How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

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

Apple Wallet now accepts digital driver's licenses and state ID cards in the United States. You can add your license directly from your iPhone or iPad, and it will appear alongside your payment cards and boarding passes. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires your physical license, a compatible device, and your state's participation.

Not every state offers this feature yet. As of now, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah have launched digital ID programs. More states are expected to add support over time. You can check Apple's official list to see if your state is included.

Key Takeaways

You need an iPhone XS or later, or an iPad Pro, Air, or mini from 2017 or newer to store a digital ID in Apple Wallet.
Your state must have launched its digital ID program — not all states offer this yet, and the list grows throughout the year.
The process requires your physical license, a photo of your face taken during setup, and verification through your state's DMV system.
Once added, you can show your digital ID at TSA checkpoints, rental car counters, and some retail locations that accept it.
Your digital ID stays encrypted on your device and does not sync to iCloud or appear on other devices.

What devices work with Apple Wallet IDs

You need a relatively recent Apple device to store a digital ID. The minimum requirements are an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, or iPhone XR from 2018 or later. If you use an iPad, you need an iPad Pro (2nd generation or later), iPad Air (3rd generation or later), or iPad mini (5th generation or later).

The device must be running the current version of iOS or iPadOS. If your iPhone or iPad is older than these models, you cannot add a digital ID to Apple Wallet, though you can still use your physical license. Check your device model in Settings under General > About if you are unsure whether yours qualifies.

Step-by-step process to add your license

Step 1: Open Apple Wallet and tap the plus sign. Launch the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. In the top right corner, you will see a plus sign (+). Tap it to begin adding a new item.

Step 2: Select "Driver's License or State ID." You will see a menu of options for what you can add. Choose "Driver's License or State ID" from the list. The app will confirm that your state supports digital IDs and ask you to continue.

Step 3: Position your license for the camera. Hold your physical driver's license in front of your device's camera. The app will guide you to frame the front of the license so it can read the information. Keep the license flat and well-lit. Once the app captures the front, it will ask you to flip the license and photograph the back.

Step 4: Take a photo of your face. The app will switch to the front-facing camera and ask you to take a selfie. Position your face in the center of the frame and follow any on-screen prompts. This photo is used to verify your identity with your state's DMV system.

Step 5: Verify your identity with your state. After you submit your photos, your state's DMV system will verify that the information on your license matches your identity. This step usually takes a few minutes, but can sometimes take longer. You will receive a notification when verification is complete.

Step 6: Review and confirm. Once verified, your digital ID will appear in Apple Wallet. Review the information displayed to make sure everything is correct. Your digital license is now ready to use.

Where you can use your digital driver's license

The most common place to use a digital ID is at TSA security checkpoints in U.S. airports. TSA agents can scan your digital license just as they would a physical one, and the process is faster than fumbling for a card. As of now, TSA accepts digital IDs at most major airports, though you should bring your physical license as a backup.

Some car rental companies, including Hertz and Avis, accept digital IDs at certain locations. A few retail stores have begun accepting them for age verification at checkout. However, acceptance is still limited and growing. Many police officers and government offices do not yet accept digital IDs, so you should always carry your physical license when driving or in situations where you might need to show ID to law enforcement.

Security and privacy of your digital ID

Your digital ID is encrypted and stored only on your device — it does not sync to iCloud or back up to Apple's servers. This means if you lose your phone, your digital ID is lost with it, but it also means no one can access it remotely. When you show your digital ID to someone, you control exactly what information they see. You can choose to show only your age, for example, without revealing your full address or license number.

The person or organization viewing your ID cannot save, copy, or screenshot it. Apple does not see what information you share or where you use your ID. Your state's DMV system only receives information during the initial verification process; after that, your state has no ongoing access to your digital ID data.

What to do if verification fails

If your state's DMV system cannot verify your identity, you will receive a notification explaining why. Common reasons include a mismatch between the photo on your license and the selfie you took, or information that does not match your state's records. You can try the process again by returning to the plus sign in Apple Wallet and selecting "Driver's License or State ID" once more.

If you keep receiving rejection messages, contact your state's DMV directly. They can check whether there is a discrepancy in their records or a technical issue on their end. Bring your physical license and be ready to verify your identity in person if needed. Once your state's records are corrected, you can retry adding your digital ID to Apple Wallet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital ID if I do not have my phone with me?

No. Your digital ID exists only on your device, so you must have your phone or iPad with you to show it. This is why you should always carry your physical license as a backup, especially when driving or in situations where you might need ID and your device is not available.

What happens to my digital ID if I upgrade to a new phone?

Your digital ID does not transfer automatically to a new device because it is not backed up to iCloud. You will need to add your license to Apple Wallet on your new phone using the same process. You can do this when ready after setting up your new device.

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

No. Showing your digital ID requires Face ID or Touch ID authentication on your device. Even if someone has your unlocked phone, they cannot display your ID without passing your biometric verification. This is one security advantage over a physical license.

Do I need to delete my digital ID if I renew my driver's license?

Yes. When you renew your physical license, you should remove the old digital ID from Apple Wallet and add your new one. Open Wallet, tap your old ID, scroll down, and select "Remove This Card." Then follow the steps to add your new license once you receive it.

Is my digital ID valid in other countries?

No. Digital IDs in Apple Wallet are only recognized in the United States. If you travel internationally, you must bring your physical passport and driver's license. TSA and other U.S. organizations accept digital IDs, but foreign governments and airlines do not.

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.