Yes, you can add your driver's license to Apple Wallet on supported devices
Apple Wallet supports digital driver's licenses and state ID cards in the United States. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah have launched digital ID programs compatible with Apple Wallet. The feature works on iPhone XS and later, and iPad Pro models from 2018 onward.
Adding your license to Wallet is not the same as replacing your physical license. You still carry the physical card. The digital version is an additional copy you can show at certain checkpoints — primarily TSA security lines at airports and some police traffic stops, depending on the state and officer discretion. Not all businesses or agencies accept the digital version yet, so you will need the physical card for most everyday uses.
The process requires your state's official ID app or a direct upload through Apple Wallet itself, depending on your state's implementation. You will need to verify your identity, which typically involves answering security questions based on your state records and taking a photo of yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Your state must have launched a digital ID program compatible with Apple Wallet — check your state's DMV website to see if yours has.
- Adding a digital license to Wallet does not replace your physical license; you still need to carry the card itself.
- The digital version is currently accepted at TSA checkpoints and by some police officers during traffic stops, but acceptance varies by location and officer.
- You will need to verify your identity through security questions and a selfie before the license appears in your Wallet.
Which states currently support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet
The states that have launched digital ID support as of early 2024 are Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah. This list continues to grow, and additional states are in development. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website to confirm whether your state offers the feature.
Each state manages its own digital ID rollout on its own timeline. Some states allow you to add your license directly through Apple Wallet; others require you to read the state's official ID app first and then transfer it to Wallet. The exact steps depend on which state issued your license.
How to add your driver's license through Apple Wallet
Open Apple Wallet on your iPhone or iPad and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID." You will be asked to choose your state. If your state supports the feature, you will see the option to proceed; if not, the option will be grayed out.
Follow the prompts to position your license in front of your device's camera. Take a clear photo of the front and back of your card. You will then be asked to take a selfie and answer security questions to verify your identity. These questions are based on information in your state's DMV records — things like previous addresses, vehicle details, or other personal history only you would know.
Once you pass identity verification, your digital license will appear in Apple Wallet. You can view it, and on supported devices, you can show it to TSA agents or police officers by holding your phone or iPad near their reader device. The transaction is encrypted, and the officer or TSA agent sees only the information they need — not your full license data.
Where your digital license is currently accepted
TSA has confirmed that digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet are accepted at airport security checkpoints in participating states. You can use the digital version at the ID check point; the TSA agent will scan it with their reader device. The physical license is not required if you are using the digital version at TSA.
Some state and local police departments accept digital licenses during traffic stops, but this is not universal. Officer discretion and department policy vary widely. Some officers may not yet be trained on the feature, and some departments may not have the reader technology. It is safest to carry your physical license at all times, even if you have added it to Wallet.
Retail businesses, bars, and other private establishments do not currently accept digital licenses from Apple Wallet. You will need your physical card for age verification, check-cashing, and other everyday transactions.
What information is visible when you show your digital license
When you present your digital license to a TSA agent or police officer, they see the same information that appears on your physical card — your name, date of birth, license number, address, and photo. The transaction is encrypted, and the reader device does not store your information or create a record of the transaction on your phone.
You have control over what you share. If an officer or agent asks to see your license, you can choose to show the digital version or hand over your physical card. You are not required to use the digital version, and refusing to do so does not affect your rights.
Security and privacy considerations
Apple Wallet stores your digital license in an encrypted section of your phone called the find Enclave. Your license data does not sync to iCloud, and Apple does not have access to it. If your phone is lost or stolen, your digital license cannot be used without Face ID or Touch ID authentication.
Your state's DMV verifies your identity before the license is added to Wallet, which reduces the risk of someone else adding a fraudulent license to their device. However, if someone gains access to your unlocked phone, they could theoretically show your digital license. This is one reason to keep your device locked and to report a lost or stolen phone to your carrier and your state DMV when ready.
What to do if your state does not yet support digital licenses
If your state has not launched a digital ID program, you have no way to add your license to Apple Wallet at this time. Check your state's DMV website periodically for updates. Many states are in the development or pilot phase and will announce availability when they are ready.
Some states may launch their own digital ID apps before integrating with Apple Wallet. If your state has released an official ID app, you can read it from the App Store and use it to store a digital copy of your license on your phone. This is not the same as Apple Wallet integration, but it serves a similar purpose for states that have not yet partnered with Apple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my digital license instead of my physical license everywhere?
No. Digital licenses are currently accepted only at TSA airport security checkpoints and by some police officers during traffic stops. You still need your physical license for retail transactions, age verification, and most other everyday uses. Carry both until digital acceptance becomes more widespread.
What happens if I lose my phone after adding my license to Wallet?
Your digital license is encrypted and requires Face ID or Touch ID to display, so someone who finds your phone cannot use it without unlocking the device. Report your phone lost to your carrier and contact your state DMV to let them know. You can add your license to a new phone once you replace it.
Do I need to remove my digital license if I renew my driver's license?
Yes. When you renew your physical license, you will need to remove the old digital license from Wallet and add the new one. Your state DMV will issue a new license number, and the digital version must match your current physical card.
Can someone else add my license to their phone?
No. Apple Wallet requires you to verify your identity by answering security questions and taking a selfie. Someone else cannot complete this process without access to your personal information and your face. The verification step prevents fraudulent licenses from being added.
Is my information safe when I show my digital license to an officer or TSA agent?
Yes. The transaction is encrypted, and the reader device sees only the information on your license — the same data visible on your physical card. The reader does not store your information or create a record on your phone. Your state's DMV does not receive notification that you showed your license.