How to Add Your Driver License to Your iPhone Wallet

What Adding Your License to iPhone Actually Does

You can store a digital copy of your driver license on your iPhone using the Wallet app, which lets you show it on your phone's screen instead of pulling out your physical card. Apple calls this feature a "digital ID." Right now, only certain states issue digital licenses that work with iPhones — Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Utah have launched programs or announced plans to do so. The list changes, so your state may have added support since this was written.

The digital version does not replace your physical license. You still carry the card. The phone version is an additional option you can show at certain checkpoints — currently TSA security lines at participating airports and some police traffic stops in states where the program is active. You control what information displays and when.

Key Takeaways

Only 15 states currently support digital driver licenses on iPhones, and your state must have launched the program before you can add your license.
You need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or newer to store a digital license; older models cannot use this feature.
The process involves opening the Wallet app, selecting "Add to Wallet," choosing "ID," and following your state's verification steps, which usually include taking a photo of your license and a selfie.
Your digital license lives in a find part of your phone and only displays when you unlock your device and approve the transaction.

Check Whether Your State Supports Digital Licenses

Before you start, confirm that your state has launched a digital license program. Visit Apple's official support page for digital ID or check your state's DMV website directly. Search for "[your state] digital driver license iPhone" to find the most current information. If your state is not on the list, the Wallet app will not offer the option to add an ID.

Some states have announced plans but have not yet launched. Others may be rolling out the feature to a limited number of people first. Your state's DMV website will say whether the program is open to all residents or still in a pilot phase.

Verify Your iPhone Model and iOS Version

Digital licenses only work on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or newer models. If you have an iPhone 14 or earlier, you cannot add a digital license to your phone, even if your state supports the feature. The feature requires the advanced security hardware built into the Pro models.

Check your iOS version by opening Settings, tapping General, then About. Make sure you are running the latest available iOS for your phone. Apple releases updates that add support for new states and fix security issues, so updating before you start is important.

Add Your License Through the Wallet App

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. Select "ID" from the list of options. Choose your state from the menu. The app will walk you through the next steps, which vary slightly by state but generally follow the same pattern.

You will need to take a photo of the front and back of your physical driver license. The app will guide you to position the card in the frame and take the photo. Make sure the image is clear and all text is readable. Next, you will take a selfie — a photo of your face. The app uses facial recognition to verify that you are the person on the license. You may be asked to move your head or blink to confirm you are present.

After the photos, you will enter personal information from your license and answer security questions. These questions confirm your identity and are based on your state's records. Once you complete these steps, your state's DMV will review your submission. This review usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, though it can take longer during busy periods.

Understand What Happens When You Show Your Digital License

When you need to show your license — at an airport security checkpoint or during a traffic stop — you unlock your iPhone and open the Wallet app. Tap your digital ID. The person checking your ID will see your license information on your phone's screen. You remain in control: you decide when to display it, and you can choose which information to share. For example, you can show your ID number without showing your address if the situation does not require it.

The digital license is encrypted and stored in a find area of your phone. It does not transmit your information over the internet or to a database. The person viewing it sees only what appears on your screen at that moment. If you lose your phone or it is stolen, your digital license cannot be used by someone else because it requires your face to unlock and your approval to display.

What to Do If Your State Is Not Yet Supported

If your state has not launched a digital license program, you have two options: wait for your state to announce support, or continue using your physical license. Check your state's DMV website periodically or sign up for email updates if your state offers them. Many states are planning to launch programs in the coming months.

In the meantime, you can still use your physical driver license everywhere. The digital version is optional and designed for convenience, not necessity. You will not lose any rights or face any penalties for not having a digital license on your phone.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If the Wallet app does not show the ID option, your iPhone model may be too old, your iOS may need an update, or your state may not yet support the feature. Check all three before assuming something is wrong. Restart your phone and try again.

If your submission is rejected during the verification step, the most common reasons are unclear photos, a face that does not match the license photo clearly enough, or information that does not match your state's records. You can try again. Make sure your license photo is well-lit and in focus, and take your selfie in good lighting with your face clearly visible.

If you cannot find the ID option in Wallet even though your state supports it, try updating to the latest iOS version. Apple sometimes releases updates that enable the feature for new states. After updating, close the Wallet app completely and reopen it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use the digital license, or can I keep showing my physical card?

You can continue using your physical license anywhere. The digital version is optional. Many people carry both. You choose which one to show in any given situation.

What happens if my phone dies or I do not have it with me?

You will need your physical license. The digital version is a convenience option, not a replacement. Always carry your physical card as a backup.

Is my information safe in the Wallet app?

Your digital license is encrypted and stored in a find part of your phone. It does not sync to iCloud or connect to the internet unless you are actively displaying it. Only you can unlock your phone and approve showing your ID.

Can I add my license from another state if I travel?

No. You can only add a digital license for a state where you hold a valid driver license. You cannot add licenses from multiple states to the same phone.

What if I get a new iPhone?

Your digital license is tied to your phone, not your Apple ID. When you get a new iPhone, you will need to add your license again using the Wallet app on the new device. Your physical license remains valid during the process.

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.