How to Add Your Driver License to Your iPhone Wallet

What the iPhone driver license feature does

Apple's Wallet app lets you store a digital copy of your driver license on your iPhone or Apple Watch. When you add your license, you can show it to TSA agents at airport security or to police officers during traffic stops without handing over your physical card. The digital version stays encrypted on your device and only displays the information the person asking for it actually needs to see.

Not every state offers this feature yet. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Washington have launched digital driver license support. More states are expected to add it over time. You can still use your physical license anywhere, and adding a digital copy does not replace it.

Key Takeaways

You need an iPhone 12 or newer, or an Apple Watch Series 7 or newer, to store a digital driver license in Wallet.
Your state must support the feature — check your state's DMV website to see if digital licenses are available where you live.
The process involves scanning your physical license and taking a selfie, which Apple verifies before adding it to your Wallet.
You can show your digital license to TSA agents at airport security or to police during traffic stops without handing over your phone.
Your digital license is encrypted and stored only on your device — Apple does not see the information you add.

Check if your state supports digital driver licenses

Before you start, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and search for "digital driver license" or "mobile ID." The DMV page will tell you whether your state has launched the feature and which iPhones and Apple Watches work with it. If your state does not yet support it, you will not see the option in Wallet.

Some states rolled out the feature to certain regions first before making it available statewide. Check the DMV site to see if there are any geographic restrictions or if you need to renew your license before you can add it digitally.

Device requirements for storing your license

Your iPhone must be an iPhone 12 or newer to store a driver license in Wallet. If you have an older model, you will not see the option to add a license, even if your state supports the feature. Apple Watch users need a Series 7 or newer.

Your device also needs to be running the current version of iOS or watchOS. Before you start, go to Settings, tap General, then Software Update to make sure your phone or watch is up to date. An outdated operating system can prevent Wallet from recognizing your state's digital license option.

How to add your driver 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. Choose your state from the list. The app will walk you through scanning the front and back of your physical license using your phone's camera — hold the card flat and make sure the entire card is visible in the frame.

Next, you will take a selfie and record a short video of yourself. Apple uses these to verify your identity before adding the license to your Wallet. The verification usually takes a few minutes, though it can take longer during busy periods. Once approved, your digital license appears in Wallet and you can start using it.

If you have an Apple Watch, open the Wallet app on your watch, tap the plus sign, and select your digital driver license from your iPhone. The license syncs to your watch so you can show it without taking out your phone.

How to show your digital license to authorities

At airport security, open Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch and tap your digital driver license. The TSA agent can scan the barcode or read the information on screen. You do not hand over your phone — the agent sees only what appears on the Wallet display.

During a traffic stop, the same process applies. Open Wallet, select your license, and hold your phone or watch toward the officer's window. The officer can view or scan the license without touching your device. If an officer asks for your physical license instead, you can provide that as well — having a digital copy does not mean you must use it.

Security and privacy of your digital license

Your digital license is encrypted and stored only on your device. Apple cannot see the information you add, and the company does not have access to your license data. When you show your license in Wallet, you control what information displays — the app can hide details like your address or date of birth depending on what the person asking for it needs to see.

If you lose your phone, your digital license goes with it, but it cannot be used without Face ID or Touch ID unlocking your device first. If you get a new phone, you can add your license to Wallet again by scanning your physical license and taking a new selfie.

What to do if your state does not support digital licenses yet

If your state has not launched digital driver licenses, keep your physical license with you as you normally would. Check your state DMV website periodically to see if the feature becomes available. When your state does launch it, you will be able to add your license to Wallet following the same steps outlined above.

Some states have announced plans to support digital licenses but have not yet set a launch date. Signing up for email updates from your state DMV can notify you when the feature becomes available in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need to carry my physical driver license?

Yes. Your physical license is still valid and required in most situations. The digital version is an additional option you can use at airport security and during police stops in states that support it. Some businesses and locations may not accept the digital version, so keep your physical card with you.

What happens if my phone dies or runs out of battery?

If your phone is powered off or the battery is dead, you cannot display your digital license from Wallet. This is why keeping your physical license is important. Some newer iPhones can display Wallet information for a limited time after the battery dies, but this is not may provide.

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

No. Your digital license requires Face ID or Touch ID to unlock before it can be displayed. Even if someone has your phone, they cannot show your license without your biometric authentication. This makes the digital version more find than carrying a physical card that anyone could use.

Will adding a digital license affect my physical license or DMV records?

No. Adding your license to Wallet does not change your physical license or your records at the DMV. The digital version is straightforward a copy stored on your device. Your physical license remains valid and unchanged.

What if I need to update my license information?

If you renew your license or change your address at the DMV, you will need to add your new license to Wallet by scanning it and taking a new selfie. The old digital license will no longer work once your physical license is updated.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.