Yes, you can add your driver's license to Apple Wallet on supported iPhones and Apple Watches

Apple Wallet now holds your driver's license or state ID in digital form on iPhones running iOS 15.1 or later and Apple Watches running watchOS 8.1 or later. When you add your license, you can show it to TSA agents at airport security or to police officers during traffic stops without handing over the physical card. The digital version stays encrypted on your device and requires Face ID or Touch ID to display.

Not every state offers this feature yet. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add support over time. If your state is not on this list, you cannot add your license through Apple Wallet at this moment.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add your driver's license to Apple Wallet only if your state currently supports the feature, and not all states do yet.
  • Your digital license requires Face ID or Touch ID to display, so it cannot be accessed by someone who steals your phone.
  • TSA agents at airport security can scan your digital license, and some police officers can view it during traffic stops, though acceptance varies by location.
  • You still need to carry your physical license in most situations because not all businesses, agencies, or officers accept the digital version.

How to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet

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 menu. The app will ask you to choose your state. Follow the on-screen instructions to take a photo of the front and back of your license, then take a selfie for identity verification.

Apple will send your information to your state's motor vehicle department for verification. This process usually takes a few days, though it can take longer depending on your state. You will receive a notification when your digital license is ready to use. Until verification is complete, you cannot display your license in Wallet.

If you have an Apple Watch, you can add the same license to your watch after it is verified on your iPhone. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to Wallet and Apple Pay, and select your license. Tap "Add to Apple Watch." Your license will then appear on your watch, and you can display it using Face ID or by raising your wrist.

When TSA and police will accept your digital license

TSA agents at airport security checkpoints can scan your digital driver's license at most U.S. airports. When you reach the ID checkpoint, open Wallet, select your license, and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. The agent will scan the barcode on your screen. This works the same way as scanning a physical license.

Police officers can view your digital license during traffic stops in states that support the feature, but acceptance is not may provide everywhere. Some officers may not be trained to use the scanning technology, or their department may not have updated their systems yet. If an officer asks for your ID and you only have the digital version, you can show it on your phone. If they decline to accept it, you may need to provide your physical license if you have it with you.

Businesses, banks, and other organizations generally do not scan digital licenses yet. If you need to prove your identity at a store, bar, or financial institution, bring your physical license. The digital version is most useful for airport security and some law enforcement interactions.

What happens to your information when you add your license

When you add your license to Wallet, Apple sends your license information to your state's motor vehicle department for verification. Your state confirms that the license is valid and that you are the person on the license. Apple does not store your license data on its servers. Instead, the encrypted license lives only on your device.

Each time you display your license, the person viewing it sees the same information that appears on your physical card — your photo, name, address, license number, and expiration date. They do not see any additional personal data. Apple cannot access your license information, and your state motor vehicle department cannot see when or where you show your license.

What to do if your state does not support digital licenses yet

If your state is not on the list of supported states, you cannot add your license to Apple Wallet at this time. Check back periodically, as more states are adding support. You can also contact your state's motor vehicle department to ask when digital licenses might become available.

In the meantime, keep your physical license with you for all situations where you need to prove your identity. There is no workaround to add a license from an unsupported state to Wallet, and you cannot use a license from another state in your Wallet if you do not live there.

Troubleshooting common problems with digital licenses

If your license verification is taking longer than expected, check your email for messages from Apple or your state's motor vehicle department. Verification delays usually happen because the information you entered does not match your state's records exactly — for example, a middle initial or address format mismatch. If you receive a rejection notice, follow the instructions to correct the information and try again.

If you cannot find the "Driver's License or State ID" option in Wallet, your iPhone may not be running a recent enough version of iOS. Go to Settings, then General, then Software Update to check for updates. You also need to be in a state that supports digital licenses. If you are in a supported state and still do not see the option, restart your iPhone and try again.

If you lose your phone or it is stolen, your digital license is protected by the same security as your other Wallet contents. The thief cannot display your license without your Face ID or passcode. You can remove your license from Wallet by opening the app, pressing and holding your license, and selecting "Remove." You can add it back to a new device after you verify your identity again with your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. While TSA and some police officers accept digital licenses, most businesses, banks, and other organizations do not scan them yet. Carry your physical license for situations where you need to prove your identity at stores, bars, restaurants, or financial institutions. The digital version is a supplement, not a replacement.

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

No. Your digital license requires Face ID or Touch ID to display, so someone with your phone cannot show it without your face or fingerprint. If your phone is stolen, you can remove the license from Wallet remotely using Find My iPhone, or you can remove it after you get a new device.

What if I move to a different state?

You will need to get a new driver's license from your new state and add that license to Wallet. You cannot use a digital license from a state where you no longer live. Remove the old license from Wallet and add your new state's license once you have received your new physical license.

Does adding my license to Wallet cost anything?

No. Adding your driver's license to Apple Wallet is free. There are no fees from Apple or your state for using this feature.

Can I add my license to Android phones?

Not yet. Digital driver's licenses are currently available only on Apple devices. Google has announced plans to add this feature to Android, but it is not yet available. Check back with your phone manufacturer for updates.