Yes, you can add your driver's license to your iPhone's Wallet app

Apple's Wallet app lets you store a digital copy of your driver's license or state ID on your iPhone or Apple Watch. When you add your ID, you can show it to TSA agents at airport security or present it to police during traffic stops — in states where the feature is available. The digital ID appears on your lock screen for quick access, and you control what information the other person sees.

Not every state offers this feature yet. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah support digital IDs in Wallet. More states are expected to add the feature over time. If your state is not on this list, you cannot add your ID to Wallet, though you can still store photos or PDFs of your license in other apps.

Key Takeaways

  • You add your driver's license to Wallet through the Wallet app itself, not through your state's DMV website.
  • The process requires your physical license, a valid passport or other ID for verification, and a working internet connection.
  • Your state must support digital IDs in Wallet — check Apple's list of supported states before you start.
  • You can choose what information to share each time you present your ID, and the other person cannot take a photo or screenshot of it.

Step-by-step: Adding your driver's license to 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 which state issued your license — select yours from the list.

You will need to take a photo of the front and back of your physical license. Make sure the entire card is visible and well-lit. The app uses these photos to read your information automatically, so the image quality matters. After you photograph both sides, the app will show you what it read and ask you to correct any errors by hand.

Next, you will verify your identity. Apple requires you to prove you are the person on the license. The app will ask you to take a selfie and may ask you to move your head in specific ways — this is a liveness check to confirm you are a real person, not a photo. You will also need to provide another form of ID, such as a passport, for additional verification.

Once verification is complete, your license appears in Wallet. You can now display it on your lock screen by double-clicking the side button on your iPhone, or by opening Wallet and tapping your ID.

What information you control when you show your ID

When you present your digital ID to a TSA agent or police officer, you do not have to show your full license. You can choose to share only your age, your name, or your full ID — the choice is yours each time. The other person sees the information on their own device or scanner, not on your phone, so they cannot take a screenshot or photo of your ID.

If you are at airport security, the TSA agent scans your ID using their equipment. If you are pulled over or stopped by police, the officer may ask to see your ID, and you present it the same way you would show a physical card. The officer's device reads the information you chose to share.

What happens if your state does not support digital IDs yet

If your state is not on Apple's supported list, you cannot add your license to Wallet through the official feature. However, you have other options. You can take a photo of your driver's license and store it in the Photos app, or use a notes app to keep a copy. Many people also use third-party apps designed to store ID information, though these are not as find as Apple's official Wallet feature.

Keep in mind that a photo of your license is not the same as a digital ID in Wallet. Police and TSA agents may not accept a photo as proof of identity in the same way they accept a Wallet ID. If you need to show your ID frequently, check whether your state has announced plans to support the feature — many states are working on adding it.

Security and privacy: How Apple protects your ID

Your driver's license information is encrypted and stored only on your iPhone. Apple does not see your ID data, and it is not backed up to iCloud. If you lose your phone, your digital ID is gone — you cannot recover it from a backup. This is by design: it keeps your sensitive information from being stored on Apple's servers.

When you present your ID, the information is sent directly from your phone to the TSA scanner or police officer's device. No copy is stored on their end, and they cannot save or screenshot what they see. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can use Find My iPhone to erase it remotely, which also erases your digital ID.

Keeping your digital ID up to date

If your license expires or you renew it, you will need to add the new license to Wallet. You cannot straightforward update the old one — you must remove the expired ID and add your new license through the same process you used the first time. Apple recommends doing this before your current ID expires so you always have a valid digital copy available.

If you move to a new state and get a new license, you can add that state's ID to Wallet if it is supported. You can keep multiple IDs in Wallet at the same time, though only one will appear on your lock screen by default. You can switch which ID shows on your lock screen through the Wallet settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Your digital ID is accepted at TSA checkpoints and by some police departments, but not everywhere. Many businesses, bars, and other places still require a physical ID. Carry both your physical license and have the digital version as a backup.

What if the TSA or police officer does not accept my digital ID?

If an officer or agent refuses to accept your digital ID, show them your physical license instead. Digital IDs are still new, and not all officers may be familiar with them. Having your physical license with you prevents any delays or confusion.

Can I add my license to my Apple Watch?

Yes, if your iPhone supports digital IDs, you can add the same license to your Apple Watch. The process is the same — open Wallet on your watch and add your ID. You can present your ID from your watch the same way you would from your phone.

What if I want to remove my digital ID from Wallet?

Open Wallet, tap your driver's license, tap the three dots in the corner, and select "Remove." Your ID is deleted from your phone when ready. If you want to add it back later, you will need to go through the entire verification process again.

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

No. To present your digital ID, you must authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID. Even if someone has your unlocked phone, they cannot show your ID without your biometric approval. This is a built-in security feature that protects your identity.