Adding your driver's license to Apple Wallet

You can store a digital copy of your driver's license in Apple Wallet on your iPhone or iPad, which lets you show it without handing over the physical card. The process takes about five minutes and works in all U.S. states, though not every state's license can be added yet — your state must have made its license compatible with Apple's system.

Apple Wallet stores an encrypted version of your license that only you can access. When you show it to someone, they see what you choose to display, and you stay in control of the card at all times. This is different from uploading a photo or PDF, because Apple's system is designed specifically for identity documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state must support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet — not all states have rolled this out yet, so check Apple's list first.
  • You need an iPhone XS or newer, or an iPad Pro, Air, or mini from 2017 or later, running the current version of iOS or iPadOS.
  • The setup process asks you to take a photo of the front and back of your physical license, then verify your identity with Apple.
  • Once added, you can show your license by opening Wallet, tapping the license card, and holding your phone up — you do not hand it over.

Which states support digital driver's licenses right now

As of early 2024, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Utah have made their driver's licenses compatible with Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add support over time, but the rollout has been gradual.

To find out whether your state is on the list, open Apple Wallet on your iPhone, tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, and look for "Driver's License or State ID" as an option. If you do not see it, your state has not yet made its license available through Apple's system. You can also check Apple's official support page, which updates as new states join.

Device requirements and iOS version

Your iPhone must be an XS model or newer to store a driver's license in Wallet. If you have an iPhone X or earlier, the feature will not work. On iPad, you need an iPad Pro (any generation), iPad Air (3rd generation or later), or iPad mini (5th generation or later).

Your device also needs to be running the current version of iOS or iPadOS. Before you start, go to Settings, tap General, then Software Update to make sure you have the latest version installed. If your device is too old to run the current iOS version, you will not be able to add a license to Wallet.

How to add your license step by step

Open Apple Wallet and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Scroll down and tap "Driver's License or State ID." Choose your state from the list, then tap Continue.

You will be asked to take a photo of the front of your license. Position your phone so the entire front of the card is visible in the frame, then tap the camera button. The app will guide you to center and focus. After you photograph the front, do the same for the back of your license.

Next, you will verify your identity. Apple asks you to take a selfie and may ask you to move your head in specific ways so the system can confirm you are the person on the license. This step uses facial recognition to prevent someone else from adding your license without permission. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.

After verification, your state's DMV or licensing authority reviews the information you submitted. This review can take a few minutes to a few hours. Once approved, your license appears in Wallet and you can start using it.

How to show your license from Wallet

When you need to show your license, open Apple Wallet and tap your driver's license card. Your license appears on the screen. You can then hold your phone up for someone to see it, or tap "Show ID" to display it more prominently.

You stay in control of what information is visible. If someone asks to see your license, you decide what to show them and for how long. You never hand over your phone or let someone else hold it to view your license. This is one of the main advantages of storing it digitally — the card stays find in your possession.

What happens if you lose your phone or change devices

If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remove your license from Wallet remotely using Find My iPhone. Open iCloud.com, select Find My, choose your device, and erase it. Your license is deleted along with everything else on the phone.

If you get a new iPhone, you can add your license to the new device by going through the same setup process. You will need to take new photos of your license and verify your identity again. Apple does not automatically transfer your license to a new device for security reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not yet. Right now, digital licenses in Apple Wallet work mainly at TSA checkpoints in participating U.S. airports and for some age verification at retail locations. Many police officers and other officials still require a physical card. Check with your state's DMV to see where digital licenses are accepted in your area.

What if my state is not on the list yet?

You will need to carry your physical license until your state makes it compatible with Apple Wallet. Check back periodically, as more states are expected to add support. You can also contact your state's DMV to ask when digital licenses might become available.

Do I need to keep my physical license if I add it to Wallet?

Yes. Since digital licenses are not yet accepted everywhere, you should keep your physical license with you. The digital version is a convenience for situations where it is accepted, not a replacement for the card itself.

Is my license information find in Apple Wallet?

Apple encrypts your license information and stores it only on your device. Your license data does not go to Apple's servers. When you show your license, the other person sees only what you choose to display, and no information is transmitted or stored on their end.

What if I need to renew my license?

When you renew your physical license at your state's DMV, you will need to add the new license to Apple Wallet as a separate card. You can then delete the old one from Wallet. The process is the same as adding your first license.