Adding Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

You can store your driver's license or state ID directly in Apple Wallet on iPhone and Apple Watch, where it appears alongside your credit cards and passes. The process takes about five minutes and requires your phone's camera, your physical ID, and your Apple ID. Not all states offer this feature yet — as of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, and Utah support digital ID storage through Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add support over time.

The feature works by scanning your ID and storing an encrypted version on your device. When you need to show your ID — at an airport, a bar, or a police stop — you can present it from your phone instead of your physical card. Your data stays on your phone and is not shared with Apple or stored in the cloud.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state must support digital ID storage in Apple Wallet; check your state's DMV website to confirm whether yours does.
  • You need an iPhone 13 or newer (or Apple Watch Series 8 or newer for some states) and iOS 16 or later to use this feature.
  • The setup process involves scanning both sides of your physical ID with your phone's camera and verifying your identity through Apple's system.
  • Your digital ID is encrypted and stored only on your device; you can delete it from Wallet at any time without affecting your physical card.

Which States Support Digital ID in Apple Wallet

Apple Wallet's digital ID feature is rolling out state by state, and availability depends on your state's DMV and Apple's partnership agreements. The states listed above have already launched the feature or announced plans to do so. Your state's DMV website will have the most current information about whether digital ID is available in your state and when it might launch if it is not yet active.

If your state is not yet on the list, you can still use your physical driver's license and ID card as you normally would. There is no penalty for waiting, and your physical card remains valid regardless of whether you add it to Wallet.

Device Requirements and iOS Version

To add your driver's license to Apple Wallet, you need an iPhone 13 or later running iOS 16 or later. If you have an older iPhone model, you will not see the option to add an ID to Wallet, even if your state supports the feature. Check your device model by going to Settings > General > About and looking at the model name.

For Apple Watch, the feature is available on Series 8 and newer with watchOS 9 or later, though not all states support Watch storage yet. Your watch must be paired with a compatible iPhone. If you are unsure whether your device qualifies, Apple's support page lists all compatible models.

Step-by-Step Setup Process

Open Apple Wallet on your iPhone and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the menu. You will be prompted to scan the front of your ID first — hold your phone steady about six inches from the card and let the camera focus. The app will guide you through scanning the back side next.

After scanning both sides, you will need to verify your identity. This usually involves taking a selfie and answering security questions about your ID information. Apple uses this verification to confirm you are the cardholder and to prevent fraud. The verification process typically takes a few minutes.

Once verification is complete, your digital ID appears in Wallet. You can view it by opening Wallet and tapping the ID card. To present it to someone, hold your phone up and let them view the screen — you do not need to hand over your device or unlock it.

How to Use Your Digital ID

When you need to show your ID, open Apple Wallet and select your driver's license or state ID. The card displays on your screen in a format that looks similar to your physical card. At airports, TSA agents can scan the barcode or QR code on your digital ID just as they would scan a physical card. At other locations, you straightforward show the screen to the person requesting your ID.

Your phone does not need to be unlocked to display your ID in Wallet, but some states require you to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID before the full ID details appear. This is a security measure to prevent someone else from viewing your information if they pick up your phone. You will see a prompt on the screen if authentication is required.

You can store your digital ID on your Apple Watch as well, if your state supports it. To add it to your watch, open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to Wallet and Apple Pay, and select your ID. The ID then syncs to your watch and appears in Wallet there.

Keeping Your Physical ID and Deleting Your Digital Copy

Adding your driver's license to Apple Wallet does not replace your physical card. You should continue to carry your physical ID with you, especially when traveling by air or crossing state lines. Some locations may not yet accept digital IDs, and having your physical card ensures you can always prove your identity.

If you want to remove your digital ID from Wallet, open Wallet, tap and hold the ID card, and select "Remove." The card is deleted from your phone when ready. You can add it back later by following the setup process again. Deleting your digital ID does not affect your physical card or your state's records.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you cannot find the option to add an ID to Wallet, your state may not yet support the feature, or your device may not meet the requirements. Check that you have an iPhone 13 or newer and iOS 16 or later. If your device qualifies and your state supports digital ID, restart your phone and try again.

If the camera will not scan your ID clearly, make sure you are in good lighting and holding your phone steady. The app needs to read both the front and back of your card clearly to complete the scan. If one side keeps failing, try moving to a brighter location or cleaning your phone's camera lens.

If verification fails after you scan your ID, double-check that the information you entered matches your physical card exactly. If you continue to have trouble, contact Apple Support through the Wallet app or visit an Apple Store. Your state's DMV may also have troubleshooting resources on their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital ID instead of my physical driver's license?

You can present your digital ID in many situations, but you should still carry your physical card. Not all locations accept digital IDs yet, and some states may require your physical card in certain circumstances. Having both ensures you can always prove your identity.

Is my digital ID find if my phone is stolen?

Your digital ID is encrypted and stored only on your phone. If your phone is stolen, the thief cannot access your ID without unlocking your phone. You can remotely erase your phone using Find My iPhone, which will delete your digital ID along with everything else on the device.

What happens if my state adds digital ID support after I already have the feature?

If you already added your ID when your state first launched the feature, no action is needed. Your digital ID will continue to work. If you have not yet added it, you can follow the setup process at any time.

Can I add multiple IDs to Apple Wallet?

You can add your driver's license and a state ID card if you have both. You can also add IDs for multiple states if you hold licenses in more than one state. Each ID appears as a separate card in Wallet.

Do I need an internet connection to show my digital ID?

No. Your digital ID is stored on your phone, so you can display it even if you do not have cellular service or Wi-Fi. This makes it useful in locations where your phone might not have a signal.