Adding Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

You can add your driver's license or state ID to Apple Wallet on your iPhone or iPad, then show it to police officers or TSA agents by unlocking your device and tapping the ID in Wallet. The process takes about five minutes and requires your phone to be running iOS 15.1 or later (or iPadOS 15.1 or later on iPad). Not every state offers this yet — currently about 20 states and territories support digital IDs in Wallet, though more are being added regularly.

The actual steps differ slightly depending on whether your state already supports the feature. If your state does support it, you'll add your ID directly through Wallet. If it doesn't yet, you can't add it through Apple's system, though some states have their own apps you can use instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state must support digital IDs in Apple Wallet for you to add your driver's license — check Apple's list first to see if yours does.
  • You'll need your physical driver's license, your phone, and a working camera to scan documents during the setup process.
  • The TSA accepts digital IDs at airport security checkpoints in participating states, but police acceptance varies by state and individual officer.
  • Your digital ID is encrypted on your phone and requires Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to display — it doesn't leave your device unless you unlock it.

Check If Your State Supports Digital IDs

Before you start, confirm that your state offers this feature. Open Wallet 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 that follows, you can proceed. If it doesn't, you'll see a message saying the feature isn't available in your state yet.

States currently supporting digital IDs in Wallet include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. This list changes as more states add support, so if you don't see yours today, check back in a few months.

Gather What You'll Need Before Starting

Have your physical driver's license or state ID card in front of you. You'll also need your iPhone or iPad with a working camera — the app will ask you to photograph both the front and back of your ID. Make sure you're in good lighting so the camera can read all the text and security features clearly.

You'll also need to be ready to answer identity verification questions. Apple uses a third-party service to verify your information against state records, so the system may ask you questions about your address history, previous addresses, or other personal details to confirm you are who you say you are. This usually takes just a few minutes.

Add Your ID Through Apple Wallet Step by Step

Step 1: Open Wallet and start the process. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner of Wallet. Select "Driver's License or State ID," then choose your state from the list.

Step 2: Read the terms and agree. Apple will show you information about how your ID will be stored and used. Read through this, then tap "Continue" to proceed.

Step 3: Photograph your ID. The app will guide you to photograph the front of your ID first. Position it in the frame shown on screen, make sure the lighting is even, and tap the camera button. Then repeat for the back of your ID. If the photos are blurry or incomplete, you can retake them.

Step 4: Take a selfie for verification. The app will ask you to take a photo of your face. This is used to verify that you are the person on the ID. Follow the on-screen instructions — you may need to move your head slightly or blink to confirm you're a real person.

Step 5: Answer verification questions. The system will ask you personal questions to confirm your identity. Answer honestly and completely. If you get an answer wrong, you may be asked to try again or to contact your state's DMV.

Step 6: Wait for approval. Once you've submitted everything, Apple will send your information to your state's DMV for verification. This usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, though it can take up to 24 hours in some cases. You'll get a notification when your ID is approved and ready to use.

How to Show Your ID From Wallet

Once your ID is approved and in Wallet, showing it is straightforward. Open Wallet, tap your driver's license or state ID, then unlock your phone using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. Your ID will then display on screen. The person checking your ID can view it on your phone — your information doesn't transfer to their device.

At airport security, TSA agents can scan the barcode on your digital ID just as they would a physical card. At traffic stops, hand your phone to the officer with the ID displayed. Some officers may not be familiar with digital IDs yet, so you can also keep your physical license with you as a backup.

What Happens to Your Information

Your driver's license data is stored on your phone in an encrypted format that only your device can read. Apple does not store a copy of your ID, and your state's DMV does not have ongoing access to it. Every time you show your ID, you're choosing to unlock your phone and display it — nothing is sent anywhere without your action.

If you lose your phone or it's stolen, your digital ID is protected by your Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode. You can also remove your ID from Wallet at any time by opening Wallet, tapping your ID, tapping the three dots, and selecting "Remove." If you get a new phone, you'll need to add your ID again through the same process.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If your ID is rejected during verification, the most common reason is that your photos were unclear or cut off part of the card. Make sure you're in bright, even lighting and that the entire front and back of your ID are visible in the frame. If you retake the photos and still get rejected, contact your state's DMV directly — there may be a mismatch between the information on your ID and what's in their system.

If you see a message that your state doesn't support digital IDs, double-check that you're running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. You can update by going to Settings, tapping General, then Software Update. If you're already on the latest version and your state still isn't listed, the feature straightforward isn't available in your state yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital ID everywhere I would use my physical license?

Not yet. TSA accepts digital IDs at airport security in participating states. Police acceptance varies by state and by individual officer — some departments have trained their officers to accept them, others haven't. You should carry your physical license as a backup for now, especially when driving.

What if I don't have a smartphone or prefer not to use one?

You can continue using your physical driver's license. Digital IDs in Wallet are optional, not required. Your state will still issue and accept physical licenses.

Is my digital ID find if my phone is lost or stolen?

Yes. Your ID is encrypted and requires Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to display. A thief cannot access it without unlocking your phone. You can also remove it from Wallet remotely if you have Find My iPhone set up.

Can someone else add my ID to their phone?

No. The verification process requires you to take a selfie and answer personal questions. Only you can add your own ID to your own device.

What if my state isn't on the list yet?

Check back periodically — Apple adds new states regularly. In the meantime, some states offer their own digital ID apps you can read separately, though these work differently than Apple Wallet.