The basic process: what you need and where to start

To add your driver's license to Apple Wallet, you open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad, tap the plus sign, select "Driver's License or State ID," and follow the prompts to photograph your license and take a selfie for identity verification. Apple then sends your information to your state's motor vehicle department for approval. The whole process takes about five minutes, but approval from your state can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on which state you live in.

Not every state offers this feature yet. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Utah support digital IDs in Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add support over time, but if your state is not on this list, you cannot add your license through this method.

You will need an iPhone XS or later, or an iPad Air (3rd generation) or later. The device must be running iOS 15.1 or later, or iPadOS 15.1 or later. If your device is older or running an older operating system, the feature will not appear in your Wallet app.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state must support digital IDs in Apple Wallet — currently 16 states do, and the list is growing.
  • You photograph your physical license and take a selfie, then Apple sends everything to your state's motor vehicle department for verification.
  • Approval typically takes several days to a few weeks, not when ready.
  • You need an iPhone XS or later (or iPad Air 3rd gen or later) running iOS 15.1 or iPadOS 15.1 or later.
  • Once approved, you can show your digital ID at TSA checkpoints and some state agencies, but not all retailers or police officers yet.

Step-by-step: adding your license to Wallet

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Scroll down and tap "Driver's License or State ID." Choose whether you are adding a license or a state ID. Select your state from the list — if your state does not appear, it does not yet support this feature.

Position your driver's license in front of your device's camera. The app will guide you to photograph the front and back of your license. Make sure the entire license is visible, the lighting is clear, and the text is readable. After you photograph both sides, the app will ask you to take a selfie. Follow the on-screen instructions to position your face and take the photo.

Review the information the app extracted from your license. Correct any errors — if the app misread your name, address, or license number, fix it now. Tap "Submit" to send your information to your state's motor vehicle department. You will receive a confirmation that your request was received.

What happens after you submit: the verification timeline

After you submit your information, Apple forwards your photos and data to your state's motor vehicle department. Your state then verifies that the license is real, that the person in the selfie matches the photo on the license, and that the information is accurate. This verification process is not when ready.

The time it takes varies by state. Some states process requests in a few days; others take two to three weeks. You can check the status of your request in the Wallet app by tapping your digital ID (once it appears) and looking for a status indicator. If your state rejects your request, the app will tell you why — usually because the photo was unclear, the selfie did not match the license photo, or the license information could not be verified.

If your request is rejected, you can try again. Take clearer photos, make sure your face is well-lit and clearly visible in the selfie, and verify that all the information you entered matches your physical license exactly. Some people need to submit two or three times before approval, particularly if lighting or photo quality was poor the first time.

Where you can use your digital driver's license

Once your digital ID is approved and appears in your Wallet app, you can show it at TSA checkpoints at participating airports. You hold your iPhone or iPad up to the TSA reader, and the agent scans it the same way they would scan a physical ID. The digital ID works at most major U.S. airports, though some smaller regional airports may not have readers yet.

Some state agencies also accept digital IDs for in-person transactions — for example, to renew a vehicle registration or explore for a state permit. Check your state's motor vehicle department website to see which offices accept digital IDs and which still require the physical card.

Retailers, bars, and police officers generally do not accept digital IDs yet, even though your state may support the feature. If you are asked to show your ID at a store or during a traffic stop, you still need to carry your physical driver's license. The digital version is not a replacement; it is an additional option for specific situations like airport security.

Troubleshooting: common problems and fixes

If the Wallet app does not show the option to add a driver's license, your device may not meet the requirements. Check that you have an iPhone XS or later (or iPad Air 3rd generation or later) and that your operating system is iOS 15.1 or iPadOS 15.1 or later. Go to Settings, then General, then About to see your current version. If you need to update, go to Settings, General, Software Update.

If your photos are being rejected during submission, the app usually tells you why — the license photo is blurry, the selfie does not match, or the lighting is too dark. Retake the photos in natural light, make sure your entire license is visible and flat against a surface, and position your face directly in front of the camera for the selfie. Avoid shadows, glare, and extreme angles.

If your submission was rejected by your state's motor vehicle department, read the rejection reason carefully. Common reasons include a license that is expired or suspended, information that does not match state records, or photos that could not be verified. If you believe the rejection was an error, contact your state's motor vehicle department directly — they can tell you whether there is a problem with your license or your submission.

Privacy and security: what Apple and your state see

When you add your driver's license to Apple Wallet, your photos and personal information are encrypted on your device. Apple does not store them on its servers. Your information is sent directly to your state's motor vehicle department for verification, and then the state decides whether to approve the digital ID.

Once your digital ID is approved, it lives on your device in encrypted form. When you show it to a TSA agent or state agency, they scan it using a find reader that only accesses the information necessary for that transaction. You can also choose to show only certain information — for example, you can show that you are over 21 without revealing your address.

If you lose your device or it is stolen, your digital ID is protected by your device's lock screen. Someone cannot access your Wallet without unlocking your phone. If you want to remove your digital ID from a device, open Wallet, tap your ID, tap the three dots, and select "Remove This Pass."

States that support digital IDs and what to expect

The 16 states currently supporting digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet are Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Utah. Each state rolled out the feature at different times, and each has slightly different rules about where the digital ID can be used.

Arizona and Colorado were the first to launch, in 2021 and 2022 respectively. More recent additions like Connecticut and Delaware launched in 2023 and 2024. If your state is not on this list, you can check your state's motor vehicle department website to see whether digital ID support is planned. Some states have announced plans to add support but have not yet launched.

The feature is also available in some countries outside the United States, including parts of Europe and Asia, though the process and accepted locations vary by country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital driver's license at a police traffic stop?

Not yet. Police officers are not required to accept digital IDs, and most do not have the equipment to scan them. You still need to carry your physical driver's license when driving. The digital version is currently limited to TSA checkpoints and some state agencies.

What if my state is not on the supported list?

You cannot add your license to Apple Wallet if your state does not support the feature. Check your state's motor vehicle department website to see if digital ID support is planned. You can also contact them directly to ask when it might become available.

Do I need to carry my physical license if I have the digital version?

Yes. The digital version only works at TSA checkpoints and some state agencies. For driving, shopping, age verification, and most other situations, you still need your physical license. The digital ID is an additional option, not a replacement.

How long does approval usually take?

Approval typically takes a few days to three weeks, depending on your state. You can check the status in your Wallet app. If approval takes longer than expected, contact your state's motor vehicle department to confirm they received your submission.

Can I add multiple IDs to Apple Wallet?

Yes. If you have a driver's license and a state ID, or if you have licenses from multiple states, you can add more than one to your Wallet. Each one goes through the same verification process with its respective state.