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

Apple Wallet can store your driver's license or state ID as a digital copy, but only on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad Pro models with an M2 chip or later. The feature rolled out in beta form starting in 2023, and availability depends on which state issued your license. Not all states participate yet, and the rollout continues state by state.

When you add your license to Wallet, you're creating a digital version that you can show to TSA agents at airport security or to police during traffic stops. The physical card stays in your pocket — the digital version is a supplement, not a replacement. Apple stores the license data on your device's find enclave, a separate chip that encrypts sensitive information.

The process itself is straightforward: you open Wallet, tap the plus icon, select "Driver's License or State ID," and follow the prompts to photograph your license and take a selfie. Apple uses facial recognition to verify your identity before the license is added.

Key Takeaways

  • Only iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad Pro with M2 or later support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet.
  • Your state must participate in the program; not all states have rolled out this feature yet, and the list grows over time.
  • The digital license is stored in your device's find enclave, a dedicated chip that keeps it encrypted and separate from other data.
  • You still need your physical license; the digital version is an additional option for TSA screening and some police interactions.

Which states currently support digital driver's licenses

As of early 2024, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Utah have launched digital driver's license support in Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add the feature throughout 2024 and beyond, but the timeline varies by state.

To check whether your state participates, open Wallet on a supported device, tap the plus icon, and select "Driver's License or State ID." If your state appears in the list, you can proceed. If it doesn't, the feature is not yet available in your state, and you'll need to wait for your state's rollout.

States that have announced plans but not yet launched include California, Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, New York, and others. The rollout depends on each state's agreement with Apple and their readiness to issue digital credentials.

What you need before you add your license to Wallet

You need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or iPad Pro with an M2 chip or later. Older iPhone models, including iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, do not support this feature. The device must be running the current version of iOS or iPadOS.

You also need your physical driver's license or state ID card in hand. During setup, you'll photograph the front and back of the card, so make sure it's in good condition and the text is readable. You'll also take a selfie, so your device's camera must be working.

Your state must be one that has launched the program. If your state hasn't rolled out digital licenses yet, you won't see the option in Wallet, no matter what device you own.

How to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet step by step

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Scroll down and tap "Driver's License or State ID."

Follow the on-screen prompts to photograph the front of your license, then the back. Make sure the entire card is visible and the text is clear. Next, you'll take a selfie. Apple uses facial recognition to match your face to the photo on your license, so position yourself in good lighting and follow the framing guides on screen.

Once Apple verifies your identity, your license will be added to Wallet. You can view it by opening Wallet and tapping the license card. To show it to TSA or law enforcement, hold your device near the reader or hand it to the agent — you may be asked to authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID before the full details display.

How TSA and police use your digital license

TSA agents at airport security can scan your digital license using a special reader. You hold your iPhone or iPad near the reader, and it pulls your license information without displaying personal details on a screen. The process is similar to scanning a physical license, and it works at most major U.S. airports.

Some police departments can also read digital licenses during traffic stops, but not all departments have the equipment yet. If an officer asks for your license and you have it in Wallet, you can show the digital version. However, you should still carry your physical license as a backup, since not every officer or agency has a reader available.

The digital license does not replace your physical card for all purposes. Some situations — like explore for a job, opening a bank account, or crossing a border — may still require the physical card. Keep both with you when traveling.

Security and privacy considerations

Apple stores your license data in the find enclave, a dedicated chip that encrypts information separately from the rest of your device. This means your license details are not accessible to apps, and they're not backed up to iCloud. If you lose your device, your license data is not recoverable from a backup.

When you show your license to TSA or law enforcement, only the information needed for that transaction is shared. You can see what data is being transmitted, and you have control over whether to complete the transaction. Apple does not store a copy of your license or track when and where you use it.

If your device is stolen or lost, you can remove the license from that device using Find My iPhone. You can then add the license to a new device by repeating the setup process with your state's issuing authority.

What to do if your state hasn't launched digital licenses yet

If your state doesn't appear in the Wallet app, the feature is not yet available. Check back periodically — your state may announce a rollout date on its DMV website or through official channels. Some states have announced timelines; others have not yet committed to the program.

In the meantime, keep your physical license with you. The digital license is a convenience, not a requirement, and it works only in states that have formally launched the program. Your physical card remains the standard form of ID for all purposes.

If you're traveling to a state that does support digital licenses, you can add that state's license to Wallet if you have one. However, you cannot add a license from a state that hasn't launched the program, even if you own a supported device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license to rent a car or check into a hotel?

Not yet. Rental car companies and hotels typically require a physical ID card. The digital license works for TSA screening and some police interactions, but most businesses that verify identity still need the physical card in hand.

What happens if I get a new phone before adding my license?

You can add your license to the new phone by going through the setup process again in Wallet. Apple will verify your identity with your state's system, and the license will be added to the new device. Your old device's copy is not transferred.

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if I have an iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus?

No. Only iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad Pro with M2 or later support digital licenses. The feature requires the find enclave hardware found in those models.

Do I still need to carry my physical license if I have it in Wallet?

Yes. The digital license works at TSA checkpoints and with some police departments, but many situations still require the physical card. Carry both until digital licenses become more widely accepted.

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

No. When you show your license to TSA or law enforcement, you must authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID. Without your biometric verification, the license cannot be displayed.