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 or state ID on your iPhone or Apple Watch. When you add your license to Wallet, you can show it to TSA agents at airport security or to police during traffic stops without handing over your physical card. The feature works on iPhone XS and later models running iOS 15.1 or higher, and on Apple Watch Series 4 and later.

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, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, and Washington have made digital IDs available through Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add the feature over time, but the rollout has been gradual.

The digital license you add to Wallet is encrypted and stored only on your device. Apple does not see the contents, and the state DMV does not receive notification that you added it to your phone. Your physical license remains valid and you can continue to carry it.

Key Takeaways

You can only add a digital driver license to Wallet if your state has launched the feature, and currently about 20 states and territories support it.
The process requires your iPhone to have Face ID or Touch ID, and you must verify your identity with the state DMV through the Wallet app.
You can present your digital license to TSA at airport security or to police during traffic stops, but some officers and agencies may not yet accept it.
Your physical license remains valid and you should keep it with you as a backup, since digital ID acceptance is still expanding.

Which States Currently Support Digital Driver Licenses

The states that have launched digital ID support in Apple Wallet are Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Each state manages its own rollout timeline and technical setup, so the exact process and what you can use the digital ID for varies slightly by location.

If your state is not on this list, you cannot add your license to Wallet yet. You can check Apple's official support page or your state's DMV website to see if a launch date has been announced. Some states have announced plans to support digital IDs but have not yet made them available.

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. The app will ask you to choose your state and confirm that you have a valid, unexpired license issued by that state's DMV.

You will then be asked to take a photo of the front and back of your physical license using your iPhone camera. The app uses this to verify the document. Next, you will take a selfie so the state can confirm your identity matches the photo on your license. You may also be asked security questions based on information from your DMV record.

Once you complete these steps, your state's DMV system reviews your submission. This can take a few minutes to a few hours. When approved, the digital license appears in your Wallet. You will need to use Face ID or Touch ID each time you present it, as a security measure.

Where You Can Use Your Digital Driver License

TSA accepts digital driver licenses at airport security checkpoints in participating states. You can hold your iPhone or Apple Watch up to the TSA reader, and the agent will scan it the same way they would scan a physical card. This works at most major U.S. airports, though some smaller regional airports may not yet have the technology in place.

Police officers can also view your digital license during traffic stops, but acceptance varies by department and jurisdiction. Some law enforcement agencies have been trained to accept digital IDs, while others still require a physical card. If an officer asks for your license, you can show the digital version, but it is wise to carry your physical license as well until digital ID acceptance becomes more widespread.

You cannot use a digital driver license for age verification at bars, stores, or other businesses. Retailers and venues still require a physical ID for these purposes. The digital license is currently limited to TSA and law enforcement use.

Security and Privacy Considerations

Your digital license is encrypted on your device and protected by Face ID or Touch ID. Apple cannot see the contents of your license, and the state DMV does not track when or where you present it. Each time you show your digital ID, you must authenticate with your biometric data first, which adds a layer of security that a physical card does not have.

If your iPhone is lost or stolen, your digital license is protected by the device's security features. You can remotely erase your iPhone through iCloud, which removes the license from Wallet. You can then add the license to a new device by going through the verification process again.

The data you provide during setup—your photo, personal information, and security question answers—goes directly to your state's DMV system. Apple does not store this information. Each state has its own privacy policy governing how that data is used and retained.

What to Do If Your State Does Not Support Digital IDs Yet

If your state has not launched digital driver license support, you cannot add your license to Wallet through Apple's system. Your only option is to carry your physical license. Check your state's DMV website or Apple's Wallet support page periodically to see if a launch date has been announced.

Some states have announced plans to support digital IDs but have not yet completed the technical work required. Others have not announced any timeline. If you travel frequently or use TSA PreCheck, you may want to keep an eye on announcements from your state's DMV, since the feature could become available in the coming months or years.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If the Wallet app does not show the option to add a driver license, your iPhone model or iOS version may not support the feature. You need iPhone XS or later running iOS 15.1 or higher. Check your iOS version in Settings > General > About, and update if needed. If your phone is older than iPhone XS, the feature is not available.

If you complete the verification process but your license is not approved, the state DMV may have rejected your submission due to a mismatch between your photo and the license photo, unclear images, or information that does not match DMV records. You will usually receive a notification explaining why. You can try again, making sure your photos are clear and well-lit and that all information is accurate.

If you have already added your license to Wallet and want to remove it, open Wallet, tap and hold the license card, and select "Remove." You can add it again later by going through the process from the beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital driver license at a bar or store to prove my age?

No. Digital driver licenses in Apple Wallet are currently only accepted by TSA at airport security and by some law enforcement agencies. Bars, stores, and other businesses still require a physical ID for age verification. You must carry your physical license for these situations.

What happens if I get a new iPhone?

You can add your digital license to a new iPhone by opening Wallet, tapping the plus sign, and selecting your state again. You will need to go through the verification process a second time, including taking new photos and answering security questions. Once approved, your license will appear on the new device.

Is my digital license valid if my physical license expires?

Your digital license is tied to your physical license. If your physical license expires, your digital license also expires and must be renewed. You will need to renew your physical license through your state's DMV, and then you can update the digital version in Wallet.

Can I show my digital license on my Apple Watch instead of my iPhone?

Yes, if you have an Apple Watch Series 4 or later paired with your iPhone. Once you add your license to Wallet on your iPhone, it syncs to your watch. You can then raise your wrist to show the license to TSA or police. You still need to authenticate with your watch's passcode or biometric data.

What if a police officer does not accept my digital license?

If an officer asks for your license and does not accept the digital version, show your physical license instead. Digital ID acceptance among law enforcement is still expanding, and some departments have not yet been trained to use the feature. Carrying both your physical and digital license ensures you can comply with any request.

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.