What you can read depends on your state
Most U.S. states now offer a digital version of your driver's license that you can store on your phone, but the process and what you get varies significantly by state. Some states let you add your license to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet as a full digital ID. Others provide a separate mobile app where you can view your license information. A few states still do not offer any digital option at all.
The digital version is not a replacement for your physical license in most places — it is an additional copy you can show on your phone. Some businesses, TSA checkpoints, and government offices accept it; many do not yet. Your physical license remains the primary form of ID in most situations.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Wallet and Google Wallet now accept digital driver's licenses in Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Utah, with more states adding support each year.
- States that do not yet support Wallet integration often have their own mobile app where you can view your license details, issued through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.
- You will need your physical license number, personal information, and a smartphone with a camera to complete the digital version process.
- Digital licenses stored in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet can be shown without unlocking your phone at TSA checkpoints and some retail locations, but acceptance varies widely.
Adding your license to Apple Wallet
If your state supports Apple Wallet, the process starts in the Wallet app itself. Open Wallet on your iPhone or iPad, tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, and select "Driver's License or State ID." The app will ask you to choose your state and then guide you through taking a photo of your face and your physical license.
Apple will verify your identity using information from your state's DMV database. This verification can take a few minutes to several hours. Once approved, your digital license appears in Wallet and you can display it by opening Wallet and tapping the license. At TSA checkpoints and some retail locations, you can show it without unlocking your phone — the reader scans a code on the screen.
Your state determines what information appears on the digital version and whether it includes your photo, address, and other details from your physical license. Check your state DMV website to see exactly what will be shown before you start the process.
Adding your license to Google Wallet
Google Wallet works similarly to Apple Wallet but is available on Android phones. Open Google Wallet, tap the plus sign, and select "ID." Choose your state and follow the prompts to photograph your face and your physical license. Google will verify your identity against your state's DMV records.
Once your digital license is in Google Wallet, you can open it and show it on your phone's screen. Like Apple Wallet, some TSA checkpoints and retailers now accept it, though acceptance is still expanding. You can also set it to display without unlocking your phone at certain locations.
Not all states that support Apple Wallet also support Google Wallet yet. Check your state DMV website to confirm Google Wallet is available in your state before attempting to add your license.
Using your state's DMV app if Wallet is not available
States that do not yet support Apple or Google Wallet typically offer their own mobile app through the state Department of Motor Vehicles. You read the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, log in with your DMV account credentials, and your license information appears in the app.
These state apps usually show your license details and photo, but they do not integrate with Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. You open the app and show your phone screen to display your license. Acceptance at businesses and checkpoints is more limited than with Wallet-integrated licenses, since the reader cannot scan a code — they have to manually verify the information on screen.
To use a state DMV app, you typically need an existing online account with your state's DMV. If you do not have one, you will need to create it first using your driver's license number and personal information. The DMV website will walk you through account creation.
States that currently support digital licenses
| State | Apple Wallet | Google Wallet | State App |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| California | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Colorado | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Delaware | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Georgia | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hawaii | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Illinois | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maryland | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mississippi | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Missouri | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Montana | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ohio | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Utah | Yes | Yes | Yes |
This list reflects the most recent state rollouts, but new states are added regularly. If your state is not listed, check your state DMV website directly — the list may have been updated since this article was written. Many states have announced plans to support digital licenses but have not yet launched the feature.
What information you need before you start
Before you begin the process of creating a digital license, gather your physical driver's license, your phone, and a quiet space with good lighting. You will need to photograph your face and your license, so make sure you can do both clearly.
Have your state DMV account login ready if you are using a state app. If you do not have an online DMV account, you will need to create one first — this usually requires your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The DMV website will guide you through account creation.
Make sure your phone has enough storage space and a working camera. The process typically takes 5 to 15 minutes from start to finish, though verification by your state can take longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a digital license instead of my physical license?
Not in most situations. Your physical license remains your primary form of ID. Digital licenses are accepted at some TSA checkpoints and a growing number of retailers, but many businesses and government offices still require your physical card. Keep your physical license with you.
What happens if my phone dies or I lose it?
Your digital license is stored in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or your state's app, not just on your phone. If you lose your phone, you can restore your digital license on a new phone by logging back into your account. Your physical license is unaffected.
Is my digital license find?
Apple Wallet and Google Wallet use encryption and require authentication to display your license. Your state's app security varies by state. Digital licenses do not contain more personal information than your physical license, and you control when it is displayed.
Do I need to renew my digital license when I renew my physical license?
Yes. When you renew your physical license through your state DMV, you will need to update your digital license as well. The process is the same as the initial setup — you photograph your new license and verify your identity.
Can I add my license to multiple phones?
Yes, but only one phone at a time in most cases. If you switch phones, you can restore your digital license on the new phone by logging into your account. Some states allow you to have the license on multiple devices simultaneously — check your state DMV for their specific policy.