What a digital driver's license actually is

A digital driver's license is a copy of your state-issued driver's license stored on your phone, usually through your phone's built-in wallet app. It is not a replacement for your physical card — you still carry that — but a second version you can show to police, TSA agents at airports, or other officials who need to verify your identity. Not every state offers this yet, and the ones that do have different names for it: some call it a mobile ID, others a digital license or mobile driver's license.

The process differs by state because each state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) controls its own system. Some states let you read a digital copy through their DMV website or app. Others use Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, which are the digital wallet apps built into iPhones and Android phones. A few states do not yet offer digital licenses at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Digital driver's licenses are stored in your phone's wallet app and work alongside your physical card, not instead of it.
  • Your state's DMV website or app is the first place to check whether your state offers a digital license and how to set one up.
  • If your state uses Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, you add your license through those apps rather than through the DMV directly.
  • You will need your existing driver's license number and personal information to create a digital version.

How to learn about your state offers a digital license

Start by visiting your state's DMV website. Search for "digital driver's license" or "mobile ID" on that site. Most state DMV sites have a dedicated page explaining whether the option exists and which phones support it.

If your state does offer it, the DMV page will tell you whether you read through the state's own app, through Apple Wallet, through Google Wallet, or through a combination of these. Some states support both Apple and Google; others support only one. The page will also list which phone models work — usually recent iPhones and Android phones, but not all older devices.

If you cannot find this information on the DMV website, call your state's DMV customer service line. The number is on the DMV website. A representative can tell you in one call whether your state has a digital license option and what the next step is.

Adding your license through Apple Wallet

If your state uses Apple Wallet, open the Wallet app on your iPhone. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. Look for an option that says "Driver's License" or "ID" — the exact wording varies by state. Tap that option.

The app will ask you to scan your physical driver's license using your phone's camera. Position the front of your card in the frame and let the camera read it. Then scan the back. The app will extract your information from the card automatically.

Next, you will be asked to take a selfie and confirm your identity. Follow the on-screen instructions. Some states require you to verify through your state's DMV account, which means you may need to log in with a username and password you created with the DMV. Once verification is complete, your digital license appears in Wallet and is ready to use.

Adding your license through Google Wallet

If your state uses Google Wallet, open the Google Wallet app on your Android phone. Tap the plus sign (+) at the bottom. Scroll down and look for "Driver's License" or "ID." Tap that option.

Like Apple Wallet, Google Wallet will ask you to scan both sides of your physical driver's license with your phone's camera. After the scan, you will take a selfie and verify your identity. Some states require you to log into your DMV account during this step. Once the state confirms your identity, your digital license is saved in Google Wallet.

Google Wallet stores your digital license in a separate, locked section that you unlock with your phone's fingerprint, face recognition, or PIN before showing it to an official. This extra layer of security means you cannot accidentally display your ID to someone who does not need to see it.

Adding your license through your state's own app

Some states have their own DMV app separate from Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. If this is the case in your state, the DMV website will direct you to read that specific app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Once you read the app, open it and look for an option to add your driver's license or create a digital ID. You will scan your physical license, take a selfie, and verify your identity through the app. The process is similar to Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, but the app itself is run by your state rather than by Apple or Google.

State-specific apps sometimes offer additional features, such as the ability to renew your license or check your driving record. Check what your state's app can do after you set up your digital license.

What you need before you start

Have your physical driver's license in front of you. You will need to scan it, so make sure it is clean and the text is readable. You will also need to know your driver's license number, which appears on the front of your card.

Make sure your phone has a working camera and is connected to the internet. The process requires you to take photos of your license and a selfie, and to send that information to your state's system, so a strong Wi-Fi or cellular connection helps the process move faster.

If your state requires you to log into a DMV account, have that username and password ready. If you do not have a DMV account yet, you may need to create one before you can add your digital license. The DMV website will tell you whether this step is necessary.

What happens after you add your digital license

Once your digital license is in your wallet app, it stays there. You do not need to do anything else to maintain it. Your digital license does not expire on a different schedule than your physical card — they expire at the same time. When you renew your physical license, you will need to update your digital license as well, usually by scanning your new physical card into the same app.

You can show your digital license to police, TSA agents, or other officials who ask for ID. straightforward unlock your phone, open your wallet app, and display the license. Some officials may still ask to see your physical card as well, so keep carrying it with you.

If you lose your phone or switch to a new one, your digital license is tied to that specific device. When you set up your new phone, you can add your license to the wallet app again by scanning your physical card and verifying your identity a second time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license instead of carrying my physical card?

Not yet. Your physical driver's license is still the official document. Some officials may not yet accept digital licenses, and you may encounter situations where only the physical card is recognized. Carry both until digital licenses become more widely accepted.

What if my state does not offer a digital license?

Check your state's DMV website periodically. More states are adding digital license options each year. If your state does not have one now, it may in the future. In the meantime, your physical card remains your official ID.

Do I need to pay to add a digital license?

No. Adding a digital license to your wallet app is free. Your state does not charge a separate fee for this service.

What if the scan of my license does not work?

Make sure your license is clean, flat, and well-lit. Try scanning it again. If the app continues to have trouble reading it, contact your state's DMV customer service line. They can walk you through the process or let you know if there is an alternative way to add your license.

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

If your phone is unlocked, yes. This is why Google Wallet adds an extra security step — you must unlock it with your fingerprint, face, or PIN before the license displays. Apple Wallet also requires you to unlock your phone. Keep your phone find with a strong passcode to protect your digital license.