How to Add Your Driver License to Apple Wallet

What Adding Your Driver License to Apple Wallet Does

Adding your driver license to Apple Wallet stores a digital copy on your iPhone or Apple Watch that you can show to police during traffic stops or to TSA agents at airport security. You do not need to carry your physical license when you have it in Wallet, though most states still recommend keeping the card with you as a backup. The digital version works the same way as showing your phone's screen — the officer or agent taps or scans it, and they see your license information.

Not every state has turned on this feature yet. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming allow digital driver licenses in Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add support over time, but the rollout is gradual and controlled by each state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

Key Takeaways

You can only add your driver license to Apple Wallet if your state has turned on the feature — check your state's DMV website to confirm.
The process happens through the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad, and you will need your physical license and a valid ID photo to complete it.
Once added, you can show your digital license to police or TSA by opening Wallet and tapping the license, without unlocking your phone.
Your license data stays encrypted on your device and does not sync to iCloud, so losing your phone means losing access to the digital copy.

Check Whether Your State Supports Digital Licenses

Before you start, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and search for "digital driver license" or "Apple Wallet." The DMV page will tell you whether the feature is turned on and which iPhones and iOS versions support it. Some states rolled out the feature only to certain counties first, so the DMV site will also tell you if your county is included.

If your state is not listed as supporting digital licenses yet, you cannot add your license to Wallet. You will need to wait until your state's DMV launches the feature. Check back periodically, as more states are adding support throughout the year.

Gather What You Need Before You Start

You will need your physical driver license in front of you, a valid form of ID (passport, state ID, or another driver license from a different state), and your iPhone or iPad running iOS 15.1 or later. The device must have Face ID or Touch ID enabled, because Apple uses biometric verification to confirm your identity during the setup process.

Have your phone charged and connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data. The process involves taking photos and uploading them securely, so a stable connection matters. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them when you take the photos — they should match your appearance on your physical license.

Add Your License Through the Wallet App

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 between adding a new license or adding an ID you already have on file with Apple. Select "Add a New License or ID."

Follow the prompts to select your state. The app will then ask you to take a photo of the front of your physical license and a photo of the back. Position your license on a flat surface with good lighting and follow the on-screen guides to frame each photo correctly. The app uses these images to read your license information automatically.

Next, you will take a selfie and a video of yourself. The video involves moving your head in specific directions — the app guides you through it. This is how Apple verifies that you are the person on the license. The entire photo and video process takes about five minutes.

Complete Identity Verification and Wait for Approval

After you submit your photos and video, Apple sends them to your state's DMV for verification. The DMV checks that your information matches their records and that the photos are legitimate. This process usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, though it can occasionally take longer if the DMV system is busy.

You will receive a notification on your phone when the DMV approves your request. Once approved, your digital license appears in Wallet and is ready to use. If the DMV rejects your submission, the app will tell you why — usually because a photo was blurry, the information did not match DMV records, or the video did not capture your face clearly. You can resubmit with new photos.

How to Show Your Digital License to Police or TSA

When a police officer or TSA agent asks for your license, open the Wallet app and tap your driver license. Your phone will ask you to authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID — you do not need to unlock your phone first. Once you authenticate, your license appears on the screen and the officer or agent can view it.

The officer or agent can tap or scan the license to see your information. Your phone stays in your hand the entire time — you do not hand it over. If you are pulled over at night or in low light, the screen brightness adjusts automatically to make the license easier to read.

Some officers may not yet be familiar with digital licenses, especially if your state recently launched the feature. If an officer asks for your physical card instead, you can show both. It is legal to show your digital license, but carrying your physical license as a backup prevents confusion.

What Happens to Your License Data

Your license information is encrypted and stored only on your device — it does not back up to iCloud and does not sync across your other Apple devices. If you lose your phone or it is stolen, your digital license is no longer accessible. You can add it to a new phone by going through the same process again, but you will need to be re-verified by the DMV.

Apple cannot see your license information, and your state's DMV cannot access it from your phone. The DMV only sees what you show them during verification. Your data is as private as your physical license — it stays with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license if my phone battery dies?

No. Your phone must be powered on and you must authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID to display your license. If your battery is dead, you cannot show your digital license. This is why carrying your physical license as a backup is still recommended.

What if I get a new phone?

You will need to add your license to the new phone by going through the setup process again. The DMV will re-verify your identity using new photos and a new video. Once approved, your license appears in Wallet on the new device.

Can I add my license to Apple Watch?

Some states allow it, but not all. Check your state's DMV website to see if Apple Watch support is available. If it is, you can add your license to Watch through the Watch app on your iPhone, and then display it from your wrist.

What if the DMV rejects my submission?

The app will explain why — usually because a photo was unclear, your information did not match DMV records, or the video did not capture your face properly. You can resubmit with new photos. Make sure you are in good lighting, your license is flat and fully visible, and your face is clearly visible in the video.

Do I still need my physical license?

Most states recommend carrying your physical license as a backup, even after adding it to Wallet. Some officers may not yet be familiar with digital licenses, and your phone could lose power or be lost. Your physical license ensures you can always prove your identity.

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.