Adding 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, then present it at TSA checkpoints, rental car counters, and some retail locations without removing the physical card from your wallet. The process takes about five minutes and requires your device to be running iOS 15.1 or later (iPhone) or iPadOS 15.1 or later (iPad).

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner, then select "Driver's License or State ID." Choose your state from the list — not all states support digital IDs yet, so if yours does not appear, you will need to check your state's DMV website to see when support launches. Follow the on-screen prompts to photograph the front and back of your physical license, then take a selfie. Apple uses facial recognition to verify the images match.

After you submit your photos, Apple sends them to your state's DMV for verification. This can take a few days to a few weeks depending on your state. You will receive a notification when your digital ID is ready to use. Until then, you still need your physical license.

Key Takeaways

  • Your iPhone or iPad must run iOS 15.1 or later to store a digital driver's license, and your state must support the feature — not all states offer it yet.
  • You photograph both sides of your physical license and take a selfie, then Apple sends the images to your state's DMV for verification.
  • Verification typically takes several days to a few weeks, and you receive a notification when your digital ID is ready.
  • At TSA checkpoints and some retailers, you hold your phone or iPad near the reader without unlocking it or opening an app.
  • Your physical license remains the legal document; the digital version is a convenience copy that some businesses may not yet accept.

What happens when you present your digital ID

When you arrive at a TSA checkpoint or rental car counter that accepts digital IDs, tell the agent you have one in Apple Wallet. Hold your iPhone or iPad near the reader — you do not need to unlock your device or open the Wallet app. The reader scans the ID wirelessly. Your face is not displayed to the agent; they see only the information on the ID itself.

If the reader does not work or the agent is not familiar with digital IDs, you can still show your physical license. Many businesses are still rolling out the technology, so having both copies is important. Some states and retailers accept digital IDs more widely than others.

Which states and businesses currently support digital IDs

As of now, Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Mississippi, Ohio, and Utah support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet. Maryland, Colorado, and several others have announced plans to add support but have not launched yet. Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether your state is on the list and when it will be available.

TSA accepts digital IDs at most U.S. airports for domestic flights. Major rental car companies including Hertz, Avis, and Budget accept them at many locations, though not all branches have the technology yet. Some grocery stores and pharmacies are beginning to accept digital IDs for age verification, but acceptance is still limited. Always carry your physical license as a backup.

Keeping your digital ID find

Apple Wallet stores your digital ID on your device using the same security as your payment cards. The ID is encrypted and does not leave your phone when you present it — the reader only receives the information you choose to share. If you lose your phone, your digital ID is not accessible to anyone else without your face recognition or passcode.

If your phone is stolen or you suspect someone has accessed your digital ID, you can remove it from Wallet when ready. Open Wallet, tap your digital ID, tap the three dots in the upper right, and select "Remove." You will need to re-add it later if you want to use it again. Your physical license remains valid and unaffected.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the reader does not recognize your digital ID, make sure your iPhone or iPad is close enough — typically within a few inches. The device should not be in airplane mode or have Bluetooth turned off. If the reader still does not work, ask the agent to scan your physical license instead. Some older readers may not support digital IDs yet.

If your digital ID is stuck in "pending" status weeks after you submitted it, contact your state's DMV directly. Verification delays can happen if your photos are unclear, if there is a mismatch between your selfie and your license photo, or if the DMV is processing a high volume of requests. The DMV can tell you what went wrong and whether you need to resubmit.

Removing or replacing your digital ID

To remove your digital ID from Wallet, open the app, tap your ID, tap the three dots, and select "Remove." This does not affect your physical license. If you want to add it back later, follow the same process as the first time.

If you renew your physical license, you will need to add the new one to Wallet separately. Remove the old digital ID first, then add the new one using the updated card. Some states allow you to update your digital ID without removing it, but most require you to start over with new photos and verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Your physical license is the legal document. The digital version is a convenience for places that have the technology to read it. Many businesses and police officers may not accept digital IDs yet, so always carry your physical license as a backup.

Can I use my digital ID to vote or for other government purposes?

Digital IDs in Apple Wallet are currently limited to TSA checkpoints, rental car counters, and some retail locations. They are not accepted for voting, opening bank accounts, or other government transactions that require official ID. Check with the specific agency or business to confirm what they accept.

What if my state does not support digital IDs yet?

Check your state's DMV website for an announcement about when support will launch. In the meantime, you can only use your physical license. Some states have indicated they plan to add support within the next year or two, but timelines vary.

Is my digital ID safe if my phone is lost or stolen?

Your digital ID is encrypted and requires your face recognition or passcode to access. A thief cannot use it without unlocking your phone. You can remove it from Wallet when ready if your phone is lost. Your physical license is unaffected and remains valid.

Can I share my digital ID with someone else?

No. Your digital ID is tied to your device and your biometric data. It cannot be transferred to another phone or shared with another person. Each person must add their own ID to their own device.