Adding Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

You can add your driver's license or state ID to Apple Wallet on iPhone or iPad running iOS 15.1 or later (or iPadOS 15.1 or later). The process involves opening Wallet, tapping the plus icon, selecting "Driver's License or State ID," and following the prompts to photograph your ID and take a selfie. Apple encrypts the information and stores it separately from your other Wallet data.

Not all states participate yet. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Utah allow digital IDs in Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add support over time. You can check Apple's official support page to see if your state is included.

Even after you add your ID to Wallet, you still carry your physical license. Digital ID is currently accepted at TSA checkpoints at participating airports and for some age verification at retailers, but not everywhere a physical ID is required.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state must participate in Apple's digital ID program for you to add your driver's license to Wallet; check Apple's support page to confirm your state is included.
  • The process requires photographing both sides of your ID and taking a selfie, which Apple uses to verify your identity before storing the data.
  • Your digital ID is encrypted and kept separate from other Wallet data, and you control when and how it is shown to others.
  • TSA checkpoints at certain airports and some retailers accept digital ID, but you will still need your physical license for most situations.

Step-by-Step Process for Adding Your ID

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the menu. You will be asked to confirm your state and birthdate, then read and agree to the terms.

Next, you will photograph the front of your ID, then the back. Hold your device steady and make sure the entire ID is visible and well-lit. After photographing both sides, you will take a selfie. Apple uses this photo to verify that you are the person on the ID. Once you complete these steps, Apple sends the information to your state's DMV or equivalent agency for verification.

Verification typically takes a few minutes to a few hours. You will receive a notification when your ID has been added to Wallet. Until verification is complete, your digital ID will not be usable.

Which States Currently Support Digital ID

The following states allow you to add your driver's license or state ID to Apple Wallet: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Utah. This list continues to grow as more states work with Apple to implement the feature.

If your state is not listed, you cannot add your ID to Wallet yet. Check back periodically or visit Apple's support page, which is updated as new states join the program. Some states have announced plans to participate but have not yet launched the feature.

Where You Can Use Your Digital ID

TSA checkpoints at certain U.S. airports accept digital ID from Apple Wallet. You can present your digital ID by holding your iPhone or iPad near the TSA reader, or by tapping "Show ID" in Wallet and handing your device to the agent. The TSA does not store any information from your digital ID.

Some retailers and age-verification services also accept digital ID, though acceptance varies by location and business. When you show your digital ID, you control what information is displayed — you can choose to show only your age and name without revealing your address or other details.

Your physical driver's license remains necessary for most situations. You will still need it for traffic stops, rental car agencies, banks, and many other contexts where ID is required. Digital ID is a convenience option, not a replacement.

Security and Privacy of Your Digital ID

Apple encrypts your digital ID information and stores it in a find area of your device called the find Enclave. This means the data is not accessible to Apple, other apps, or websites. Your ID information stays on your device unless you choose to show it to someone.

When you present your digital ID, the recipient receives only the information you authorize. For example, you can show your age without revealing your address. The transaction does not create a record that can be tracked or linked to other uses of your ID.

If your device is lost or stolen, you can remove your digital ID remotely using Find My iPhone. You can also delete your digital ID from Wallet at any time, and it will be removed from your device and from Apple's servers.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If your state is not showing up as an option when you try to add your ID, your device may not be running the required iOS or iPadOS version. Check your device settings and update to the latest version if needed. You must be running iOS 15.1 or later on iPhone or iPadOS 15.1 or later on iPad.

If your ID is rejected during verification, the most common reasons are poor photo quality, a mismatch between your selfie and your ID photo, or an issue with the ID itself (such as an expired or damaged card). Try again with clearer photos and better lighting. If the problem persists, contact your state's DMV directly.

If you cannot find the plus icon in Wallet, make sure you are using the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Restart your device and try again. If Wallet is not working at all, you may need to sign out of your Apple ID and sign back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add my ID to Apple Wallet if I live in a state that does not participate yet?

No, you can only add your ID if your state is part of Apple's digital ID program. You can check the current list of participating states on Apple's support page. If your state is not listed, you will not see the option to add a driver's license or state ID when you open Wallet.

What happens if I lose my phone after adding my ID to Wallet?

You can remove your digital ID remotely using Find My iPhone on another device or at iCloud.com. Your ID will be deleted from your phone and from Apple's servers. You can then add your ID to a new device once you get one.

Do I still need to carry my physical driver's license?

Yes. Your digital ID is accepted at TSA checkpoints and some retailers, but most situations still require your physical license. Police officers, rental car agencies, banks, and many other organizations do not yet accept digital ID, so you should always carry your physical license.

Can someone else use my digital ID if they have my phone?

No. To show your digital ID, you must authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode. Even if someone has your phone, they cannot present your ID without your biometric or passcode authentication.

Will adding my ID to Wallet affect my physical license or my DMV records?

No. Your digital ID is separate from your physical license. Adding it to Wallet does not change your DMV records or the status of your physical license. Both can exist at the same time, and you can remove your digital ID from Wallet without affecting your physical license.