What Apple Wallet accepts right now

You can add your driver's license or state ID to Apple Wallet on an iPhone or Apple Watch, but only if you live in one of the states that supports it. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah allow digital IDs in Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add support over time, but the rollout has been gradual.

When you add your ID to Apple Wallet, you're storing a digital version that you can show at TSA checkpoints at participating airports or to law enforcement during traffic stops — in states where the feature is live. The physical card stays in your wallet; the digital version is an additional option, not a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • You can only add a driver's license to Apple Wallet if your state has launched the feature, and currently only 15 states support it.
  • The process requires an iPhone 12 or newer (or Apple Watch Series 7 or newer) and involves taking photos and verifying your identity through Apple's system.
  • You can use your digital ID at TSA checkpoints and with some law enforcement, but rules vary by location and the officer's equipment.
  • Your state's DMV must issue you a digital ID first; you cannot create one yourself through Apple Wallet alone.

How to add your ID if your state supports it

Open Apple Wallet on your iPhone and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the menu. You'll be asked to take a photo of the front and back of your physical ID, then take a selfie. Apple uses facial recognition to match your selfie to your ID photo.

After you submit these images, Apple sends them to your state's DMV for verification. This step can take a few days. Once your state approves the request, the digital ID appears in your Wallet and you can start using it. You'll need to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID each time you present it to someone.

What happens when you show your digital ID

At TSA checkpoints in participating airports, you can hold your iPhone or Apple Watch up to the reader, similar to scanning a boarding pass. The TSA agent sees your ID information on their screen without touching your phone. Your personal data stays on your device — nothing is stored on TSA servers.

With law enforcement, the process depends on the officer's equipment. Some police departments have readers that work with digital IDs; others do not yet. Even in states where the feature exists, not all officers may have compatible devices, so you may still need to show your physical ID. There is no penalty for offering your digital ID first — you can always produce the physical card if the officer cannot read it.

Device requirements and setup

You need an iPhone 12 or newer to add a driver's license to Apple Wallet. If you want to add it to an Apple Watch, you need a Series 7 or newer. The watch must be paired with a compatible iPhone. You cannot add a driver's license to older devices, even if you update the software.

Your phone or watch must have a passcode or Face ID set up before you can use the digital ID feature. This is a security measure — Apple requires authentication before the ID can be displayed to anyone.

States that do not yet support digital IDs

If your state is not on the list of 15 that currently support Apple Wallet IDs, you cannot add your license through this method yet. Your state's DMV would need to work with Apple to build and launch the feature, which takes time and coordination.

Some states have announced plans to add support in the coming months or years, but there is no set timeline for all states. You can check Apple's official support page to see if your state has launched the feature or has announced a date.

Privacy and security of your digital ID

Your digital ID lives on your phone and is encrypted. It does not sync to iCloud or back up to your computer. If you lose your iPhone, the ID is protected by your Face ID or passcode — someone cannot access it without unlocking your phone first.

When you show your digital ID to a TSA reader or law enforcement officer, only the information relevant to that interaction is shared. You control what is displayed each time. For example, you can choose to show only your age without revealing your address. This level of control is one reason some people prefer the digital version to handing over a physical card.

What to do if your state does not support it yet

For now, you will need to carry your physical driver's license or state ID. There is no workaround to add an ID from an unsupported state to Apple Wallet. You can store a photo of your ID in your phone's photo library or in a notes app for reference, but this is not the same as the official digital ID feature and should not be used as a substitute for your physical card.

If you travel frequently or use your ID often, you might consider keeping it in an easily accessible place in your wallet or bag. Some people use a cardholder or phone case with a slot for their ID to keep it close at hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my physical ID once I add it to Apple Wallet?

No. You should keep your physical ID. The digital version is an additional option, not a replacement. Many places still do not accept digital IDs, and you may encounter situations where you need the physical card.

What if I get a new driver's license?

You will need to add the new ID to Apple Wallet through the same process. Your old digital ID will need to be removed and replaced with the new one. Your state's DMV will verify the new ID before it appears in your Wallet.

Can I use my digital ID at bars or stores that check ID?

This depends on the business. Some retailers and bars accept digital IDs, but many do not yet have the equipment or training to read them. It is safest to carry your physical ID for these situations.

What if I move to a different state?

You will need to get a new ID from your new state's DMV and add that to Apple Wallet if the state supports the feature. Your old state's digital ID will no longer be valid once you have a new ID from your current state.