How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

Yes, but only in certain states and with specific requirements

You can add your driver's license to Apple Wallet in a growing number of states, but not everywhere yet. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah have rolled out this feature. Apple continues to add states, but the timeline varies — some states are still in pilot phases, while others have full rollout.

The process requires an iPhone or iPad running iOS 15.1 or later (or iPadOS 15.1 or later). You'll also need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license or state ID from a participating state. The actual addition happens through the Wallet app on your device, not through your state's DMV website or a separate process.

When you add your license to Wallet, you're creating a digital version that you can show to police officers, TSA agents at airport security, or other officials who would normally ask to see your physical license. The digital version stays encrypted on your device and requires Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to display — Apple does not store the information on its servers.

Key Takeaways

Your state must support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet; check your state's DMV website to confirm whether your state is participating.
You need an iPhone or iPad running iOS 15.1 or later, and your device must support Face ID or Touch ID for the feature to work.
The digital license requires biometric authentication each time you display it, so you cannot straightforward hand your phone to someone to view it.
Your physical driver's license remains valid and necessary; the digital version is an additional option, not a replacement.
Adding your license to Wallet takes about 10 to 15 minutes and involves taking photos of your license and answering identity verification questions.

How to add your driver's license step by step

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the menu. You'll be asked to choose your state — if your state does not appear in the list, that state has not yet launched the feature.

Next, you'll take a photo of the front of your license and then the back. The camera will guide you to position the license correctly. After you photograph both sides, you'll answer identity verification questions — these are typically questions about your personal history that only you should know, such as previous addresses or loan amounts. Apple uses these answers to verify your identity before adding the license to your Wallet.

Once you pass verification, your digital license appears in Wallet. You can now display it by opening Wallet, tapping your license, and authenticating with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. The officer or agent will see your license information on your screen, but they cannot take a photo or screenshot of it — the image disappears when you lock your phone or move away from the reader.

Which states currently support digital driver's licenses

The list of participating states grows regularly, but as of the most recent update, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah allow digital licenses in Apple Wallet. Some of these states are still in pilot phases, meaning the feature may only be available to certain age groups or in certain regions within the state.

To find out whether your state supports the feature, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and search for "digital driver's license" or "Apple Wallet." The DMV page will tell you whether the feature is available now, coming soon, or not yet planned. If your state is not on the list, you can still use your physical license as you normally would.

What happens when you show your digital license to an officer or TSA agent

When you present your digital license, the officer or agent sees the same information that appears on your physical license — your name, date of birth, license number, and photo. They do not see any additional data, and they cannot access your phone's other information. The license information appears only on your screen; they view it from your device, not on their own equipment.

TSA agents at airport security checkpoints can scan the digital license just as they scan a physical one. The barcode on your digital license contains the same information as the barcode on your physical card. Law enforcement officers can also verify your identity using the digital license, though some departments may still prefer or require a physical card — this varies by jurisdiction.

If your phone dies, you lose service, or your device malfunctions, you will not be able to display your digital license. For this reason, you should always carry your physical driver's license as a backup. The digital version is a convenience, not a replacement.

Security and privacy considerations

Apple encrypts your license information on your device using the same security technology that protects your payment cards in Wallet. Your license data does not sync to iCloud, and Apple does not have access to it. The information stays only on your phone and is deleted if you remove the license from Wallet.

Each time you display your license, you must authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. This means someone cannot straightforward grab your phone and show your license to another person. If your phone is stolen, the thief would need to unlock your device to access your license — and even then, they would need to authenticate again each time they tried to display it.

The officer or agent viewing your license cannot photograph or screenshot it. Apple's technology prevents screenshots of the license image, and the display automatically clears when you move your phone away or lock the screen. This limits how long someone can view your information and prevents them from keeping a digital copy.

What to do if your state is not yet participating

If your state does not yet support digital licenses in Apple Wallet, you have a few options. First, check your state's DMV website periodically — many states announce launch dates months in advance. You can also contact your state representative or DMV directly to express interest in the feature; some states prioritize development based on public demand.

In the meantime, continue carrying your physical driver's license. Some states are exploring other digital ID options through their own apps or through other platforms, so you may see alternatives emerge. Google Wallet is also beginning to support digital driver's licenses in some states, so if you use an Android device, that option may become available to you.

If you travel frequently or use your license often for age verification or identity checks, a digital license can reduce the risk of losing or damaging your physical card. However, the physical license remains the legally recognized form of ID in all states, so you should not discard it once you add your license to Wallet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license if I don't have Face ID or Touch ID?

No. Your device must support Face ID or Touch ID to use a digital driver's license in Apple Wallet. If your iPhone or iPad does not have either feature, you cannot add your license to Wallet. Older devices or those with a broken Face ID or Touch ID sensor will not work.

What if I lose my phone or it gets stolen?

Your digital license is encrypted on your device only. If your phone is lost or stolen, the thief cannot access your license without unlocking your device and authenticating with Face ID or Touch ID. You should report the loss to Apple and your state's DMV. Once you get a new phone, you can add your license to Wallet again.

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

Yes. Your physical license is the legally recognized form of ID. The digital version is an additional option for convenience, but some officers, agents, or businesses may still request or prefer the physical card. Always carry both until you are certain your area fully accepts the digital version.

Can I add multiple licenses or IDs to Apple Wallet?

You can add one driver's license or state ID per device. If you have licenses from multiple states, you can only add one to your current phone. You would need a separate device to store a second license, or you would need to remove one and add the other.

How long does it take to add my license to Wallet?

The entire process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, including taking photos of your license and answering identity verification questions. Verification is usually when ready, but in some cases it may take a few hours. You'll receive a notification once your license is ready to use.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.