What Adding Your License to iPhone Does

You can store a digital copy of your driver's license or state ID on your iPhone using the Wallet app. When you add it, you get a version that lives on your phone and can be shown to TSA agents at airport security checkpoints. The license stays encrypted on your device — Apple does not see it, and it does not replace your physical license.

This feature works only at TSA checkpoints in U.S. airports right now. You still need to carry your physical license for driving, police stops, age verification at stores, and any other situation. The digital version is an additional option, not a substitute.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add your driver's license or state ID to iPhone Wallet, but only if your state participates and your phone model supports it.
  • The digital license works only at TSA airport security checkpoints, not for driving or police stops.
  • You will need your physical license, a compatible iPhone, and your state ID information to set this up.
  • The process takes about 10 minutes and involves taking photos of your license and answering identity verification questions.

Which States and Phone Models Support Digital IDs

As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Texas allow digital driver's licenses or state IDs in iPhone Wallet. More states are expected to add support over time, but the list changes — check your state's DMV website to confirm whether your state is included.

Your iPhone must be an iPhone XS or newer to store a digital ID. If you have an iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, or any newer model, you are covered. Older phones cannot use this feature. You also need to be running iOS 15.1 or later.

How to Add Your License to Wallet

Step 1: Open the Wallet app on your iPhone. If you do not see it on your home screen, swipe left to find it or search for "Wallet" in Spotlight.

Step 2: Tap the plus sign in the upper right corner of the Wallet app. A menu will appear with options for what you can add.

Step 3: Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the menu. The app will ask you to choose your state.

Step 4: Take photos of your license when prompted. You will photograph the front and back of your physical license. Make sure the entire card is visible, well-lit, and in focus. The app will guide you through positioning.

Step 5: Answer identity verification questions that appear on screen. These questions confirm you are the person on the license. You may be asked about your address, date of birth, or other details from your ID.

Step 6: Wait for verification. The process usually completes within a few minutes, though it can take up to 24 hours. You will receive a notification when your digital ID is ready to use.

What Happens When You Show Your Digital License at the Airport

When you reach the TSA checkpoint, tell the agent you have a digital ID on your phone. Open Wallet, find your driver's license, and hold your phone up for the agent to scan or view. The agent may ask you to unlock your phone so they can see the full details. You do not need to hand over your phone — the agent views it while you hold it.

Your digital license works the same way as your physical one at TSA checkpoints. The agent will verify your identity and let you through. If the digital version fails to work for any reason, you can still show your physical license instead.

Keeping Your Digital License find

Your digital license is encrypted and stored only on your phone. If you lose your iPhone, the license is protected by your phone's lock screen — someone cannot access it without your passcode or Face ID. If your phone is stolen or lost, you can use Find My iPhone to remotely erase it, which removes the digital license along with everything else.

You do not need to do anything special to protect the digital license beyond protecting your phone itself. Do not share screenshots of your license with anyone, just as you would not photograph your physical license and email it around. If you want to remove the digital license from your phone, open Wallet, press and hold the license, and select "Remove".

What to Do If Your State Is Not Supported Yet

If your state does not yet offer digital driver's licenses in iPhone Wallet, you have no way to add one right now. Check your state's DMV website periodically to see if support has been added. You can also contact your state's DMV directly to ask when digital ID support might arrive.

In the meantime, you can use your physical license at TSA checkpoints and everywhere else. The digital version is optional — it exists to give you one more way to verify your identity, not to replace anything you already have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license for driving or police stops?

No. The digital license works only at TSA airport security checkpoints. For driving, traffic stops, or any other situation, you must show your physical license. Always carry your physical license with you.

What if I update my address or renew my license?

When you renew your physical license, you will need to add the new one to your phone separately. Open Wallet, add a new ID, and follow the same process. You can keep the old digital license in Wallet until you remove it, but TSA agents will expect to see your current license.

Can I add someone else's license to my phone?

No. You can only add your own driver's license or state ID. The identity verification questions may support the person adding the license is the person on the ID.

What happens if my phone dies at the airport?

If your battery is too low to unlock your phone, you cannot show your digital license. Always have your physical license with you as a backup. You can use the physical license at TSA checkpoints without any problem.

Is the digital license the same as a mobile ID from my state's DMV app?

No. The iPhone Wallet digital license is separate from any mobile ID your state's DMV app might offer. Some states have their own DMV apps with digital IDs, while others only support the iPhone Wallet version. Check your state's DMV website to see which options are available.