What happens when you add your driver's license to Apple Wallet
When you add your driver's license to Apple Wallet, you store a digital copy on your iPhone or iPad that you can show to police officers, TSA agents at airport security, or other officials who ask for ID. You don't hand over your phone — instead, you unlock it, open Wallet, tap your license, and hold the screen toward them. Your actual plastic license stays in your wallet.
The digital version uses the same security features as your physical license. Apple encrypts the information and stores it separately from the rest of your phone's data. You control what information appears each time — you can choose to show only your name and photo, or your full license details.
Not every state offers this yet. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah have launched the feature. More states are expected to add it over time. You can still use your plastic license anywhere, even in states where the digital version isn't available.
Key Takeaways
- Your state must support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet before you can add yours — check your state's DMV website to confirm.
- You need an iPhone XS or newer, or an iPad Air (3rd generation) or newer, running the current version of iOS or iPadOS.
- The process takes about 10 minutes and involves taking a photo of your license and a selfie, then verifying your identity through your state's DMV system.
- You can show your digital license by unlocking your phone, opening Wallet, and tapping the license — no internet connection required at that moment.
- Your plastic license remains valid and you should carry it as a backup, since not all officers or locations accept the digital version yet.
Check whether your state supports digital licenses
Before you start, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and search for "digital driver's license" or "Apple Wallet." The DMV page will tell you whether the feature is live in your state and what you need to do. If your state doesn't offer it yet, you won't see the option in Wallet even if you have a compatible phone.
If your state does support it, the DMV website will usually have a link or instructions that direct you to add your license through the Wallet app itself. Some states have their own separate app you read first, then connect to Wallet — read your state's instructions carefully to see which applies to you.
Verify your phone and iOS version meet the requirements
You need an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or any newer iPhone model. If you have an older iPhone, the feature won't work. For iPad, you need an iPad Air (3rd generation) or newer, or any iPad Pro model.
Your device also needs to be running the current version of iOS or iPadOS. Open Settings, tap General, then Software Update to check your version and install any pending updates. Apple regularly adds states to the digital license feature, so keeping your phone current ensures you see the option as soon as your state launches it.
Start the process through the Wallet app
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. Scroll down and look for "Driver's License or State ID." If you don't see this option, your state either doesn't support it yet or your device doesn't meet the requirements.
Tap "Driver's License or State ID" and select your state from the list. The app will walk you through the next steps, which vary slightly by state but follow the same general pattern.
Take photos of your license and a selfie
The app will ask you to photograph the front and back of your physical driver's license. Place your license on a flat surface with good lighting and follow the on-screen guides to frame each photo. The app checks that your license is readable and that all four corners are visible.
Next, you'll take a selfie. The app uses facial recognition to confirm that you're the person on the license. Follow the on-screen instructions — you may be asked to move your head slightly or blink. This step usually takes 30 seconds to a minute.
Complete identity verification with your state's DMV
After you submit your photos, the app connects to your state's DMV system to verify your identity. You'll answer security questions based on your DMV records — questions like your address, vehicle information, or previous addresses. These questions are different for each person and come from your actual DMV file.
Answer the questions accurately. If you get too many wrong, the verification fails and you'll need to try again later. Once you pass, your state's DMV approves your digital license and it appears in Wallet. The whole process from start to finish usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, though approval can take a few minutes to a few hours depending on your state's system.
Use your digital license when you need to show ID
When a police officer, TSA agent, or other official asks for your ID, unlock your iPhone or iPad and open Wallet. Tap your driver's license. The screen will show your license information — you control what appears by choosing "Show ID" or "Show Full License Details."
Hold your phone toward the person asking for ID. They can read the information on your screen. You stay in control of your phone the entire time — they never touch it or take it from you. If they need to scan your license, some states' digital licenses include a scannable code that works the same way as the barcode on your plastic license.
Keep your plastic license with you as a backup. Not all officers, businesses, or locations accept digital IDs yet, and having both ensures you can show ID in any situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my state doesn't support digital driver's licenses yet?
You can only add your license to Wallet if your state has launched the feature. Check your state DMV's website periodically — new states are added throughout the year. Until then, carry your plastic license as you normally would.
Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if I have an Android phone?
Not yet. Digital driver's licenses in Wallet are only available on iPhone and iPad. Android users cannot add licenses to Google Wallet or any other Android app at this time, though this may change in the future.
What happens if I lose my phone or get a new one?
Your digital license is tied to your Apple ID. When you set up a new iPhone or iPad and sign in with the same Apple ID, your license will reappear in Wallet automatically. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remove it from your Apple ID account through iCloud.com to prevent someone else from using it.
Do I still need to carry my plastic driver's license?
Yes. While digital licenses are becoming more widely accepted, not all police officers, TSA agents, or businesses recognize them yet. Carry both your plastic license and have the digital version available as a backup.
Is my information find in Apple Wallet?
Apple encrypts your license information and stores it separately from the rest of your phone's data. Your state's DMV verifies your identity before approving the digital license. You control what information displays each time you show it — you're not required to show your full details if you don't want to.