What you need to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet

You can store your driver's license or state ID directly in Apple Wallet on your iPhone or iPad. When you add it, you'll be able to show it at TSA airport checkpoints, rental car counters, and some retail locations without taking out your physical card. The process takes a few minutes and requires your phone to have a camera, internet connection, and enough storage space.

Not every state offers this feature yet. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah support digital IDs in Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add support over time. You'll need to check whether your state participates before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state must support digital ID storage in Apple Wallet — currently about 15 states do, with more being added.
  • You'll need your physical driver's license, your iPhone or iPad with iOS 15.1 or later, and a working camera to complete the process.
  • The app walks you through taking photos of your license and a selfie, then verifies your identity before adding it to Wallet.
  • You can use your digital ID at TSA checkpoints and some car rental companies, though your physical license remains valid and necessary in most situations.

Step-by-step: Adding your license to Wallet

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the menu. The app will ask you to choose your state — select the one that issued your ID.

Position your phone to photograph the front of your driver's license. The camera will guide you to center it properly. Take the photo, then do the same for the back. Next, you'll take a selfie — the camera will show you how to position your face. Hold still while it captures the image.

The app will ask you to verify some information from your license, like your address or date of birth. Answer these questions accurately. Apple then sends this information to your state's DMV or equivalent agency for verification. This step usually takes a few minutes, though it can take longer depending on your state's system.

Once verified, your license appears in Wallet. You can now display it by opening Wallet, selecting your ID, and holding your phone near a reader at participating locations. Your phone will ask you to authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID before showing the full details.

Which states currently support digital IDs

The following states allow you to store a driver's license or state ID in Apple Wallet: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah. Each state manages its own verification process, so the time it takes to confirm your identity can vary.

If your state is not on this list, you cannot add your ID to Wallet yet. Check back periodically, as Apple and state agencies continue to expand the program. Your physical license remains the standard form of ID for now, even in states that support digital storage.

Where you can use your digital ID

TSA accepts digital IDs at airport security checkpoints in participating states. You can hold your phone up to the reader at the checkpoint instead of handing over your physical card. The TSA agent will see your information on their screen.

Some car rental companies, including Hertz and Avis, accept digital IDs at certain locations. Call ahead or check the company's website before your reservation to confirm whether the specific location you're visiting accepts them. Acceptance varies by location and company.

Retail stores and other businesses do not yet widely accept digital IDs. Your physical license is still required for age verification at stores, bars, and restaurants. Keep your physical ID with you at all times, as digital ID support remains limited outside of airports and car rentals.

Security and privacy when using Apple Wallet

Your license information is encrypted and stored only on your device. Apple does not see the details of your ID, and your state's DMV does not store a copy in a central database. When you show your ID at a reader, only the information you choose to share is transmitted.

You control what information appears each time you present your ID. Your phone requires Face ID or Touch ID authentication before displaying your license to a reader, adding a layer of security. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remove your ID from Wallet remotely using Find My iPhone.

Your physical license remains valid and necessary for most situations. The digital version is a convenience option, not a replacement. You should continue to carry your physical ID as your primary form of identification.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the app says your state is not supported, you live in a state that has not yet joined the program. Check Apple's Wallet support page periodically for updates on which states are being added. You cannot add your ID to Wallet until your state participates.

If verification fails, double-check that the photos of your license are clear and well-lit, with all four corners visible. Make sure your selfie shows your face clearly and matches the photo on your license. Try again, or contact your state's DMV if the problem continues.

If your phone does not have enough storage space, delete unused apps or photos to free up room. Wallet itself requires only a small amount of space, but your phone needs room to process the verification photos during setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital ID instead of my physical license?

Not yet. Your digital ID works at TSA checkpoints and some car rental locations, but your physical license is still required for most situations, including traffic stops, age verification at stores, and many other everyday uses. Carry both for now.

What happens if my phone dies or I forget it?

You will need your physical license. The digital ID is a convenience option, not a replacement. Always keep your physical license with you as your primary form of identification.

Can someone else use my digital ID if they have my phone?

No. Your phone requires Face ID or Touch ID authentication before your ID can be displayed to a reader. Even if someone has your phone, they cannot show your ID without unlocking it first.

Will adding my ID to Wallet affect my physical license?

No. Your physical license remains valid and unchanged. The digital version is straightforward a copy stored on your phone. You can remove it from Wallet at any time without affecting your actual ID.

How long does verification take?

Verification usually takes a few minutes, but it can take longer depending on your state's system and how quickly the DMV processes requests. You will receive a notification when your ID is ready to use.