What you need to add your driver license to your iPhone

You can store a digital copy of your driver license on your iPhone using the Wallet app, which is built into every iPhone. This digital version works at TSA checkpoints at participating U.S. airports and at some state ID verification points. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires your physical license, a compatible iPhone model, and internet access.

Not every state offers this feature yet. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Texas support digital driver licenses in Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add support over time. You can still use your physical license everywhere — the digital version is an additional option, not a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an iPhone XS or newer running iOS 15.1 or later to add your driver license to Wallet.
  • Your state must currently support digital driver licenses; check Apple's official list before starting the process.
  • The setup process involves taking photos of your license and completing identity verification through your state's system.
  • You can present your digital license at TSA checkpoints and some state verification points without removing your phone from your pocket.

Check your iPhone model and iOS version first

Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap General, then About. Look for the line that says iOS Version or iPadOS Version. You need iOS 15.1 or later. If your version is older, go back to Settings, tap General, then Software Update to read the latest version.

Your iPhone model also matters. The Wallet app supports digital driver licenses only on iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and all newer models. If you have an iPhone X or earlier, you cannot add a driver license to Wallet, though you can still use your physical license everywhere.

Open Wallet and start the driver license setup

Tap the Wallet app on your home screen (it looks like a gray card). In the bottom right corner, tap the + button. You will see a menu with options like "Credit or Debit Card" and "Passes". Scroll down and tap Driver's License or State ID.

The app will ask you to select your state. Tap your state from the list. If your state does not appear, it does not yet support digital driver licenses in Apple Wallet. You can check back later, as more states are added regularly.

Take photos of your license and verify your identity

You will be asked to take a photo of the front of your physical driver license. Hold your phone steady, make sure the entire license is visible and well-lit, and tap the button to capture the image. The app will then ask for a photo of the back of your license. Follow the same steps.

Next, the app will guide you through identity verification. This usually involves taking a selfie and answering security questions. The exact steps vary by state, but you will be asked to confirm your name, date of birth, and other details from your license. This verification happens through your state's system and is encrypted — Apple does not store your answers.

Wait for your state to approve the digital license

After you submit your photos and verification information, your state's system reviews your request. This typically takes a few minutes to a few hours, though some states may take longer. You will receive a notification when your digital license is ready to use.

Once approved, your digital license appears in your Wallet app. You can tap it to view the front and back. When you present it at a TSA checkpoint or participating verification point, you straightforward hold your phone up to the reader — you do not need to unlock your phone or open the Wallet app first.

How to use your digital license at TSA checkpoints

At a TSA security checkpoint, tell the agent you have a digital ID. Hold your iPhone or Apple Watch up to the reader device. The agent will scan it the same way they would scan a physical license. Your phone does not need to be unlocked, and you do not need to open any app.

You can still use your physical license at any time. The digital version is optional and works alongside your physical license, not instead of it. If you lose your phone or it runs out of battery, your physical license is still valid everywhere.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you see an error message during setup, the most common cause is poor lighting when you took the photos. Delete the license from Wallet and try again with better lighting and a steadier hand. Make sure your entire license is visible in the frame and that there are no shadows or glare.

If your state does not appear in the list, your state does not yet support this feature. Check back in a few weeks, as Apple regularly adds new states. In the meantime, you can continue using your physical license normally.

If your verification is rejected, you may have entered information that does not match your state's records exactly. Try the process again and make sure your name, date of birth, and address match your license exactly. If it fails a second time, contact your state's DMV for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license everywhere my physical license works?

No. Your digital license currently works only at TSA checkpoints at participating U.S. airports and at some state ID verification points. You still need your physical license for driving, police stops, and most other situations. The digital version is an additional option, not a replacement.

What happens if my phone dies or I lose it?

Your physical license remains valid everywhere. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remove the digital license from Wallet by opening the app, pressing and holding the license, and tapping Remove. You can add it again to a new phone using the same process.

Is my information find when I add my license to Wallet?

Yes. Your license information is encrypted and stored only on your phone. When you present it at a TSA checkpoint, the reader scans only the information you choose to share. Apple does not store your license data, and your state's system does not retain your photos after verification is complete.

Can I add my license if I have a learner's permit or state ID instead of a driver license?

Some states allow you to add a state ID card to Wallet. When you tap Driver's License or State ID in the Wallet app, your state's options will appear. If only driver licenses are supported in your state, you cannot add a learner's permit or state ID at this time.

What if I recently renewed my license or changed my address?

Your digital license reflects the information on your current physical license. If you recently renewed or updated your license, make sure you have your new physical license in hand before starting the setup process. Use the information from your new license when taking photos and answering verification questions.