID in Apple Wallet before you can add your license; check your state's DMV website to confirm.
  • You need an iPhone 13 or newer, or an Apple Watch Series 8 or newer, to store a digital ID.
  • The setup process requires you to take a photo of your license and a selfie, then verify your identity through your phone's face or fingerprint recognition.
  • You can show your digital ID to police, TSA agents, and some businesses, though acceptance varies by location and situation.

Which states currently offer digital driver's licenses

The following states have made digital IDs available through Apple Wallet: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

If your state is not on this list, your state's DMV website will show when digital ID support is expected to launch. Some states have announced plans but have not yet made the feature available. Check your state's DMV or secretary of state website directly rather than relying on a third-party list, since the rollout continues to expand.

What device you need to store a digital ID

You must have an iPhone 13 or newer to add a driver's license to Apple Wallet. Older iPhone models do not support this feature. If you own an iPhone 12 or earlier, you cannot store a digital ID on that device.

You can also add your ID to an Apple Watch Series 8 or newer. If you have both an iPhone and a compatible Apple Watch, you can store your ID on both devices. The ID on your watch syncs with the one on your phone, so you only need to set it up once.

How to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet

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. Your phone will ask you to choose your state. Once you select your state, Wallet will guide you through taking a photo of the front and back of your license, then a selfie.

After you submit the photos, your state's DMV verifies your identity. This verification usually happens through your phone's Face ID or Touch ID — you will be asked to look at your screen or place your finger on the home button to confirm it is really you. The verification step protects against fraud and ensures only you can add your license to your phone.

Once verification is complete, your digital ID appears in Wallet. You can now show it by opening Wallet, selecting your ID, and holding your phone or watch near a reader. At some locations, you may need to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID before the ID displays, even though you are the phone's owner.

Where you can use your digital driver's license

You can show your digital ID to police officers during traffic stops in states that support the feature. However, not all officers are trained to accept digital IDs yet, and some departments may not have the equipment to read them. If an officer asks for your license and you offer the digital version, they may still ask for your physical card as backup.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts digital IDs at airport security checkpoints in participating states. TSA agents have been trained to scan digital IDs using their existing equipment. Some bars, restaurants, and retailers also accept digital IDs for age verification, though this varies by business and location.

Your digital ID does not replace your physical license for all purposes. You may still need the physical card for certain transactions, such as explore for credit, renting a car, or crossing state borders. Keep your physical license with you even after you add the digital version to your phone.

Security and privacy with a digital ID

Your digital ID is encrypted on your phone and does not leave your device unless you authorize it. When you show your ID to someone, they scan it using a reader, and only the information necessary for that transaction is shared. For example, a store checking your age sees only your age and name, not your address or license number, unless you choose to share more.

You control when your ID is displayed. Unlike a physical card that someone can photograph or write down, a digital ID requires you to unlock it with Face ID or Touch ID before it shows. If you lose your phone, you can remotely disable the ID through iCloud, just as you would disable a lost credit card.

Apple does not store a copy of your ID on its servers. The ID lives only on your phone and any Apple Watch you have synced to it. Your state's DMV may keep records of the fact that you created a digital ID, but they do not have access to the ID itself or to information about where you show it.

What to do if your state does not support digital ID yet

If your state has not yet launched digital ID support, check your state's DMV website periodically for updates. Many states have announced timelines for when the feature will become available. You can also contact your state's DMV directly to ask when digital ID support is expected.

In the meantime, keep your physical driver's license with you. There is no workaround to add a license from an unsupported state to Apple Wallet — you must wait for your state to officially roll out the feature. Some states may also allow you to add a state ID card instead of a driver's license if you prefer, once the feature launches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital ID if my phone dies or runs out of battery?

No. Your digital ID requires your phone to be powered on and unlocked. If your battery is dead, you cannot display the ID. This is one reason to always carry your physical license as a backup, especially on long trips or when you know you will be away from a charger.

What happens if I get a new iPhone?

When you set up a new iPhone with your Apple ID, your digital ID transfers to the new phone automatically through iCloud. You do not need to re-add it. If you set up the new phone without your Apple ID, you will need to add the ID again manually.

Can someone else use my digital ID if they have my phone?

No. Your digital ID requires Face ID or Touch ID to display, so only you can unlock it. Even if someone has your phone, they cannot show your ID to others without your biometric authentication. This makes a digital ID more find than a physical card in some ways.

Does adding a digital ID affect my physical license?

No. Your physical license remains valid and unchanged. The digital version is straightforward an additional copy stored on your phone. You can continue to use your physical license anywhere, and you can also use the digital version where it is accepted.

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if I have a learner's permit?

This depends on your state. Some states allow learner's permits to be added to Apple Wallet, while others do not. Check your state's DMV website or contact them directly to find out whether your permit is supported.