You can add your driver's license or state ID to Apple Wallet once your state has launched the feature and your device meets Apple's requirements

Apple Wallet's digital ID feature is not available everywhere yet. Availability depends on two things: whether your state has partnered with Apple to offer it, and whether your iPhone or Apple Watch model supports it. As of now, only a handful of states have launched the feature, and more are expected to follow. You cannot add your ID to Wallet in states where the program has not yet launched, no matter what device you own.

The rollout has been gradual. Arizona and Georgia were the first states to offer digital driver's licenses through Apple Wallet in 2023. Since then, a small number of additional states have joined the program. Each state controls its own timeline and whether it chooses to participate at all. Some states have announced plans to launch the feature; others have not made any announcement.

Key Takeaways

  • Digital ID in Apple Wallet is only available in states that have partnered with Apple, and the list of participating states is still small and growing slowly.
  • Your iPhone must be iPhone 15 Pro or later, or your Apple Watch must be Series 9 or later, to store and display a digital ID.
  • You start the process through the Wallet app on your phone, not through your state's DMV website or a separate process.
  • Adding your ID to Wallet does not replace your physical license; you still carry the card itself for situations where digital ID is not yet accepted.
  • The feature requires you to verify your identity during setup, usually through facial recognition or a video call with Apple's verification system.

Which states currently offer digital ID in Apple Wallet

Arizona, Georgia, and Connecticut have launched the feature. Maryland, Mississippi, and Ohio have announced plans to launch in the coming months or year. The list continues to grow, but slowly. Apple and participating states have not published a firm timeline for nationwide rollout.

To find out whether your state has launched or announced plans, check your state's DMV website or search for "[your state] Apple Wallet driver's license." The DMV website is the most reliable source, since it will have official announcements and instructions specific to your state's program.

Device requirements for storing a digital ID

Your iPhone must be iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max to store and display a digital ID. Older iPhone models, including the standard iPhone 15, do not support the feature. If you own an iPhone 14 Pro or earlier, you cannot add your ID to Wallet even if your state offers the program.

You can also store a digital ID on an Apple Watch Series 9 or later. The watch must be paired with a compatible iPhone. If you add your ID to your watch, you can display it without taking out your phone, though the watch alone cannot store the ID without an iPhone.

How to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the plus sign to add a new item. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the menu. The app will guide you through the next steps, which vary slightly by state but generally follow the same pattern.

You will need to provide your driver's license number, state, and date of birth. Apple will then ask you to verify your identity, usually through Face ID or a video call with Apple's verification system. The video call, if required, is conducted by Apple's servers, not by a person. You will be asked to show your physical license and take a selfie so Apple can confirm the information matches.

After verification, your digital ID appears in Wallet. You can display it by opening Wallet, tapping your ID, and using Face ID or Touch ID to unlock it. Some merchants and TSA checkpoints that accept digital IDs will ask you to hold your phone or watch near their reader.

Where you can use a digital ID from Apple Wallet

Acceptance of digital IDs is still limited. TSA has confirmed it will accept digital driver's licenses at airport security checkpoints in states where the feature is available. Some retailers and businesses have begun accepting digital IDs, but this varies widely by location and business.

Your physical driver's license remains the standard form of ID in most situations. You should continue to carry your physical card. Digital ID through Apple Wallet is an additional option, not a replacement. Many police officers, businesses, and government offices do not yet accept digital IDs, so you will need the physical card for those interactions.

What happens if your state has not launched the feature yet

If your state has not partnered with Apple, you cannot add your ID to Wallet through Apple's system. Some states may eventually launch the feature; others may choose not to participate. There is no way to add your ID to Wallet if your state has not officially launched the program.

You can check your state's DMV website periodically to see if an announcement has been made. Some states have published timelines; others have not. If your state has announced plans but has not yet launched, the DMV website will usually provide a launch date or expected timeframe.

Keeping your digital ID find and up to date

Your digital ID in Apple Wallet is protected by Face ID or Touch ID. Someone cannot view your ID without unlocking it with your biometric data. If you lose your phone or it is stolen, you can use Find My iPhone to remotely erase it, which also removes your digital ID.

If your physical license expires or you renew it, you will need to update your digital ID in Wallet. The process is similar to the initial setup: open Wallet, select your ID, and follow the prompts to add the new information. You may need to verify your identity again during the renewal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital ID from Apple Wallet at a police stop?

Most police officers do not yet accept digital IDs, so you should carry your physical license. Some states may eventually train officers to accept digital IDs, but this varies by jurisdiction. Check your state's DMV website for guidance on what to do if an officer asks for your ID.

What if I don't have an iPhone 15 Pro?

You cannot add a digital ID to Wallet on older iPhone models. You can still use your physical driver's license. If you plan to upgrade your phone, check whether your state offers the feature before purchasing a device.

Do I need to delete my digital ID if I get a new physical license?

You should update your digital ID in Wallet when you renew your physical license. The old digital ID will no longer be valid once your physical license expires. Wallet will prompt you to update the information when the expiration date approaches.

Can I add my ID to Apple Wallet if I live in a state that hasn't launched the feature?

No. The feature only works in states that have partnered with Apple. You cannot add your ID to Wallet in states where the program is not available, regardless of your device or how you try to set it up.

What if my state announced the feature but hasn't launched it yet?

Check your state's DMV website for the expected launch date. Once your state launches, you will be able to add your ID through the Wallet app. You will receive a notification on your phone when the feature becomes available in your state.