What Apple Wallet can and cannot do with your driver's license
You can store a digital copy of your driver's license in Apple Wallet on iPhones and iPads running iOS 15.1 or later, but only in certain U.S. states and only for specific purposes. Apple Wallet does not replace your physical license — you still need to carry the actual card. The digital version works at TSA checkpoints in participating airports and for age verification at some retail locations, but police officers and most other situations still require the physical card.
The digital license is encrypted and stored separately from the rest of your phone's data. Apple does not see the contents, and neither does the merchant or TSA agent — they scan a code that pulls only the information you choose to share. This is different from taking a photo of your license, which shows everything on the card.
Key Takeaways
- Digital driver's licenses work in Apple Wallet only in Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Oklahoma as of now, with more states expected to add support.
- You need your physical driver's license card to set up the digital version, and you must be the cardholder — you cannot add someone else's license.
- TSA checkpoints at participating airports accept the digital license, but police traffic stops and most other ID checks still require the physical card.
- The digital license is encrypted on your phone and does not transmit your full information to scanners — only the data you authorize.
Which states currently support digital driver's licenses
Digital driver's licenses are available in Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Oklahoma. Apple has announced that more states will add support, but the rollout has been gradual. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website to see if your state is on the list, because the feature only works if your state has partnered with Apple.
Even if your state supports digital licenses, you may not be able to add yours when ready. Some states are rolling out the feature in phases, starting with new licenses or renewals. If you recently renewed your license, your state's DMV website will tell you whether you can add it now or need to wait until your next renewal.
How to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet
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 will be asked to take a photo of the front and back of your physical license, then take a selfie. Apple uses facial recognition to verify that you are the cardholder — this is a security step, not a way to store your photo in the wallet.
After you submit your photos, your state's DMV will verify your identity. This verification can take a few minutes to a few hours. Once approved, your digital license appears in Wallet and you can use it at TSA checkpoints and participating retailers. You can add multiple IDs to Wallet if you have licenses from different states, but each one requires separate verification from that state's DMV.
If verification fails, you will see an error message in Wallet. Common reasons include poor photo quality, a mismatch between your selfie and your license photo, or an issue with your DMV records. Try again with clearer photos, or contact your state's DMV if the problem persists.
Where you can actually use your digital license
TSA checkpoints at U.S. airports that have installed the necessary scanning equipment accept digital driver's licenses. Not every airport has the equipment yet, so check the TSA website or ask at security before you rely on the digital version alone. Bring your physical license as backup until you confirm your airport supports it.
Some retail locations use the digital license for age verification when you buy alcohol or tobacco. The merchant scans a code on your phone, and you see on your screen exactly what information is being shared — usually just your age, name, and ID number, not your address or license number. You control what gets sent each time.
Police officers, rental car companies, and most other situations still require your physical driver's license. The digital version does not replace it for traffic stops, ID checks at banks, or any other standard use. Think of it as an additional option for specific situations, not a substitute.
Security and privacy considerations
Your digital license is encrypted on your phone using the same security as Apple Pay. If your phone is lost or stolen, the license is protected by your Face ID or passcode — a thief cannot access it without unlocking your phone. You can also remove the license from Wallet remotely through iCloud.com if your phone is lost.
When someone scans your digital license, they receive only the information you authorize in that moment. You see a preview on your screen before the scan completes, and you can decline to share. This is more private than handing over your physical card, which shows your full address, license number, and other details you may not want to share.
Apple does not store your license information on its servers. The data stays on your phone. Your state's DMV verifies your identity during setup, but after that, only your phone holds the encrypted license.
What to do if your license expires or you renew it
When your physical driver's license expires, you must renew it with your state's DMV before you can update the digital version in Wallet. Once you receive your new physical license, open Wallet, find your digital license, and tap "Update" or "Renew." You will go through the photo verification process again with your new license.
If you move to a state that supports digital licenses and get a new license there, you can add the new state's license to Wallet. You can keep the old state's license in Wallet as well if you want, though most people remove it once they have moved.
Troubleshooting common problems
If the Wallet app does not show the option to add a driver's license, your phone may not be running iOS 15.1 or later, or your state may not yet support the feature. Check your iOS version in Settings > General > About, and update if needed. Then check your state's DMV website to confirm support.
If verification fails repeatedly, the issue is usually photo quality or a mismatch between your selfie and your license photo. Make sure you are in good lighting, your face is clearly visible, and your license photo is sharp and fully in frame. If the problem continues, contact your state's DMV — they may need to update your records before you can add the digital license.
If you can add the license but it does not work at a TSA checkpoint or retail location, the scanner may not be compatible yet, or the merchant may not have activated the feature. Ask the TSA agent or cashier if they can scan it, and offer your physical license as backup. Report the issue to Apple through Wallet if the scanner rejects a valid license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add my spouse's or child's license to my phone?
No. You can only add your own license to your Wallet. The setup process requires your face to match the license photo, so adding someone else's license is not possible. Each person needs their own phone and Apple ID to add their license.
What happens if I lose my phone before I update my license after renewal?
Your old digital license remains in Wallet on your lost phone, but it is encrypted and useless without your Face ID or passcode. Once you get a new phone and sign in with your Apple ID, you can add your new physical license to Wallet on the new device. The old license does not transfer automatically.
Do I need to show my digital license at a police traffic stop?
No. Police still require your physical driver's license at traffic stops. The digital license is not a legal substitute for the physical card in law enforcement situations. Always carry your physical license when driving.
Can I use my digital license if my phone battery dies?
No. Your phone must be powered on and unlocked to display the digital license. If your battery dies, you cannot use the digital version. This is why you should always carry your physical license as your primary ID.
Is my information safe if I use the digital license at a store?
Yes. You see a preview of what information will be shared before the scan completes, and you can decline. The merchant receives only what you authorize, not your full license details. The data is encrypted during transmission.