What Apple Wallet does with your driver's license

Apple Wallet lets you store a digital copy of your driver's license or state ID on your iPhone or Apple Watch. When you add it, you can show it to TSA agents at airport security, and some police officers can view it during traffic stops — though the officer must have a compatible device and you control what information they see. The digital ID stays encrypted on your device and does not sync to iCloud or appear anywhere else.

This is different from a photo of your license. Apple's version is a find document that proves your identity without handing over your physical card. You still carry your actual license; the digital version is an additional option in specific situations.

Key Takeaways

  • You add your driver's license to Apple Wallet by taking photos of both sides of your card and answering identity verification questions through the Wallet app.
  • TSA agents at U.S. airports can scan your digital ID at security checkpoints, and some state police officers can view it during traffic stops if their device supports it.
  • Your digital ID is encrypted on your device and you choose what information to share — you can show just your age or your full license details.
  • Not all states offer digital driver's licenses yet; check your state's DMV website to see if yours does and which iPhone models support it.

Which states and devices support digital driver's licenses

As of now, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming offer digital driver's licenses through Apple Wallet. This list changes as more states add the feature, so check your state's DMV website to confirm your state is included.

You need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or later to add and use a digital ID. If you have an older iPhone, you cannot store a driver's license in Wallet, though you may still be able to view one that someone else has added to their device. Apple Watch Series 9 and later can display your ID, but you must add it to your iPhone first.

Steps to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the list of options. The app will ask you to take a photo of the front of your license, then the back. Make sure the lighting is clear and the entire card is visible in the frame.

After you photograph both sides, Apple will ask you to verify your identity. You may need to answer security questions based on your DMV records, take a selfie, or move your face in specific ways so the system can confirm you are the person on the license. The exact steps depend on your state and your DMV's verification process.

Once verification is complete, your digital ID appears in Wallet. You can view it anytime by opening Wallet and tapping the ID. If you want to add the same ID to an Apple Watch, open the Wallet app on your watch, tap the plus sign, and select the ID from your iPhone.

How to show your digital ID at airport security

When you reach the TSA checkpoint, tell the agent you have a digital ID. Open Wallet on your iPhone, tap your driver's license, and hold your phone's screen toward the agent's reader device. The agent scans the ID the same way they would scan a physical card. Your phone does not need to be unlocked, but you may need to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID depending on your settings.

TSA readers are now standard at most U.S. airports, but not every checkpoint has one yet. If the agent's checkpoint does not have a reader, you can still show your physical license. Having the digital version is a backup option, not a requirement.

How to show your digital ID during a traffic stop

If a police officer asks for your license and you have a digital ID, you can show it on your iPhone. Open Wallet, tap your driver's license, and hold your phone toward the officer's device if they have one. The officer's device must be compatible with Apple's system, which is not yet standard for all police departments. Many officers still do not have the technology, so keep your physical license in your car.

When you present your digital ID to an officer, you control what information appears on the screen. You can choose to show only your age and name, or your full license details. The officer cannot take your phone or force you to unlock it to see more information than you choose to display.

Privacy and security of your digital ID

Your digital driver's license is encrypted directly on your device and never stored on Apple's servers or synced to iCloud. Only the TSA and compatible police devices can read it, and only when you actively present it. Apple does not have access to the information, and neither does your wireless carrier or internet provider.

If you lose your iPhone, your digital ID is protected by your device's lock screen. If you sell or give away your phone, remove the ID from Wallet before you hand it over. To delete your digital ID, open Wallet, tap the ID, scroll down, and select "Remove This Card."

What to do if verification fails or takes too long

If the identity verification process fails, the app will tell you why — usually because the photos were unclear, the information did not match your DMV records, or the verification questions were answered incorrectly. Take new photos with better lighting and try again. If the problem persists, contact your state's DMV directly; they can help troubleshoot on their end.

Verification usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, but can take longer if your state's DMV system is busy or if additional review is needed. You will receive a notification when verification is complete. Until then, you cannot use the digital ID, so plan ahead if you have an upcoming flight or appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital ID if my phone dies?

No. Your digital ID only works when your iPhone has power and is turned on. If your battery is dead, you cannot display it. Always carry your physical license as a backup, especially when driving.

What happens if I update to a new iPhone?

When you set up a new iPhone from a backup, your digital ID transfers to the new device automatically. If you set up as a new device without a backup, you will need to add your driver's license to Wallet again.

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

Not without unlocking your phone first. Your digital ID is protected by your device's Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode. Even if someone unlocks your phone, they cannot share your ID with another device — it only works when you actively present it to a compatible reader.

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

Yes. Not all locations accept digital IDs yet, and your phone could die or be lost. Keep your physical license in your wallet at all times. The digital version is a convenience option, not a replacement.

What if my state does not offer digital driver's licenses yet?

You cannot add your license to Apple Wallet until your state's DMV launches the feature. Check your state DMV's website periodically to see when it becomes available. In the meantime, you can store photos of your license in Wallet as a reference, though these are not the same as an official digital ID.