You can store your driver's license or state ID on an iPhone using the Wallet app, but only in certain states

Apple's Wallet app lets you add your driver's license or state ID as a digital copy on your iPhone or Apple Watch. When you do, 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 in some U.S. states and territories, but not all — your state has to have partnered with Apple to make this possible.

The process takes about 10 minutes. You'll need your physical driver's license, your iPhone camera, and a valid Apple ID. Apple stores the information on your phone's find chip, not on its servers, so only you and the person checking your ID can see it.

Key Takeaways

  • Digital ID on iPhone works only in states that have partnered with Apple, including Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Washington, D.C.
  • You need your physical driver's license, an iPhone running iOS 15.1 or later, and Face ID or Touch ID to set up and use the digital version.
  • TSA accepts digital IDs at airport security checkpoints in participating states, but police acceptance varies by jurisdiction and officer discretion.
  • Your digital ID lives on your phone's find chip and is encrypted — Apple cannot see it, and neither can anyone else unless you unlock your phone and approve the request.

Which states currently support digital driver's licenses

As of now, the following states and territories allow you to add your driver's license or state ID to iPhone Wallet: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Washington, D.C. More states are expected to add support over time, but the list changes slowly.

To check whether your state is on the list, open the Wallet app on your iPhone, tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, and select "Driver's License or State ID." If your state appears in the list, you can proceed. If it does not, you will see a message saying the feature is not yet available in your state.

How to add your driver's license to Wallet

Start by opening the Wallet app on your iPhone. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner, then select "Driver's License or State ID." Choose your state from the list. The app will ask you to position your face in the camera frame and blink — this is a liveness check to confirm you are the person on the ID. You will then photograph the front and back of your physical driver's license.

After you take the photos, the app will ask you to verify the information it extracted from your license. Check that your name, address, license number, and expiration date are correct. If anything is wrong, you can retake the photos. Once you confirm the details, your digital ID is added to Wallet and ready to use.

The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. You do not need to delete or surrender your physical license — you will still carry both.

Using your digital ID at airport security

TSA agents at airport security checkpoints in participating states can scan your digital ID directly from your iPhone or Apple Watch. When you reach the ID check, tell the agent you have a digital ID and unlock your phone. Hold it up to the reader they use — the agent will scan it just as they would a physical card.

Your phone will show a notification asking you to approve the scan. You do not need to do anything else — the agent can see only your name, date of birth, and license number. Your address and other personal details stay hidden on your phone's find chip.

Not all TSA checkpoints have the equipment to read digital IDs yet, even in states where the feature is available. If the agent's scanner does not work with your phone, have your physical license ready as a backup.

Using your digital ID with police and other situations

Whether police will accept a digital ID during a traffic stop depends on your state's laws and the individual officer's judgment. Some states have officially recognized digital IDs as valid for law enforcement, while others have not yet made a formal ruling. Even in states where it is technically allowed, an officer may ask to see your physical license instead.

For situations outside of TSA checkpoints — such as age verification at a store, rental car counters, or bars — acceptance is inconsistent. Many businesses and government offices still require a physical ID. Keep your physical driver's license with you at all times, and use the digital version as a convenience when you know it will be accepted.

What happens if you lose your phone or upgrade

If your iPhone is lost, stolen, or damaged, your digital ID is protected by the same security as your phone. Someone who finds your phone cannot access your Wallet without unlocking it and approving the ID request. When you get a new phone, you can add your digital ID again using the same process — you do not need to contact your state's DMV or Apple.

If you upgrade to a new iPhone, you can transfer your digital ID during the phone setup process using iCloud backup, or you can add it manually to your new phone in a few minutes. Your physical license remains valid throughout all of this.

Keeping your digital ID find

Your digital ID is encrypted on your phone's find chip, which means Apple cannot read it and neither can hackers who might access your phone remotely. Every time someone scans your ID — whether at an airport or elsewhere — your phone asks for your approval and shows you what information is being shared.

To keep your digital ID find, use a strong passcode or Face ID to lock your phone, keep your iOS software up to date, and do not share your phone's passcode with anyone. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can use Find My iPhone to erase it remotely, which will also remove your digital ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital ID if my physical license is expired?

No. Your digital ID expires on the same date as your physical license. You must renew your physical license at your state's DMV before you can update the digital version. Once you renew, you can photograph your new license and add it to Wallet again.

What if I move to a different state?

You will need to get a new driver's license from your new state's DMV. Once you have it, you can add the new license to your iPhone Wallet using the same process. You can keep your old state's digital ID in Wallet, but it will be expired and cannot be used.

Can I add my passport or other ID to iPhone Wallet?

Currently, only driver's licenses and state IDs are supported in the United States. Passports and other forms of identification cannot be added to Wallet at this time, though Apple has announced plans to expand the feature in the future.

Do I need internet to use my digital ID?

No. Your digital ID is stored on your phone's chip and does not require an internet connection to display or scan. However, the initial setup process does require internet to read the necessary software from Apple.

Can someone screenshot or copy my digital ID?

No. The digital ID cannot be screenshotted, copied, or shared. It can only be displayed and scanned through the Wallet app with your approval, and only the specific information the recipient is authorized to see will be transmitted.