What you need to add your driver license to Apple Wallet
You can store a digital copy of your driver license or state ID in Apple Wallet on your iPhone or iPad. When you add it, you're creating a digital version that you can show at certain locations — though not all places accept it yet, and you'll still need your physical license for most situations.
To add your license, you need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or iPad Pro with the M2 chip or later. Your state must also support digital IDs in Apple Wallet. As of now, only a handful of states have launched this feature, including Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, and Maryland. More states are expected to add support over time, but the rollout is gradual.
You'll also need to have Face ID or Touch ID set up on your device, since Apple uses these to verify your identity when you present your digital license.
Key Takeaways
- You can only add a driver license to Apple Wallet if your state supports the feature and you have a compatible iPhone or iPad model.
- The process involves opening Wallet, tapping the plus sign, selecting ID, and following Apple's verification steps, which include taking photos and a video of yourself.
- Your digital license is encrypted and stored securely on your device, and you control when and where it's shown.
- Not all businesses accept digital IDs yet, so you should keep your physical license with you for now.
Check if your state supports digital IDs
Before you start the process, confirm that your state has launched digital ID support in Apple Wallet. Visit Apple's official support page or open the Wallet app on your compatible device and look for the option to add an ID. If your state isn't listed, the feature straightforward won't appear as an option.
Even if your state has launched the feature, your specific driver license or ID card may not be may be able to access yet. Some states are rolling out the feature gradually to certain license types or renewal dates. If you don't see the option to add your ID, check back later — your state may expand availability over time.
Steps to add your driver license to Apple Wallet
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, then select "ID" from the menu. Choose "Driver's License" or "State ID" depending on what you're adding.
Apple will ask you to take a photo of the front and back of your physical license. Make sure the image is clear and well-lit, with all text and numbers visible. You'll also need to take a video of yourself — Apple uses this to verify that you're the person on the license. Follow the on-screen instructions, which will ask you to move your head or blink at certain moments.
After you submit your photos and video, Apple sends this information to your state's DMV or equivalent agency for verification. This process typically takes a few minutes to a few hours. You'll receive a notification when your digital license is ready to use.
How to show your digital license when you need it
When you're asked to show your ID, open Wallet and tap your digital license. Your device will ask you to authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID. Once you verify, your license appears on the screen. The person checking your ID can scan it or view the information directly.
Your digital license only appears when you unlock it with Face ID or Touch ID — it doesn't display automatically. This means you control when your information is shown, and your data stays encrypted on your device.
Keep in mind that many businesses, police officers, and government agencies don't yet accept digital IDs. Always carry your physical license as your primary form of ID. The digital version is a convenience for places that do accept it, not a replacement.
Security and privacy with your digital license
Apple encrypts your license information and stores it only on your device. Your data doesn't go to Apple's servers or any third party. When someone scans or views your digital license, they see only the information that's visible on your physical license — nothing more.
You can remove your digital license from Wallet at any time. straightforward open Wallet, tap your license, tap the three dots in the upper right, and select "Remove ID." If you lose your device or it's stolen, your digital license is protected by your Face ID or Touch ID, so someone else can't access it without your biometric data.
What to do if your state doesn't support digital IDs yet
If your state hasn't launched digital ID support, you'll need to wait for your state's DMV to partner with Apple. There's no way to add your license manually or through a workaround — the feature only works when your state has officially enabled it.
You can check Apple's support page periodically to see if your state has been added to the list. In the meantime, keep your physical license with you for all ID needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my digital license instead of my physical license?
Not yet. Most businesses, police, and government agencies don't accept digital IDs. You should always carry your physical license. The digital version works only at places that specifically accept it, which is still a small number of locations.
What happens if my phone dies or I don't have it with me?
You won't be able to show your digital license. This is why you need to keep your physical license with you at all times. The digital version is a convenience, not a replacement.
Is my information safe in Apple Wallet?
Yes. Apple encrypts your license data and stores it only on your device. Your information doesn't go to Apple's servers or any company. You control when it's shown, and it's protected by your Face ID or Touch ID.
Can I add my license if I just renewed it?
It depends on your state's rollout schedule. Some states allow all license holders to add their IDs, while others are rolling it out gradually by renewal date or license type. Check the Wallet app to see if the option appears for your license.
What if I made a mistake when I submitted my photos?
If your license wasn't verified, you can try again. Remove the ID from Wallet and start the process over. Make sure your photos are clear, well-lit, and show all text and numbers on your license, and that your video clearly shows your face.