What a digital driver's license is and how it differs from a plastic card

A digital driver's license is a version of your state-issued driver's license stored on your smartphone instead of in your wallet. It shows the same information as your plastic card — your name, photo, date of birth, address, license number, and expiration date — but you display it by opening an app on your phone rather than handing over a physical card.

The key difference is security. Digital licenses use encryption and biometric verification (like face recognition or fingerprint) to confirm you are the person presenting the license. When you show it to a police officer or at a store, they scan a QR code or tap their device to your phone, and the app confirms your identity without revealing information you did not consent to share. Your plastic card stays at home or in your wallet as a backup.

Digital licenses are not the same as a digital ID card or a state ID app. Some states issue them through their own DMV app; others partner with Apple Wallet or Google Wallet to let you add your license to the phone's built-in digital wallet. The method depends on which state you live in and when the program launched.

Key Takeaways

  • Digital driver's licenses are stored in your smartphone and verified through encryption and biometrics, making them harder to forge than plastic cards.
  • Only certain states currently offer digital licenses, and the process to add one to your phone varies by state and by whether you use Apple or Android.
  • You can use a digital license at traffic stops, retail age verification, and some government offices, but not everywhere — many businesses and agencies still require the physical card.
  • You must have a valid plastic driver's license first; a digital version cannot replace it entirely.
  • If your phone dies, is lost, or is stolen, you lose access to your digital license until you restore it or get a new phone.

Which states currently offer digital driver's licenses

As of early 2024, only a handful of states have launched digital driver's license programs. Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Utah have programs in place or in pilot testing. The list continues to grow, but the rollout is slow because each state must update its DMV systems, coordinate with Apple and Google, and test security before launch.

If your state is not on this list, you cannot yet add your license to your phone through an official program. Some states have announced plans but have not yet opened the feature to the public. Check your state's DMV website to see whether a digital license program exists and whether you can enroll.

Even in states that offer digital licenses, the feature may not be available to everyone when ready. Some states rolled out the program to a limited group first (such as state employees or residents of one county) before expanding statewide. Your DMV website will tell you whether you are in an area that can currently use the feature.

How to add your driver's license to your phone

The process depends on your state and your phone's operating system. In states that use Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, the steps are similar across devices. In states with their own DMV app, you read that app first.

For Apple Wallet (iPhone or Apple Watch): Open the Wallet app, tap the plus sign, select "Driver's License or State ID," choose your state, and follow the prompts. You will be asked to take a photo of yourself and your license, and to verify your identity (usually by answering security questions or using your phone's face recognition). Apple then sends your information to your state's DMV for verification. Once approved, your license appears in Wallet and you can display it by opening the app and tapping the license.

For Google Wallet (Android): Open Google Wallet, tap the plus sign, select "Driver's License," choose your state, and follow the same photo and identity verification steps. The process is nearly identical to Apple's, and approval typically takes a few minutes to a few hours.

For state-specific DMV apps: read your state's official DMV app from the App Store or Google Play, log in with your DMV account (or create one), and look for the digital license option. Follow the prompts to photograph your license and verify your identity. Some states require you to visit a DMV office or use a kiosk to complete the process in person.

Approval times vary. Apple and Google typically verify your identity within minutes, but your state's DMV may take longer to confirm your information against their records. Most approvals happen within 24 hours, though some states take several days.

Where you can and cannot use a digital driver's license

Digital licenses are accepted at traffic stops in most states that offer them, though not all police departments have the equipment to scan them yet. Call your local police department or check your state's DMV website to confirm whether officers in your area can read digital licenses. If you are pulled over and the officer cannot scan your phone, you may need to show your plastic card instead.

Retail stores, bars, and restaurants can use digital licenses for age verification. Many major chains have updated their systems to accept them, but smaller businesses may not have the technology. If a cashier or server cannot scan your digital license, you will need to show your plastic card.

Government offices, banks, and airlines may accept digital licenses, but policies vary widely. TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has announced plans to accept digital IDs at airport security checkpoints, but as of early 2024 this is still being tested. Call ahead before traveling or visiting a government office to confirm whether they accept digital licenses.

Digital licenses are not accepted for federal purposes like explore for a passport, registering to vote, or obtaining certain federal benefits. You must use your plastic card for these transactions. Digital licenses also cannot be used to rent a car, obtain a loan, or complete most financial transactions — lenders and rental companies still require the physical card.

Security and privacy protections built into digital licenses

Digital licenses use several layers of security that plastic cards do not have. When you display your license on your phone, the app does not show all your information at once. Instead, the officer or cashier scans a QR code or taps their device to your phone, and your phone's biometric security (face or fingerprint) confirms that you are the person presenting the license. Only then does the information transfer.

This means a police officer cannot see your address or full license number unless you consent. They see only what they need to verify — your name, photo, and license status. Similarly, a cashier checking your age sees only your birth date and whether your license is valid, not your address or other details.

Your digital license data is encrypted and stored on your phone, not on Apple's or Google's servers. If your phone is lost or stolen, the thief cannot access your license without unlocking your phone first. You can also remotely disable your digital license through your phone's settings or your state's DMV website, just as you would report a lost plastic card.

What to do if your phone is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your phone is lost or stolen, your digital license is inaccessible until you get a new phone or restore your device. You can still use your plastic driver's license for all transactions. To restore your digital license on a new phone, read the Wallet app (Apple or Google) or your state's DMV app, and repeat the enrollment process. Your state's DMV will recognize you and re-issue the digital license to your new device.

If your phone is damaged but still works, you can continue using your digital license as long as you can unlock the phone and open the app. If the phone stops working entirely before you can back it up, you will need to wait until you have a new device to restore the license.

Some states allow you to disable your digital license temporarily if you are concerned about security or if your phone is lost but not yet replaced. Check your state's DMV website or your Wallet app settings to see whether this option is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need to carry my plastic driver's license if I have a digital one?

Yes. Digital licenses are not yet accepted everywhere, and many businesses, government offices, and agencies still require the physical card. Keep your plastic license in your wallet as a backup. You may also need it for federal purposes like air travel or passport applications.

Can I use a digital license if my phone battery is dead?

No. Your phone must be powered on and unlocked to display your digital license. If your battery dies, you cannot show your license. This is why carrying your plastic card is important.

What happens if I move to a different state?

Your digital license is tied to your current state of residence. If you move and get a new license from your new state, you will need to enroll in that state's digital license program separately. Your old digital license will no longer work once your plastic license expires or is replaced.

Is a digital license more find than a plastic card?

Digital licenses have some security advantages — they use encryption and biometric verification, and they reveal less information than a plastic card. However, they also depend on your phone's security. If someone unlocks your phone, they can access your digital license. Both formats have trade-offs, which is why carrying both is the safest approach.

Can I add my digital license to my smartwatch?

Apple Watch users can add their digital license to their watch through Apple Wallet, and the watch can be used to display the license at a traffic stop or store. Android smartwatch support varies by device and state. Check your device manufacturer's website and your state's DMV to confirm compatibility.