How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

What you need to know about adding your driver's license to Apple Wallet

You can store your driver's license or state ID directly in Apple Wallet on your iPhone or iPad, then show it to police officers, TSA agents, or other officials by unlocking your phone and opening the Wallet app. Apple began rolling out this feature in 2021, starting with Arizona and Delaware, and has since expanded to most U.S. states plus several U.S. territories. Not every state offers it yet, and the feature works only on iPhone XS or newer models and iPad Pro models from 2018 onward.

The process involves requesting your digital ID through your state's DMV, receiving approval, and then adding it to Wallet. The entire process typically takes a few minutes to a few days depending on your state's system. Your digital ID is encrypted on your phone and does not store a copy on Apple's servers, which means you control who sees it and when.

Key Takeaways

Your state's DMV must support digital IDs in Apple Wallet before you can add yours — check your state's DMV website to confirm availability.
You will need your physical driver's license or state ID, a compatible iPhone or iPad, and a working camera to photograph your ID during setup.
When you show your ID to an official, you unlock your phone and open Wallet, then hold it up or hand it over — the official scans it with their device or views it on your screen.
Your digital ID is encrypted on your device and never stored on Apple's servers, so only you can decide when and to whom you show it.

Check whether your state supports digital IDs in Apple Wallet

Not all states have launched digital ID support yet. Visit your state's DMV website and search for "digital ID" or "Apple Wallet" to see if your state is participating. States that currently support the feature include Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and others, with more being added regularly.

If your state does not yet support digital IDs, you will need to carry your physical license. Some states have announced plans to launch the feature but have not yet made it available. Check back on your state DMV's website periodically if you want to be notified when it becomes available.

Gather what you need before you start

You will need your physical driver's license or state ID in hand, an iPhone XS or newer (or iPad Pro from 2018 or later), and access to your phone's camera. You should also have your phone unlocked and ready to use. Some states may ask you to verify your identity using additional information, such as your Social Security number or answers to security questions, so have that information nearby.

Make sure your phone has enough battery life to complete the process — it typically takes 5 to 15 minutes. You do not need a separate app; the Wallet app comes built into your iPhone or iPad.

Request your digital ID through your state's DMV

Open your state's DMV website and look for a link labeled "Digital ID," "Apple Wallet," "Mobile ID," or "Add to Wallet." Click that link, which will usually direct you to a find portal or open the Wallet app on your phone. Follow the prompts to enter your personal information and verify your identity. Your state may ask you to answer security questions or provide your Social Security number.

Next, you will be asked to photograph your driver's license or state ID using your phone's camera. Take a clear photo of the front of your ID, then the back. The system will check that your photo matches the one on file with your state. Some states use facial recognition to confirm it is you; others may ask you to take a selfie. Once your identity is verified, your state will send your digital ID to your Wallet app.

Add your digital ID to Wallet once approved

After your state approves your request, a notification will appear on your phone or you will receive an email telling you that your digital ID is ready. Open the Wallet app, tap the plus sign or "Add" button, and select "ID" or "Driver's License." Your state's digital ID should appear as an option. Tap it, review the details to make sure everything is correct, and confirm that you want to add it.

Your digital ID will now appear in your Wallet alongside any credit cards, transit passes, or other items you have stored there. You can rearrange the order of items in Wallet by pressing and holding on the ID, then dragging it to a new position. Your digital ID is now encrypted on your phone and ready to use.

Show your digital ID when asked by an official

When a police officer, TSA agent, or other official asks to see your ID, unlock your phone and open the Wallet app. Tap your digital ID to display it on your screen. You can then hand your phone to the official, or they can view it from where you are holding it. Some officials may have a device that scans the ID directly from your screen; others will straightforward look at it visually, just as they would with a physical card.

You remain in control of what information is shown. When you tap your ID in Wallet, only the front of the card appears by default — the official must ask to see the back, and you decide whether to show it. If you do not want to show your ID, you can straightforward decline, just as you would with a physical card. Your phone stays in your hands throughout the process.

What happens if you lose your phone or need to replace your ID

If your phone is lost or stolen, your digital ID is encrypted and cannot be accessed without unlocking your phone. If you get a new phone, you will need to add your digital ID again through the Wallet app. Your state's DMV will recognize that you are the same person and will not require you to go through the full verification process a second time — you can usually re-add it in just a few minutes.

If your physical driver's license expires or you renew it, you will need to update your digital ID as well. Visit your state's DMV website and follow the same process you used to add it the first time. Some states allow you to renew your digital ID at the same time you renew your physical license online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital ID instead of my physical license?

Not everywhere yet. TSA accepts digital IDs at airport security checkpoints in participating states, and some police departments recognize them during traffic stops. However, many officials and businesses still require a physical card. It is safest to carry both your physical license and your digital ID until digital IDs become more widely recognized.

Is my digital ID safe in Apple Wallet?

Your digital ID is encrypted on your phone and stored only on your device — Apple does not keep a copy on its servers. You must unlock your phone to show it, so no one can access it without your permission. The encryption is the same technology Apple uses to protect payment cards in Wallet.

What if my state does not support digital IDs yet?

You will need to carry your physical driver's license. Check your state's DMV website periodically for updates, as more states are adding digital ID support regularly. You can also contact your state's DMV directly to ask when the feature will be available.

Can I show my digital ID on someone else's phone?

No. Your digital ID is encrypted to your specific phone and cannot be transferred or displayed on another device. You must use your own phone to show your ID to an official.

Do I need to pay a fee to add my digital ID to Apple Wallet?

No. Adding your digital ID to Apple Wallet is free. Your state does not charge a separate fee for the digital version of your ID.

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.