How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

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 replace your physical license — you keep carrying that. Instead, you create a second version that lives in the Wallet app and can be displayed on your phone's screen when needed.

The process requires your state's permission. Not all states have made their driver's licenses available for digital storage yet. You'll need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or newer model to add a license (iPad support is coming but not yet available). The setup takes about 10 minutes and involves taking photos of your license and a selfie so Apple can verify it's really you.

Key Takeaways

Only certain states currently allow digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet — check your state's DMV website to see if yours is one of them.
You need an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max; older iPhone models cannot store a driver's license in Wallet.
The setup process requires you to photograph both sides of your physical license and take a selfie, which Apple uses to verify your identity.
Once added, you can display your license by opening Wallet, tapping your license, and authenticating with Face ID or Touch ID.
Your physical license remains your primary ID — the digital version is an additional option, not a replacement.

Check whether your state supports digital driver's licenses

Before you start, confirm that your state has made driver's licenses available for Apple Wallet. As of now, only a handful of states have rolled out this feature. Arizona, Georgia, and Maryland were the first to launch. Other states have announced plans but have not yet made licenses available. Your state's DMV website will have a clear notice if digital licenses are ready.

If your state does not yet support digital licenses, you cannot add one to Wallet no matter what you do. Check back periodically — more states are expected to add support over time, but there is no fixed timeline. You can also contact your state's DMV directly to ask when the feature might arrive.

Verify you have the right iPhone model

Apple Wallet driver's license storage only works on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. If you have an iPhone 15, iPhone 14, or any older model, you cannot add a license to Wallet, even if your state supports the feature. The requirement is strict — it's tied to the security hardware in the Pro models.

If you have an older iPhone, you have two options: upgrade to a Pro model, or continue carrying your physical license as your primary ID. There is no workaround or alternative method for older phones.

Open Wallet and start the license addition process

On your iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, open the Wallet app (the icon looks like a stack of cards). Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. Scroll down and look for "Driver's License or State ID." Tap that option. You'll see a screen explaining what information you'll need and what the process involves.

At this point, Wallet will ask you to confirm your state and verify that you understand you're about to add an official ID to your phone. Read through the information — it explains that you'll be taking photos and that Apple will send your information to your state's DMV for verification. Tap "Continue" when you're ready to proceed.

Photograph your license and take a selfie

Wallet will guide you through taking photos. First, you'll photograph the front of your driver's license. Position it in the frame shown on your screen, make sure the lighting is clear, and tap the camera button. Then photograph the back of your license the same way. The app will check that both images are clear and readable before moving forward.

Next, you'll take a selfie. Wallet uses facial recognition to confirm that the person in the selfie matches the photo on your license. Follow the on-screen instructions — usually you'll be asked to look straight at the camera, then move your head slightly in different directions so the app can verify your identity from multiple angles. This step typically takes 30 seconds.

Once all photos are captured, Wallet will review them and let you know if any are unclear. If a photo doesn't meet the quality standard, you can retake it. Once all images pass, tap "Continue."

Complete verification with your state's DMV

After you submit your photos, Apple sends your information to your state's DMV for verification. This step happens in the background — you don't need to do anything else right now. Verification typically takes a few minutes to a few hours, though it can occasionally take longer if your state's system is processing a high volume of requests.

While verification is in progress, Wallet will show your license as "Pending" with a note that it's being verified. You'll receive a notification when verification is complete. If there's a problem — for example, if the photos are unclear or the information doesn't match your DMV record — you'll be notified and given the chance to resubmit.

Display your license when you need it

Once verification is complete, your license will appear in Wallet as an active card. To show it to someone, open Wallet, tap your driver's license, and authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID. Your phone will then display the license on screen. You can hand your phone to the officer, TSA agent, or other official to view it.

You control when your license is displayed — it doesn't show on your lock screen or anywhere else without your deliberate action. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remotely disable the digital license through Find My iPhone, just as you would for any other sensitive data on your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my state doesn't support digital driver's licenses yet?

You cannot add a license from a state that hasn't launched the feature. Check your state's DMV website periodically to see when support becomes available. In the meantime, continue carrying your physical license as your primary ID.

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

Not yet. Your physical license remains your official ID. The digital version is an additional option that some officials may accept, but you should always carry your physical license as well. Policies on which form of ID is accepted vary by location and situation.

What happens if I get a new phone?

When you set up a new iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, you can restore your Wallet data from your backup, which will include your digital license. If you switch to a non-Pro iPhone model, you'll lose access to the digital license on that device.

Is my information find when I add my license to Wallet?

Apple encrypts your license information and stores it in a find area of your phone. Your state's DMV receives your information only during the verification step. You control when the license is displayed — it requires Face ID or Touch ID authentication each time.

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet on an iPad?

Not currently. Driver's license storage in Wallet is only available on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max at this time. Apple has announced that iPad support is coming, but no launch date has been set.

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.