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 running recent software versions. The feature, called digital ID, lets you present your license at TSA checkpoints, rental car counters, and some police traffic stops without handing over your physical card. Not every state offers this yet, and the process requires your phone to meet specific requirements.

The digital ID lives in the Wallet app alongside your payment cards and passes. When you need to show it, you unlock your phone, open Wallet, select the ID, and hold it near a reader or show it on your screen. The process is faster than digging through your wallet, and your phone stays in your hands the entire time.

Key Takeaways

  • Only certain states currently support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet, and you must live in or have an ID from one of those states to add yours.
  • Your iPhone must run iOS 16 or later, and your Apple Watch (if you want the ID there too) must run watchOS 9 or later.
  • The process requires you to scan your physical license and take a selfie, which Apple encrypts and stores on your device only — not on Apple's servers.
  • TSA has approved digital IDs at airport security checkpoints in participating states, but acceptance at other locations like rental car counters varies by business.

Which states currently support digital driver's licenses

As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming have rolled out digital ID support in Apple Wallet. More states are testing the feature or have announced plans to add it, but the list changes over time. Check Apple's official support page or your state's DMV website to confirm whether your state is included.

If your state is not yet on the list, you cannot add your license to Wallet, even if you have a compatible phone. Some states have announced timelines for future rollout, while others have not yet committed to the feature. Your physical license remains the standard form of ID everywhere until your state launches digital support.

Device requirements and software versions

Your iPhone must run iOS 16 or later to add a digital ID to Wallet. Older iPhones cannot support the feature, regardless of how new the phone is otherwise. If you want to add your ID to an Apple Watch as well, that watch must run watchOS 9 or later.

The digital ID uses your phone's find enclave — a chip that stores sensitive data separately from the rest of your device. This means Apple cannot see your ID information, and it does not sync to iCloud or back up to your computer. If you lose your phone, your digital ID is gone until you add it to a new device.

How to add your driver's license step by step

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the list of items you can add. The app will ask you to choose your state and confirm that you have a compatible device.

Next, you will scan your physical license using your phone's camera. Position your license in the frame and let the camera read the front and back. The app will then ask you to take a selfie and record a short video of yourself blinking — this is Apple's way of confirming you are the person on the license. After you submit these images, Apple sends them to your state's DMV for verification.

Verification usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, though it can take longer during high-volume periods. You will receive a notification when your ID is approved and ready to use. Once approved, your digital ID appears in Wallet alongside your other cards and passes.

Where you can use your digital driver's license

TSA has approved digital IDs at airport security checkpoints in all participating states. When you reach the ID scanner at security, open Wallet, select your digital ID, and hold your phone near the reader. The TSA officer can see your information on their screen without touching your phone.

Some rental car companies, hotels, and retail stores have begun accepting digital IDs, but acceptance is not universal. Many businesses still require a physical card, and some staff members may not yet be trained on how to verify a digital ID. If a business declines your digital ID, your physical license remains the backup. Police officers during traffic stops may or may not accept a digital ID depending on your state's laws and the officer's familiarity with the feature.

Security and privacy of your digital ID

Your digital ID is encrypted and stored only on your device, not on Apple's servers or in the cloud. When you show your ID to a reader, the transaction happens locally — the reader scans your phone, and your information appears on their screen. Apple does not track when or where you use your digital ID.

Your phone must be unlocked and you must authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID before Wallet will display your ID. This means someone who steals your phone cannot straightforward open Wallet and show your ID to a stranger. If your phone is lost or stolen, your digital ID is inaccessible to anyone else, and you can remove it from your account through iCloud.com.

What to do if your state is not yet supported

If your state has not launched digital ID support, you cannot add your license to Wallet yet. Check your state's DMV website or Apple's Wallet support page periodically for updates. Some states have announced specific launch dates, while others are still in testing phases.

In the meantime, your physical license works everywhere a digital ID would. There is no disadvantage to waiting — when your state does launch the feature, you can add your ID to Wallet at that time. You do not need to do anything now to prepare or reserve a spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital ID if my phone battery dies?

No. Your phone must be powered on and unlocked to display your digital ID. If your battery is dead, you will need your physical license. This is why many people keep their physical ID as a backup even after adding it to Wallet.

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

You can add your digital ID to a new iPhone by going through the same process again — scanning your license, taking a selfie, and waiting for DMV verification. Your old digital ID on your previous phone becomes inaccessible once you remove it from your account.

Can I add my spouse's or child's ID to my phone?

No. Each person must add their own ID to their own device. Wallet does not support adding someone else's ID, even if you have permission. Each digital ID is tied to the person whose face appears in the verification video.

Will my digital ID work at the DMV or for voting?

Digital IDs are not yet accepted for DMV transactions or voting in most places. They are primarily designed for TSA airport security and retail transactions. Check with your specific DMV or election office about what forms of ID they accept.

Is my digital ID stored on Apple's servers?

No. Your digital ID is encrypted and stored only on your device. Apple cannot see your ID information, and it does not back up to iCloud. Only your device and your state's DMV have access to your digital ID data.