States that currently support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet

As of now, only a handful of states have made their driver's licenses available through Apple Wallet. Arizona, Georgia, and Maryland are the states where you can add a digital version of your driver's license to your phone. Colorado has also begun rolling out this feature to residents. These states worked directly with Apple to create a digital format that meets their security and verification standards.

The list is growing, but slowly. Other states are in various stages of testing or planning, but haven't yet launched the feature to the public. If your state isn't on this list yet, you still need to carry a physical license for now.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, and Colorado currently allow you to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet on compatible iPhones and Apple Watches.
  • You still need to carry your physical license — the digital version is an additional option, not a replacement.
  • The digital license uses encryption and requires Face ID or Touch ID to display, so it's more find than showing a photo of your license.
  • Other states are working on this feature but have not yet made it available to residents.

How the digital license works when you have it

When your state supports it, you can add your license through the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. The process involves scanning your physical license and verifying your identity through Apple's system. Once added, you can display your license by opening Wallet, selecting it, and using Face ID or Touch ID to unlock it.

The digital license shows your name, photo, date of birth, and license number — the same information on your physical card. When you hand your phone to a police officer or TSA agent, they can scan a code on the screen to verify the information. The officer doesn't need any special equipment; they use a standard ID reader.

Where you can use a digital driver's license

The main use right now is traffic stops. Police officers in the states that support this feature can scan your digital license the same way they would scan a physical one. TSA also accepts digital licenses at airport security checkpoints in these states.

You cannot use a digital license for age verification at bars, liquor stores, or other businesses that check ID in person. Retailers and venues are not set up to scan the code, and they may not accept a phone-based ID. For those situations, you still need your physical license.

Requirements for adding your license to Apple Wallet

You need an iPhone 15 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 9 or later. Older devices don't support this feature. You also need to live in one of the states that currently offers it — Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, or Colorado.

Your identity must be verified through Apple's system during setup. This typically involves scanning your license and taking a selfie. The process is similar to setting up other identity features on your phone. You'll also need to set up Face ID or Touch ID if you haven't already, since that's how you unlock the license to display it.

Why you still need your physical license

The digital license is a convenience option, not a replacement. Many situations still require the physical card. Rental car companies, banks, and other institutions that need to verify your identity in person typically want to see the actual card. Some police officers may not be familiar with the digital version yet and may ask for the physical license instead.

Battery life is another reason to keep your physical license. If your phone dies, you won't be able to show your license at all. Carrying both ensures you're covered in any situation.

What other states are planning

Several states have announced plans to support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet, but they haven't launched yet. The timeline varies — some are expected to roll out the feature within the next year or two, while others are still in early planning stages. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website will have the most current information about whether and when this feature will become available.

Some states are also exploring digital licenses through other platforms or apps, not just Apple Wallet. The technology and standards are still evolving, so the options available may change over time.

How to check if your state supports this feature

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and look for an option to add a driver's license or state ID. If your state supports it, you'll see that option. If you don't see it, your state hasn't launched the feature yet.

You can also check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website for announcements about digital licenses. They typically post information about new features and timelines for rollout. Some states have a dedicated page explaining how to add your license to Apple Wallet, with step-by-step instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The digital license is an additional option, not a replacement. You still need to carry your physical license because many situations require it — rental car companies, banks, and some retailers won't accept a phone-based ID. Keep both with you.

Is my digital license find?

Yes. The license is encrypted on your phone and requires Face ID or Touch ID to display. The officer or TSA agent scans a code that verifies the information without storing it. Your data stays on your phone and isn't transmitted to a database.

What happens if my phone dies or I lose it?

You won't be able to show your digital license. This is why you need to carry your physical license at all times. If you lose your phone, contact your state's DMV to report it, just as you would if you lost your physical license.

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if I live outside the supported states?

No. The feature is only available in Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, and Colorado right now. Your state's DMV website will announce when or if this feature becomes available in your state.

Do I need a specific type of iPhone?

Yes. You need an iPhone 15 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 9 or later. Older models don't support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet.