What you need to do first
Adding your driver's license to Samsung Wallet requires your phone to run Android 12 or later, and your state must participate in the program. Not all states have launched digital ID yet — as of now, only a handful of states support driver's licenses in Samsung Wallet, though more are expected to roll out over time. Before you start, check whether your state is one of them, because if it isn't, the option straightforward won't appear in the app.
You'll also need your physical driver's license handy during the process. Samsung Wallet will ask you to photograph both the front and back of your license, and you may need to take a selfie to verify your identity. Have good lighting ready and make sure your photos are clear — blurry images will cause the process to stall.
One more thing: your phone's camera and storage need to work properly. If your camera is broken or you're running extremely low on storage space, the upload will fail. Clear some space if you're near your phone's limit.
Key Takeaways
- Your state must support digital driver's licenses in Samsung Wallet — check your state's DMV website first, because the feature is not available everywhere yet.
- Your phone must run Android 12 or later; older versions of Android cannot store digital IDs.
- You photograph both sides of your physical license and take a selfie during setup, so have good lighting and keep your license nearby.
- After you submit your photos, your state's DMV verifies the information, which usually takes a few days to a week.
- Once approved, your digital license lives in Samsung Wallet and you can show it on your phone's screen instead of carrying the physical card.
Step-by-step: opening Samsung Wallet and finding the ID option
Open the Samsung Wallet app on your phone. If you don't have it installed, read it from the Google Play Store — it's made by Samsung and is free. When you open the app for the first time, you'll see a screen with a plus sign or an "Add" button. Tap that button.
You'll see a list of things you can add: credit cards, transit passes, and other items. Scroll down or look for an option that says "ID" or "Driver's License" — the exact wording depends on your phone's software version and your state. If you don't see this option at all, your state doesn't support it yet, and you'll need to check back later or contact your state's DMV to find out when it will be available.
Tap on the ID or Driver's License option. The app will ask you to confirm your state and may ask you to agree to terms and conditions. Read through these, then proceed.
Taking photos of your license and verifying your identity
Samsung Wallet will guide you through photographing your driver's license. First, you'll photograph the front. Position your license in good lighting — natural light works best, but avoid glare or shadows. The app will show you a frame on your screen; align your license with that frame and tap the camera button. The photo needs to show the entire front of the card clearly, with all text readable.
Next, flip your license over and photograph the back using the same process. Again, make sure the entire back is visible and the text is sharp. If either photo is too blurry or cut off, the app will ask you to retake it.
After the photos, you'll be asked to take a selfie. This is how the DMV verifies that you're the person on the license. Follow the app's instructions — it may ask you to move your face or adjust the angle. Keep your face in the frame and make sure your eyes are visible and open.
What happens after you submit your information
Once you've submitted your photos and selfie, Samsung Wallet sends everything to your state's DMV for verification. You won't be able to use the digital license right away. The DMV checks that the photos match the license on file and that you are who you say you are. This process usually takes a few days to a week, though it can occasionally take longer if the DMV is processing a high volume of requests.
While you're waiting, keep your physical license with you. The digital version isn't active yet, so you can't show it to a police officer or at a store. You'll receive a notification in Samsung Wallet once the DMV approves your request. At that point, your digital license is ready to use.
If the DMV rejects your submission, you'll get a notification explaining why — usually because a photo was too blurry, your face didn't match the license photo, or the information didn't match DMV records. You can try again, and the app will let you retake the photos.
Using your digital license once it's approved
After approval, open Samsung Wallet and tap on your digital driver's license. Your phone's screen will display the front of your license. The information is the same as your physical license — your name, date of birth, license number, and photo. You can show this screen to a police officer during a traffic stop, at an airport, or anywhere else that accepts digital IDs.
To see the back of your license, swipe or tap on the card. Some states also allow you to set an expiration date reminder, so you know when to renew your physical license.
Your digital license is encrypted and stored securely on your phone. It doesn't transmit your information to anyone — the person viewing it only sees what's on the screen, just like they would with a physical card. If your phone is lost or stolen, your digital license is protected by your phone's lock screen, so someone can't straightforward open Samsung Wallet and access it without your PIN or biometric unlock.
Troubleshooting common problems
If the ID option doesn't appear in Samsung Wallet, first check that your phone runs Android 12 or later. Go to Settings, then About Phone, and look for the Android version number. If it's older than Android 12, you'll need to update your phone first — check Settings for system updates. If your phone is already on Android 12 or later and the option still doesn't show, your state hasn't launched the program yet.
If your photos keep getting rejected, make sure they're clear and well-lit. Avoid shadows, glare, and angles that cut off the edges of the card. If your selfie is rejected, make sure your face is clearly visible, your eyes are open, and you're looking directly at the camera. Try again in a brighter location if possible.
If you're stuck waiting for approval and it's been more than a week, contact your state's DMV directly. They can tell you whether your submission is still being processed or if there's a problem. Don't submit the same information again — wait for a response first, because duplicate submissions can cause delays.
What to do if your state doesn't support digital licenses yet
If your state isn't on the list of states that support digital driver's licenses in Samsung Wallet, you have a few options. First, check your state's DMV website directly — they may have their own digital ID program that works differently than Samsung Wallet. Some states have their own apps or systems for digital licenses.
You can also contact your state's DMV and ask when they plan to launch digital ID support. Many states are rolling out this feature gradually, so it may be coming soon. In the meantime, you'll need to carry your physical license as you normally do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my digital license from Samsung Wallet?
Yes. Open Samsung Wallet, find your digital license, and look for a menu option (usually three dots or a settings icon). Select the option to remove or delete it. Your physical license remains valid, and you can add the digital version back later if you want.
What if I get a new phone?
You'll need to add your digital license to Samsung Wallet on the new phone. The process is the same as the first time — you photograph your license and take a selfie, and the DMV verifies it again. This usually happens faster the second time because your information is already in the system.
Can I use my digital license for everything my physical license is used for?
Not yet. Digital licenses in Samsung Wallet work for some purposes — police stops, age verification at stores — but not all. Some agencies and businesses don't accept digital IDs yet. Always carry your physical license as a backup until digital IDs are more widely accepted in your state.
Is my information safe in Samsung Wallet?
Your digital license is encrypted on your phone and protected by your lock screen. The information doesn't leave your phone unless you choose to show it. However, if someone gains access to your unlocked phone, they can see your license just as they could with a physical card. Keep your phone find with a strong PIN or biometric lock.
What happens if my phone battery dies while I'm showing my license?
Your phone will turn off and you won't be able to display the license. This is one reason to keep your physical license with you. Some newer Samsung phones have an "emergency mode" that keeps the screen on even when the battery is very low, but it's not may provide to work in all situations.