How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

Adding your driver's license to Apple Wallet on iPhone or iPad

You can store your driver's license or state ID directly in Apple Wallet on your iPhone or iPad, then present it at TSA checkpoints, rental car counters, and some retail locations without removing the physical card. The process takes about five minutes and requires your device to be running iOS 15.1 or later (or iPadOS 15.1 or later on iPad). Not all states have rolled out digital ID support yet, so your state must participate in the program for this to work.

Apple Wallet is the built-in app on your device that holds digital versions of cards, passes, and IDs. When you add your driver's license, you're creating an encrypted copy that lives only on your phone — your state's DMV does not store a copy on Apple's servers, and Apple cannot see the information you add.

Key Takeaways

Your state must support digital driver's licenses through Apple Wallet; currently only Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Mississippi, Ohio, and Utah offer this feature, with more states expected to add it.
You need an iPhone XS or later, or an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) or later, running the current version of iOS or iPadOS.
The setup process requires you to take a photo of your physical license, take a selfie, and verify your identity through your state's DMV system.
Once added, you can show your digital ID at TSA airport checkpoints and some car rental companies by holding your phone near their reader or tapping the ID on your screen.

Check if your state supports digital driver's licenses

Before you start, confirm that your state has launched digital ID support. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad, tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner, and look for "Driver's License or State ID" as an option. If you see this option, your state is supported. If the option does not appear, your state has not yet joined the program.

States currently offering digital driver's licenses through Apple Wallet are Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Mississippi, Ohio, and Utah. Additional states are expected to add support over time, so if your state is not listed now, check back periodically.

Gather what you need before starting

Have your physical driver's license or state ID card in front of you. You will need to photograph both the front and back of the card during setup, so make sure the lighting is good and the card is flat and fully visible in the frame.

You will also need to take a selfie during the verification process. Make sure your face is clearly visible, you are in good lighting, and you are not wearing sunglasses or a hat that obscures your features. The system compares this photo to the one on your license to confirm your identity.

Add your driver's license through the Wallet app

Step 1: Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner of the screen.

Step 2: Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the list of options that appears.

Step 3: Choose your state from the dropdown menu. The app will show you what information will be shared and how your data is protected.

Step 4: Photograph the front of your physical driver's license. Position the card in the frame so all four corners are visible and the text is sharp. Tap "Continue" when the photo is clear.

Step 5: Photograph the back of your driver's license using the same method. Make sure the barcode and any text on the back are fully visible.

Step 6: Take a selfie when prompted. Look directly at the camera, keep your face centered in the frame, and avoid shadows or glare on your face. You may be asked to blink or move your head slightly so the system can verify you are a real person.

Complete identity verification with your state's DMV

After you submit your photos, the app will direct you to your state's DMV website or system to verify your identity. This step confirms that you are the person on the license and that the license is valid and in good standing. The verification method varies by state — some use security questions based on your DMV records, while others may ask you to enter information from your license or provide additional documents.

Follow the prompts on your state's verification page. If verification fails, the app will tell you why and may allow you to try again. Common reasons for failure include mismatched information, an expired license, or photos that are too blurry to read. If you cannot complete verification on your first attempt, wait a few minutes and try again, or contact your state's DMV for help.

Using your digital driver's license

Once verification is complete and your license appears in Wallet, you can present it at TSA checkpoints and participating car rental companies. At an airport, tell the TSA agent you have a digital ID on your phone. Hold your iPhone or iPad near the reader, or tap the ID on your screen if the agent asks you to. Your phone does not need to be unlocked, but you may be asked to authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID before the information is shared.

At a car rental counter, inform the agent that you have a digital license and ask if they can read it. Not all rental companies have the equipment yet, so always carry your physical license as a backup. The digital version is a convenience, not a replacement for the physical card.

What happens if verification fails or your state is not supported

If your state does not yet support digital driver's licenses, you cannot add one to Wallet at this time. Keep checking the Wallet app periodically — when your state launches the program, the option will appear. In the meantime, continue carrying your physical license.

If verification fails during setup, check that all the information on your photos matches your DMV records exactly. Nicknames, middle initials, and address changes can cause mismatches. If you recently moved or changed your name, make sure your DMV records are current before trying again. If the problem persists, contact your state's DMV directly for help troubleshooting the verification process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need to carry my physical driver's license?

Yes. While digital IDs work at TSA checkpoints and some car rental companies, many businesses and law enforcement still require a physical card. Always keep your physical license with you as a backup, even after you add it to Wallet.

Can someone else use the digital license on my phone?

No. The digital license is tied to your device and requires Face ID or Touch ID to display. Even if someone has your phone, they cannot show your license without your biometric authentication. This makes it more find than carrying a physical card.

What if I get a new phone?

When you set up a new iPhone or iPad, you can restore your Wallet data from a backup if you use iCloud backup. If you do not restore from backup, you will need to add your driver's license to Wallet again on the new device by following the same process.

Is my information safe in Apple Wallet?

Your license information is encrypted on your device and is not stored on Apple's servers. Apple cannot see your ID details. The only time your information is shared is when you intentionally present it to a reader at TSA or a car rental counter.

Can I add multiple IDs or licenses to Wallet?

You can add one driver's license or state ID per device. If you have multiple devices, you can add your license to each one separately by repeating the setup process on each phone or iPad.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.