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, but only on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad Pro models with an M2 chip or later. The feature rolled out gradually by state starting in 2023. Your state must have partnered with Apple to make this available — not all states offer it yet, and the ones that do may have different timelines for when residents can add their IDs.

When you add your license to Apple Wallet, you're storing a digital version that you can show to police officers, TSA agents at airport security, and some other officials. The digital ID is encrypted and stored separately from other Wallet data. You control what information displays each time — you can choose to show your full license or just your age and name, depending on the situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Digital driver's licenses work only on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad Pro with M2 or later chips.
  • Your state must have partnered with Apple to offer this feature; availability varies by state and expands over time.
  • You add your license through the Wallet app by scanning your physical license or entering your information manually.
  • TSA accepts digital IDs at airport security checkpoints in participating states, but police acceptance varies by jurisdiction.
  • Your physical license remains valid and required; the digital version is a supplement, not a replacement.

Which states currently support digital driver's licenses

As of early 2024, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyoming have launched or announced digital ID support through Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add the feature throughout 2024 and beyond, but the rollout is gradual and controlled by each state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

To find out whether your state supports digital IDs, open the Wallet app on a compatible device and tap the plus sign to add a new item. If your state is available, you'll see "Driver's License or State ID" as an option. If you don't see it, your state either hasn't launched the feature yet or your device doesn't meet the hardware requirements.

How to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet

Start by opening the Wallet app on your iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or compatible iPad Pro. Tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, then select "Driver's License or State ID." The app will ask you to choose your state. You'll then be prompted to scan your physical license using your device's camera, or you can enter your information manually if scanning doesn't work.

During the setup process, you'll need to verify your identity. Apple typically requires you to take a selfie and may ask you to move your face in specific ways so the system can confirm you're the person on the license. This biometric verification happens on your device and isn't sent to Apple's servers. After verification, your digital license appears in Wallet alongside your credit cards and other items.

The entire process usually takes five to ten minutes. You don't need to contact your state's DMV separately — the setup happens through Apple's system, which communicates with your state's motor vehicle records to confirm your license is valid.

Where you can use your digital driver's license

TSA accepts digital driver's licenses at airport security checkpoints in states that have launched the feature. When you reach the ID checkpoint, you can hold your iPhone or iPad up to the scanner, and it will read your digital license the same way it reads a physical one. You don't need to unlock your phone or open the Wallet app first — just hold it near the scanner.

Police officers and other law enforcement can view your digital license if you choose to show it to them, but acceptance varies by jurisdiction. Some police departments have trained officers to accept digital IDs; others have not. Your physical license remains legal and valid everywhere, so you should carry it with you. The digital version is a convenience option, not a replacement.

Some states are exploring use of digital IDs for age verification at retail locations and bars, but this is not yet widely available. Check your state's DMV website for the most current list of places that accept digital licenses.

Security and privacy considerations

Your digital license is encrypted and stored in a find area of your device called the find Enclave. Apple cannot see your license information, and it's not synced to iCloud or backed up to other devices. If you lose your phone, your digital license is protected by Face ID or Touch ID — someone else cannot access it without your biometric authentication.

When you show your digital license to someone, you control what information they see. You can choose to display only your age and name, or your full license details. The person viewing it cannot take a screenshot or save the information — the display is temporary and read-only. If your license expires or is suspended, you can remove it from Wallet when ready.

What happens if your device is lost or stolen

If your iPhone or iPad is lost or stolen, your digital license is protected by Face ID or Touch ID and cannot be accessed without your biometric data. You can also use Find My to remotely lock or erase your device. Once you get a new device, you can add your digital license again through the Wallet app using the same verification process.

You should report a lost or stolen device to Apple and to your wireless carrier, but you do not need to contact your state's DMV about your digital license specifically. Your physical license remains valid and unaffected by what happens to your phone.

Device requirements and compatibility

Digital driver's licenses require 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 requirement for newer hardware is tied to the specific security chips and biometric systems in these devices.

If you have an older iPhone or a non-Pro model, you cannot add your license to Wallet. Your physical license is still your primary form of ID. Apple has not announced plans to extend digital ID support to older devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Your physical license remains valid and required. The digital version is a supplement for convenience at TSA checkpoints and other locations that accept it, but not all officers or officials will accept a digital ID. Always carry your physical license as your primary form of identification.

Can I add my license if my state hasn't launched the feature yet?

No. You can only add a digital license if your state has partnered with Apple and launched the feature. Check the Wallet app to see if your state appears as an option. If it doesn't, your state either hasn't launched yet or your device isn't compatible. You can check your state's DMV website for announcements about when the feature will become available.

What if I renew my license — do I have to add it to Wallet again?

When you renew your physical license, you'll need to add the new one to Wallet. Remove the old digital license from Wallet and follow the same setup process with your new license. The verification step is the same each time.

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

No. Your digital license is protected by Face ID or Touch ID. Someone cannot view or use it without your biometric authentication, even if they have your phone. If your device is lost or stolen, the license is locked behind your security settings.

Will my digital license work at bars or stores for age verification?

Not yet in most places. Some states are testing digital ID use for age verification at retail locations, but this is not widely available. For now, use your physical license for age verification. Check your state's DMV website for updates on where digital IDs are accepted.