You can add your California driver's license to Apple Wallet on your iPhone or iPad

Apple Wallet lets you store a digital copy of your California driver's license or ID card alongside your payment cards and passes. When you add your license to Wallet, you can show it to TSA agents at airport security, rental car companies, and some other businesses without pulling out your physical card. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires your iPhone or iPad running iOS 15.1 or later, your physical license, and a working camera.

Your digital license stays encrypted on your device. Apple does not store it on their servers, and businesses cannot see your full license number or other details you do not choose to share. You control what information appears each time you present it.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an iPhone or iPad with iOS 15.1 or later, and your physical California driver's license or ID card must be current and not expired.
  • The setup process involves opening Wallet, selecting the plus icon, choosing ID, and following prompts to photograph your license and take a selfie.
  • Apple will send your information to the California Department of Motor Vehicles to verify your identity before your digital license becomes active.
  • Once active, you can present your digital license at TSA checkpoints and some car rental counters by opening Wallet and selecting your ID.
  • Your physical license remains valid and required for driving; the digital version is an additional option for identification in specific situations.

Check your device and license before you start

Your iPhone or iPad must run iOS 15.1 or later to support digital ID. To check your version, open Settings, tap General, then tap About and look for the iOS or iPadOS number. If your device is older than an iPhone XS, iPhone XR, or iPad Pro (2nd generation or later), it cannot support this feature.

Your California driver's license or ID card must be current and not expired. Expired licenses cannot be added to Wallet. If your license is suspended, revoked, or restricted, you will not be able to add it. You will also need a working camera on your device and good lighting for the photographs.

Open Wallet and start the ID setup process

Unlock your iPhone or iPad and open the Wallet app. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. Scroll down and tap ID. On the next screen, choose Driver's License or State ID, then select California from the list of states.

Read the information about how your data will be used. Apple will explain that it sends your information to the California Department of Motor Vehicles to verify your identity, and that your digital license is encrypted on your device. Tap Continue to move forward.

Photograph your license front and back

Position your physical license in front of your device's camera. The app will show you a frame where your license should fit. Make sure the entire front of the license is visible, the lighting is even, and there are no glares or shadows covering the text or photo. Tap the camera button or wait for the app to capture automatically.

After the front is captured, the app will prompt you to photograph the back of your license. Flip the card over and repeat the process. If either photo is blurry or incomplete, the app will ask you to retake it. You can retake photos as many times as needed until both sides are clear.

Take a selfie and verify your information

The app will ask you to take a selfie using your device's front-facing camera. Position your face in the frame, make sure your face is clearly visible and well-lit, and tap the camera button. The app may ask you to blink or move your head slightly to confirm you are present. This step helps Apple and the DMV verify that you are the person on the license.

After your selfie, review the information the app extracted from your license. Check that your name, date of birth, license number, and address are correct. If any information is wrong, tap Edit and correct it. Tap Continue when everything is accurate.

Wait for the California DMV to verify your identity

Apple sends your photos and information to the California Department of Motor Vehicles for verification. This process usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, but can take up to 24 hours. You will receive a notification on your device when verification is complete.

If the DMV cannot verify your information, you will see an error message explaining why. Common reasons include a photo that is too blurry, information that does not match DMV records, or a license that is expired or suspended. If verification fails, you can try again by opening Wallet, tapping your ID, and selecting the option to retry.

Use your digital license at TSA and participating businesses

Once your digital license is verified and active, you can present it at TSA security checkpoints at participating airports. Open Wallet, tap your ID, and hold your device up to the TSA agent's reader. Your license information will display on your screen, and the agent's device will scan it. You do not need to unlock your phone or use Face ID or Touch ID to show your ID at TSA checkpoints.

Some car rental companies and other businesses also accept digital IDs, though not all locations do yet. If you are unsure whether a business accepts digital ID, ask before you hand over your device. Your physical license remains valid for all purposes, including driving, and you should keep it with you at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license instead of my physical license for driving?

No. Your physical California driver's license is still required to drive. The digital version is only for identification at TSA checkpoints and some businesses. You must carry your physical license whenever you drive.

What happens if my phone dies or I lose my device?

Your digital license is tied to your device. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remove it from your Apple account by visiting iCloud.com or using another Apple device. Your physical license remains valid. If you get a new device, you can add your license to Wallet again by repeating the setup process.

Can someone else see my digital license if they have my phone?

No. At TSA checkpoints, the agent's reader only sees the information you choose to share. For other uses, you control when and how your license is displayed. Your device must be unlocked to open Wallet and show your ID in most situations.

What if my license information changes or I renew my license?

If you renew your California license or change your address, you will need to remove the old digital license from Wallet and add the new one. Open Wallet, tap your ID, scroll down, and tap Remove ID. Then follow the setup process again with your new or renewed license.

Does Apple share my information with anyone besides the DMV?

Apple sends your information only to the California Department of Motor Vehicles for verification. Your digital license is encrypted on your device and Apple does not store it on their servers. When you present your ID to a business or TSA, only the information you choose to share is visible to them.