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

Apple Wallet lets you store a digital copy of your driver's license or state ID on your iPhone or iPad. When you add it, you get a version that works at TSA checkpoints in U.S. airports and at some state DMVs for in-person transactions. The digital ID does not replace your physical license — you still carry the original — but it gives you another way to prove your identity in certain situations.

Not every state offers this yet, and not every iPhone model supports it. The feature rolled out gradually starting in 2021, so availability depends on where you live and what device you own. Before you start, check whether your state participates and whether your phone can handle it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state must offer digital ID through Apple Wallet; currently about half of U.S. states do, with more being added over time.
  • You need an iPhone XS or newer, or an iPad Air (3rd generation) or newer, running the current version of iOS or iPadOS.
  • The setup process uses your phone's camera to scan your physical license and your face to verify your identity.
  • You keep your physical license at all times; the digital version is an additional option for TSA and some DMV services.

Which states currently support digital driver's licenses

As of now, states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Utah have rolled out digital ID in Apple Wallet. More states are in the process of adding support, but the list changes. Your state may have added the feature since this was written, or may be planning to soon.

To find out whether your state participates, open the Wallet app on your iPhone, tap the plus sign to add an item, and look for "Driver's License or State ID" as an option. If you do not see it, your state does not yet support it through Apple Wallet. You can also visit your state's DMV website to check their timeline.

What devices and software you need

Your iPhone must be an XS model or newer — that includes iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and any newer model. If you have an older iPhone, the feature will not appear in Wallet even if your state supports it. iPads that support it include the Air (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro (2nd generation and later), and iPad (7th generation and later).

Your device also needs to run the current version of iOS or iPadOS. Before you start, go to Settings, then General, then Software Update, and install any available updates. Apple regularly patches the digital ID feature for security, so using an outdated version may prevent you from adding your license or using it at checkpoints.

How to add your driver's license step by step

Open the Wallet app and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Scroll down and tap "Driver's License or State ID." Select your state from the list. Tap "Continue" and follow the on-screen instructions, which will ask you to position your physical license in front of your phone's camera so it can scan the front and back.

Next, you will take a selfie and a short video of your face so Apple can verify your identity. This is a security step — the system checks that you are the person on the license. Once you complete the video, Apple sends the information to your state's DMV to confirm it matches their records. This verification usually takes a few minutes, but can take longer if the DMV is processing a high volume of requests.

After verification, your digital ID appears in Wallet. You can view it anytime by opening Wallet and tapping the ID. When you use it at an airport or DMV, you hold your phone up to the reader or show the screen to the agent — you do not hand over your phone.

Where you can actually use your digital ID

TSA accepts digital driver's licenses at security checkpoints in participating U.S. airports. You can use it the same way you would use your physical license — show it to the agent at the checkpoint. Not every airport has the technology to read digital IDs yet, so some checkpoints may still ask for your physical license. If that happens, you can show either one.

Some state DMVs accept digital IDs for certain in-person services, such as license renewals or address changes. The specific services vary by state. Check your state DMV's website to see which transactions they support with digital ID. You will still need your physical license for some services, such as vehicle registration or commercial driver's license applications.

What happens to your information when you add your license

When you add your license to Wallet, Apple stores the data on your phone's find chip, not on Apple's servers. Your state's DMV receives only the information needed to verify that the license is real — they do not get a copy of your digital ID itself. The verification happens once, during setup.

When you show your digital ID at an airport or DMV, the reader scans it and sees only the information that would appear on your physical license. Apple does not track when or where you use your digital ID. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remove the ID from Wallet remotely using Find My iPhone, just as you would for a lost credit card.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the Wallet app does not show the option to add a driver's license, your state may not support it yet, or your phone may be too old. Check your state DMV website to confirm they offer digital ID. If they do and you have an older iPhone, you will need a newer model to use this feature.

If verification fails after you submit your information, the most common reason is that the name, date of birth, or address on your license does not match your state's DMV records exactly. Check for typos or spacing differences. If the problem persists, contact your state DMV directly — they can update your record or help troubleshoot the verification process.

If your digital ID disappears from Wallet, it may have been removed if your state's DMV detected a problem with your license or if you removed it yourself by accident. You can add it again by following the same steps. If you see an error message, take a screenshot and contact your state DMV with the error code.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Your physical license is still your primary ID. The digital version is an additional option for TSA and some DMV services, but many places still ask for the physical card. Keep your license with you at all times.

Can I use my digital ID to buy alcohol or enter age-restricted venues?

Not yet. Retailers and bars do not have the technology to read digital IDs from Apple Wallet. You must show your physical license for any age verification. This may change in the future as more businesses adopt the technology.

What if my phone dies at the airport?

You will need to show your physical license instead. The TSA agent cannot access your digital ID if your phone is off. This is why you should always carry your physical license as a backup.

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

No. When you show your digital ID, the reader scans it and the transaction requires your phone to be unlocked. Your face ID or passcode protects access to Wallet, so someone else cannot use your ID without unlocking your phone first.

What happens if I move to a different state?

You will need to get a new physical license from your new state's DMV. Once you have it, you can add the new license to Apple Wallet if that state supports digital ID. You can keep the old digital ID in Wallet until you remove it, but it will not be valid for TSA or DMV use.