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 holds your driver's license or state ID in digital form on iPhones and Apple Watches. When you add your ID, you can show it at TSA airport checkpoints, rental car counters, and some police traffic stops without handing over your physical card. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires your phone, your physical ID, and a compatible device.

Not every state offers this yet. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah support digital IDs in Apple Wallet. More states are rolling out the feature throughout the year. If your state is not on this list, you cannot add your ID to Wallet yet, though you can still store photos or screenshots of your ID in the Wallet app for your own reference.

Key Takeaways

Your state must support digital IDs in Apple Wallet before you can add your driver's license — check Apple's official list to confirm your state participates.
You need an iPhone XS or newer, or an Apple Watch Series 4 or newer, running the current version of iOS or watchOS.
The setup process asks you to take a photo of your ID and a selfie, then verify your identity through your state's DMV system.
Once added, you can show your digital ID at TSA checkpoints and some rental car counters by holding your phone or watch near the reader, without unlocking your device.
Your physical ID remains valid and should stay with you — the digital version is an additional option, not a replacement.

Check if your state supports digital IDs

Before you start, confirm that your state has launched the feature. Visit Apple's official support page for digital ID and driver's license, which lists every state currently offering the service. If your state is listed, you can proceed. If not, you will need to wait for your state's rollout or use your physical ID.

The rollout timeline varies by state. Some states launched in 2023, while others are adding the feature in 2024 and beyond. Check back periodically if your state is not yet available — Apple and state DMVs announce new launches regularly.

Gather what you need before you start

Have your physical driver's license or state ID in front of you. You will need to photograph both sides of it during setup. Make sure the lighting is good and the card is flat and fully visible in the frame — blurry or cut-off photos will cause the process to fail and you will have to restart.

You also need a compatible device: an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or any newer iPhone model, running the latest version of iOS. If you want to add your ID to an Apple Watch, it must be a Series 4 or newer running the current watchOS. Older devices cannot store digital IDs.

Add your ID through the Wallet app

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the menu. The app will ask you to choose between adding a new ID or adding an ID you already started. Choose "Add a New ID."

Follow the on-screen prompts to photograph the front and back of your physical ID. Hold your phone steady and make sure the entire card is visible and in focus. The app will then ask you to take a selfie. Position your face in the center of the frame and follow any instructions about lighting or angle.

After you submit your photos, the app will walk you through identity verification. This usually means answering security questions based on your DMV records, such as your address history or vehicle information. Answer honestly — mismatches between your answers and your DMV file will cause the verification to fail.

Complete verification through your state's DMV system

Once you finish the in-app questions, Apple sends your information to your state's DMV for final verification. This step happens in the background and typically takes a few minutes to a few hours, though it can take up to 24 hours in some cases. You will receive a notification when verification is complete.

If verification fails, the app will tell you why — usually because an answer did not match your DMV records or your photos were unclear. You can try again when ready. If you keep running into problems, contact your state's DMV directly to confirm your information is correct in their system, then attempt the process again.

Use your digital ID at TSA and other checkpoints

Once your ID is verified and added to Wallet, you can use it at TSA airport security checkpoints. When you reach the ID scanner, hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the reader. Do not unlock your device — the reader will access your ID without you doing anything. The TSA officer will see your ID information on their screen.

Some rental car companies and other businesses also accept digital IDs, though not all locations have readers yet. If you are unsure whether a specific location accepts digital IDs, ask before you hand over your phone. You can always show your physical ID as a backup.

Keep your physical ID with you at all times. The digital version is a convenience option, not a replacement. Police officers, government agencies, and many businesses still require the physical card, and you may encounter situations where the digital version is not accepted.

Add your ID to Apple Watch if you want

If you have an Apple Watch Series 4 or newer, you can add your digital ID to it as well. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to Wallet, and select your digital ID. Tap "Add to Apple Watch." Your ID will sync to the watch within a few minutes.

Using your watch ID works the same way as using your phone — hold your wrist near the reader and the ID displays without you unlocking anything. This is useful if you want to travel light or do not want to pull out your phone at security checkpoints.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I lose my phone after adding my ID to Wallet?

Your digital ID is tied to your Apple ID and your device. If you lose your phone, you can remove it from your Apple ID account through iCloud.com or by signing into your account on a new device. Your ID will be deleted from the lost phone. You can then add your ID to your new device once you set it up.

Can I add my ID to Wallet if I have an older iPhone?

No. Digital IDs require an iPhone XS or newer. If you have an older model, you cannot add your ID to Wallet. You can take a screenshot of your ID and store it in Wallet for your own reference, but it will not work at TSA checkpoints or other official readers.

Do I still need my physical driver's license?

Yes. Keep your physical ID with you. Many places do not have readers for digital IDs yet, and some will not accept them at all. The digital version is an additional option, not a replacement. Police officers and government agencies typically still require the physical card.

What if my state is not on the list yet?

You cannot add your ID to Wallet until your state launches the feature. Check Apple's support page periodically for updates. In the meantime, you can take a photo of your ID and store it in Wallet for your own reference, though it will not work at official checkpoints.

Is my digital ID find?

Apple encrypts your ID information and stores it on your device. When you show your ID at a reader, only the information the reader requests is shared — you do not hand over your phone. However, like any digital system, no method is completely risk-free. Keep your phone find and use a strong passcode.

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.