What you need to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet
You can store your driver's license or state ID in Apple Wallet on your iPhone or iPad, and then show it to police officers or TSA agents by holding your device up to a reader. To do this, you need an iPhone 15 or later, or an iPad Pro with the M1 chip or newer. Your state must also participate in the program — not all states have rolled out this feature yet.
When you add your license, Apple stores the information on your device in an encrypted form. The state issues you a digital version of your license that works alongside your physical card. You'll still carry your physical license; the digital version is an additional option.
Key Takeaways
- Only iPhone 15 and later, and certain iPad Pro models, can store driver's licenses in Apple Wallet.
- Your state must support digital IDs through Apple Wallet — check Apple's list to see if yours does.
- You scan your physical license and take a photo of yourself during setup, which Apple verifies with your state.
- Once added, you can show your license by opening Wallet, tapping your ID, and holding your phone to a reader at traffic stops or airports.
Which states currently support digital driver's licenses
As of now, Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, and Mississippi have launched digital ID support in Apple Wallet. Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Texas have announced plans to add the feature, though rollout dates vary. Apple's website lists the current status for each state, so check there before you begin the process.
If your state is not yet on the list, you cannot add your license to Wallet yet. You will need to wait until your state's department of motor vehicles completes its integration with Apple's system.
How to add your driver's license step by step
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone 15 or later. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner, then select "Driver's License or State ID." Choose your state from the list. Tap "Continue" and follow the prompts to scan your physical license — the app will guide you through positioning it correctly.
Next, you will take a selfie. The app uses facial recognition to verify that you are the person on the license. Take the photo in good lighting and follow the on-screen instructions for head position and angle. Apple sends this information to your state's motor vehicle department for verification.
Your state will review your information, which usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. Once approved, your digital license appears in Wallet. You can add multiple IDs if you have licenses from different states.
How to show your digital license to an officer or TSA agent
When you need to show your ID, open Wallet and tap your driver's license. The screen will display your license information. Hold your iPhone or iPad near the reader — the officer or agent will have a device that reads the digital ID. You do not need to unlock your phone or use Face ID; the license itself is what the reader scans.
At airports, TSA agents at security checkpoints can scan your digital ID the same way they would scan a physical license. The process is faster than handing over a card because the reader pulls the information directly from your phone.
If the reader is not available or malfunctions, you can still show your physical license. The digital version is a convenience option, not a replacement.
What happens to your information when you add a license
Apple stores your license data on your device using encryption, which means the information is scrambled and unreadable without the correct key. Your state's motor vehicle department receives your photo and personal details during the verification step, but Apple does not store a copy of your license on its servers.
When someone scans your digital ID, they only see the information that would appear on your physical license — your name, date of birth, license number, and photo. The reader does not have access to your phone's other data, and Apple does not track when or where your ID is scanned.
Troubleshooting common problems
If your state is not showing up in the list, your device may not be compatible. Check that you have an iPhone 15 or later, or an iPad Pro with the M1 chip or newer. If your device meets these requirements, restart it and try again.
If your verification is taking longer than a few hours, check your email for messages from your state's motor vehicle department. They may need you to resubmit your photo or provide additional information. If you do not receive a message, contact your state's DMV directly — Apple cannot override or speed up the state's verification process.
If a reader will not scan your digital license, make sure your phone's screen is clean and you are holding it steady near the reader. Some older readers may not be compatible with digital IDs yet, so ask the officer or agent if they can scan physical licenses instead.
Keeping your digital license find
Your digital license is protected by your iPhone's security features. If your phone is locked with Face ID or a passcode, someone who steals your phone cannot access Wallet without unlocking it first. If you lose your phone, you can use Find My iPhone to remotely lock or erase it.
If your phone is stolen or lost, contact your state's motor vehicle department to report it. They can deactivate your digital license so it cannot be used. You can add your license to a new phone once you have replaced your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my digital license instead of my physical license?
No. Your digital license is an additional option, not a replacement. You should continue to carry your physical license. Some readers may not be compatible with digital IDs, and having your physical card ensures you can always prove your identity.
What if I get a new driver's license?
When you renew your physical license, you will need to add the new one to Wallet. Remove the old license from Wallet and follow the same steps to add your new license. Your state will verify the new information before it appears in Wallet.
Can I add my passport or other ID to Apple Wallet?
Currently, only driver's licenses and state IDs can be added to Wallet. Apple has not announced plans to support passports or other forms of ID at this time.
Does adding my license to Wallet cost anything?
No. Adding your digital license to Wallet is free. There are no fees from Apple or your state's motor vehicle department.
What if my phone dies while I am driving?
If your battery is completely dead, you cannot show your digital license. This is why carrying your physical license is important. Some newer iPhones can display the lock screen for a short time even when the battery is very low, which may allow you to show your ID in an emergency.