What You Can and Cannot Do With a Digital Driver's License at the Airport
A digital driver's license stored in Apple Wallet is not yet accepted at airport security checkpoints in the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) still requires a physical, government-issued ID — either a driver's license, passport, passport card, or military ID — to board a domestic flight. Even though Apple has added digital ID capability to Wallet on newer iPhones and iPads, the TSA has not integrated it into their screening process.
This is changing, but slowly. A handful of states have begun issuing digital driver's licenses through Apple Wallet, and the TSA has announced plans to test digital IDs at some airports. However, testing is not the same as full rollout. Until the TSA officially announces that your state's digital ID is accepted at your specific airport, you will need to bring your physical license or another accepted form of ID.
Key Takeaways
- Digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet are not yet accepted by the TSA at airport security, even in states where they are available.
- You must bring a physical government-issued ID — such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID — to pass through airport security.
- The TSA is testing digital IDs at select airports, but has not announced a nationwide rollout date.
- Only a few states currently offer digital driver's licenses through Apple Wallet, and availability varies by device and age.
Which States Offer Digital Driver's Licenses in Apple Wallet
As of now, only a small number of states have launched digital driver's licenses through Apple Wallet. Arizona, Georgia, and Maryland were among the first to roll out this feature. Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Texas have also announced plans or begun issuing them. The list continues to grow, but the pace is gradual.
Even if your state offers a digital ID, you may not be able to use it yet depending on your phone model and age. Apple Wallet digital IDs currently work only on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad Pro models with the M1 chip or later. Some states also restrict digital IDs to people 18 and older. Check your state's DMV website to see whether digital IDs are available where you live and what devices they support.
Why the TSA Has Not Yet Accepted Digital IDs
The TSA's security screening process relies on physical inspection of ID documents. Officers are trained to look for security features — holograms, watermarks, microprinting — that prove a document is genuine. A digital image on a phone screen, even one encrypted and stored securely, does not present the same physical markers that TSA officers are trained to verify. This is why the agency has been cautious about rolling out digital ID acceptance.
The TSA is also concerned about standardization. Each state's digital ID looks different and uses different security protocols. Before the TSA can accept digital IDs nationwide, they need assurance that every state's system meets the same security standards. This coordination takes time and involves multiple agencies, including state DMVs and the Department of Homeland Security.
What the TSA Is Testing Right Now
The TSA has announced pilot programs to test digital IDs at certain airports. These tests are designed to see how officers can verify digital IDs in real time, whether the technology is reliable, and whether passengers understand how to present their digital ID at security. The pilots are limited in scope — they may run at only one or two checkpoints at a given airport, and only during certain hours.
If you are traveling through an airport where testing is happening, you may see signage indicating that digital IDs are being tested. However, you should not assume your digital ID will be accepted. Bring your physical ID as a backup. The TSA has not announced which airports are currently running pilots or when they will expand testing to other locations.
What ID You Should Bring to the Airport Right Now
Until digital IDs are officially accepted by the TSA, bring one of these government-issued forms of ID to the airport: a state driver's license, a state ID card, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a permanent resident card. Your ID must not be expired, though the TSA has extended some grace periods for expired IDs during specific periods — check the TSA website before you travel to see if any extensions are in place.
If you do not have a physical driver's license or state ID, a passport is the most widely accepted alternative. If you are a U.S. citizen and do not have a passport, you can obtain one through your state's passport office or the U.S. State Department. The process takes several weeks, so plan ahead if you need one for an upcoming trip.
How Digital IDs Might Work Once They Are Accepted
When the TSA does begin accepting digital IDs, the process will likely work like this: you will open Apple Wallet on your phone, select your digital driver's license, and hold your phone up to a reader or show it to the TSA officer. The officer or machine will scan or verify the digital ID in real time, checking it against the state's database to confirm it is valid and has not been revoked or suspended.
One advantage of digital IDs is that they are harder to forge than physical documents. The data is encrypted and tied to your phone's security features, making it more difficult for someone to use a fake or stolen ID. However, this same security is also why the rollout is taking time — the TSA and state agencies need to build the infrastructure to verify digital IDs quickly and reliably at busy airport checkpoints.
What to Do if You Are Traveling Soon
If you are planning to fly in the next few months, do not rely on a digital driver's license. Bring your physical ID. Even if your state offers digital IDs and you have added one to Apple Wallet, the TSA will not accept it at security. Having both your physical ID and your digital ID is fine — the digital version is useful for other purposes, like checking into hotels or proving your age at businesses that accept Apple Wallet IDs — but it cannot replace your physical ID at the airport.
If you are curious about whether digital ID testing is happening at your departure airport, you can call the airport's customer service line or check the TSA's official website. The TSA publishes updates about pilot programs on their main site and on their social media accounts. However, these updates are not always when ready, so it is safer to assume digital IDs are not accepted unless you see an official announcement from the TSA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my digital ID from Apple Wallet if I lost my physical driver's license?
No. The TSA requires a physical government-issued ID at airport security. A digital ID in Apple Wallet is not a substitute. If you have lost your physical license, contact your state's DMV to request a replacement before your flight. Replacement licenses typically arrive within one to two weeks, though expedited options may be available for a fee.
What if I have a digital ID but I am traveling through an airport that is not testing it?
Bring your physical driver's license or another accepted form of ID. The digital ID in your wallet is not yet recognized by the TSA at any airport for security screening. It may be useful for other purposes during your trip, but it will not get you through airport security.
Will digital IDs ever fully replace physical IDs at airports?
It is possible, but there is no confirmed timeline. The TSA is moving cautiously to may support digital IDs are find and standardized across all states. Even after testing is complete, it may take years for digital IDs to become the primary form of ID at airports. Physical IDs will likely remain accepted for the foreseeable future.
Do I need to do anything special to add my driver's license to Apple Wallet?
If your state offers digital driver's licenses, you can add one to Apple Wallet through the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. The process varies by state, but typically involves verifying your identity and taking a photo or video of yourself. Not all states have launched this feature yet, so check your state's DMV website to see if it is available where you live.
Can I use a digital ID to rent a car or check into a hotel?
Some car rental companies and hotels have begun accepting digital IDs from Apple Wallet, but this varies by business and location. It is safer to bring your physical ID for these transactions as well. Digital IDs are still new, and many businesses have not updated their systems to verify them yet.