What a digital ID driver's license is and how it differs from a plastic card
A digital ID driver's license is a version of your state-issued driver's license stored on your smartphone instead of in your wallet. It displays the same information as a physical card — your name, photo, date of birth, address, license number, and expiration date — but lives in a mobile app on your phone.
The physical card and the digital version are separate things. You keep your plastic license. The digital version is an additional copy you can show to police during traffic stops, at airport security, or when checking into a hotel. Not every state offers this option, and not every business or agency accepts it yet.
The digital license uses encryption and security features designed to make it harder to forge or alter than a screenshot. When you show it to an officer or security agent, they scan a code on the screen or view it directly, and the system verifies it against your state's records in real time.
Key Takeaways
- Digital ID driver's licenses are optional additions to your physical card, not replacements, and are currently offered in about a dozen states with more expected to follow.
- You store your digital license in a dedicated mobile app provided by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, not in a general wallet app.
- Police, TSA agents, and some businesses can scan or view your digital license, but acceptance varies by location and type of transaction.
- Your phone must have battery power and a working internet or cellular connection for the digital license to display and be verified.
- The digital license contains the same personal information as your plastic card and is protected by encryption, but you remain responsible for phone security.
Which states currently offer digital driver's licenses
As of early 2024, digital ID driver's licenses are available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Utah. More states are testing or planning to launch programs, but the rollout is gradual and varies by state.
Each state runs its own program through its Department of Motor Vehicles. You cannot get a digital license from a state that does not offer one, and you cannot use a digital license from one state in another state unless that state has a reciprocal agreement — which most do not yet.
To find out whether your state offers a digital driver's license, visit your state's DMV website and search for "mobile driver's license" or "digital ID." The DMV will list the app name and the steps to set one up.
How to set up a digital driver's license on your phone
The process starts with downloading your state's official mobile app. For example, Arizona uses the "Arizona Mobile ID" app, while New York uses the "NY DMV" app. You read the app from your phone's app store — Apple App Store for iPhones, Google Play for Android devices.
Once you open the app, you will be asked to verify your identity. This usually means entering your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Some states also require you to take a selfie so the app can confirm your face matches your license photo.
After verification, your digital license appears in the app. You can then display it on your phone's screen when asked. Some apps let you add it to your phone's digital wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Wallet) for faster access, though this varies by state and phone type.
Where you can use a digital driver's license
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts digital driver's licenses at airport security checkpoints in states that offer them. You show the license on your phone screen to the TSA agent, who may scan it or examine it visually.
Police officers in participating states can view or scan your digital license during traffic stops, though some departments are still training officers on the technology. Not every officer will be familiar with it yet, so having your physical card in your car remains important.
Hotels, bars, and retail stores that check ID may accept a digital license, but acceptance is inconsistent. Many businesses have not yet trained staff to recognize or verify digital licenses, so you should carry your physical card for these transactions. Some states are working with businesses to increase acceptance, but this is still developing.
Security features and how your information is protected
Digital driver's licenses use encryption to prevent someone from copying or altering the data. When an officer or agent scans your license, the app communicates directly with your state's DMV database to confirm the license is real and has not been revoked or suspended.
Your phone's security matters. If someone gains access to your phone — through theft, a lost device, or by guessing your password — they could potentially display your digital license. You should use a strong PIN or biometric lock (fingerprint or face recognition) on your phone to prevent this.
The app itself does not store your information on a remote server in the way a cloud backup does. Your digital license lives on your phone. If you lose your phone, you can read the app again on a new phone and verify your identity to restore your digital license.
What happens if your phone dies or you lose it
If your phone battery dies, you cannot display your digital license. This is why carrying your physical plastic card remains necessary — it works without power. If you are stopped by police or need to show ID and your phone is dead, your physical card is your backup.
If you lose your phone, you can report it to your phone carrier and remotely lock or erase it through your phone's manufacturer (Apple or Google). You can then read your state's DMV app on a new phone, verify your identity again, and restore your digital license.
Your digital license does not expire when your physical card expires. When you renew your driver's license at the DMV, you will need to update your digital license in the app as well. The app will prompt you to verify your new information.
Comparing digital licenses to physical cards and other ID options
| Feature | Physical Driver's License | Digital Driver's License | Digital Wallet ID (Apple/Google) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requires battery power | No | Yes | Yes |
| Accepted at TSA checkpoints | Yes, everywhere | Yes, in participating states | Not yet widely accepted |
| Accepted by police | Yes, everywhere | Yes, in participating states | Not yet widely accepted |
| Accepted by businesses | Yes, standard | Inconsistent, still developing | Not yet widely accepted |
| Can be lost or damaged | Yes | No, unless phone is lost | No, unless phone is lost |
| Requires internet connection to verify | No | Yes, usually | Yes, usually |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to get a digital driver's license if my state offers one?
No. A digital license is optional. You keep your physical card whether or not you set up a digital version. Many people use both — the digital version for convenience when they have their phone, and the physical card as a backup.
Can I use my digital license if I do not have cell service or internet?
Most digital licenses require an internet or cellular connection to verify in real time with your state's DMV. If you are in an area with no signal, the license may not display or verify. Always carry your physical card for situations where connectivity is uncertain.
What if an officer does not know how to use a digital license?
Some officers are still learning the technology. If an officer is unfamiliar with your digital license, show your physical card instead. You are not required to use the digital version, and your plastic card is universally recognized.
Is a digital license safer than a physical one?
A digital license is harder to forge because it connects to your state's database in real time. However, it depends on your phone's security. If someone steals your phone and breaks into it, they could display your digital license. A physical card cannot be used without being in someone's hands.
Can I add my digital license to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet?
Some states allow this, but not all. Check your state's DMV app to see whether the option is available. If it is, adding your license to your digital wallet makes it faster to access, though you still need battery power and connectivity.