Apple Wallet now holds driver's licenses in some states, but not all

As of early 2024, you can store a digital driver's license or state ID in Apple Wallet in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah. The list continues to grow as more states complete the technical work to make this possible. Apple and each state work together to build the digital version, so the timeline varies by state.

The digital license works on iPhones and Apple Watches. When you're asked to show your ID at a store, airport, or traffic stop, you unlock your phone and hold it up to the officer's or clerk's reader device — you don't hand over your phone. The state's system verifies the information without storing it on Apple's servers.

Physical licenses remain valid in all states. A digital license in Apple Wallet is an additional option, not a replacement. You can keep your plastic card in your wallet as backup.

Key Takeaways

  • Fifteen states currently support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet, with more expected to add the feature over time.
  • Your phone stays in your hands during verification — the reader scans the digital license without you handing over your device.
  • You must request a digital license through your state's DMV or equivalent agency; it does not appear automatically.
  • Your physical driver's license remains valid and should be kept as a backup until digital licenses are accepted everywhere.
  • Not all businesses and law enforcement agencies accept digital licenses yet, even in states where they are available.

How to add your license to Apple Wallet

Start by opening the Wallet app on your iPhone. Tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, then select "Driver's License or State ID." Choose your state from the list. If your state appears, you'll be asked to verify your identity — usually by taking a photo of your license and a selfie, then answering security questions.

Apple sends your information to your state's DMV to confirm it matches their records. This verification step typically takes a few minutes, though it can take longer if the system is busy. Once approved, your digital license appears in Wallet and is ready to use.

If your state does not appear in the list when you try to add a license, your state has not yet launched the feature. You can check Apple's official support page for the most current list of participating states and expected launch dates for others.

Which states have launched digital licenses so far

Arizona was the first state to offer digital driver's licenses through Apple Wallet in September 2023. Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah have since launched the feature. Each state rolled out the option at different times throughout 2023 and 2024.

States not yet on this list are still working on the technical setup required to connect their DMV systems to Apple's Wallet platform. Some states have announced target dates for launch, while others have not yet provided timelines. Your state's DMV website will post an announcement when the feature becomes available.

What happens when you show your digital license

When a police officer, TSA agent, or store clerk asks for ID, you open Wallet, tap your digital license, and hold your phone near their reader device. The reader scans the information without your phone leaving your hands. You remain in control of what information is shared — the reader only receives the data needed for that specific transaction.

For age verification at a store, the reader confirms only that you are over 21 (or 18, depending on the item) without displaying your birth date or other personal details. For a traffic stop, the officer sees your name, license number, and expiration date. The system does not store a record of the transaction on Apple's servers or your phone's storage.

Not every business or law enforcement agency has purchased the reader equipment yet, even in states where digital licenses are available. If someone asks for ID and you only have it in Wallet, you can explain that your state supports digital licenses and offer to show it. If they cannot read it, your physical license remains the accepted form.

States that have not yet launched the feature

The remaining states are still in development or have not announced a launch date. This includes California, Texas, Florida, New York, and most others. The delay is not because of Apple — each state must update its DMV systems and security protocols to work with Apple's platform, which takes time and resources.

Some states have indicated they are working on the feature and may launch within the next year or two. Others have not made public statements about their plans. If you live in a state without digital license support, check your state's DMV website periodically for updates.

Why your physical license still matters

Even in states where digital licenses are available, you should continue carrying your physical driver's license. Not all businesses, police departments, or TSA checkpoints have the equipment to read digital licenses yet. Adoption is still in the early stages, and it will take time for readers to become standard.

Your physical license also works as backup if your phone dies, is lost, or malfunctions. Until digital licenses are accepted everywhere, keeping both forms of ID is the safest approach. There is no penalty for carrying both, and it ensures you can always prove your identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my physical license once I add it to Apple Wallet?

No. You should keep your physical license even after adding it to Wallet. Not all places accept digital licenses yet, and your phone could be lost, stolen, or out of battery. Your plastic card remains your primary form of ID until digital licenses are universally accepted.

Is my information safe when I show my digital license?

Yes. Your phone stays in your hands, and the reader only receives the specific information needed for that transaction. Apple does not store records of the transaction, and your state's DMV system verifies the license without sharing unnecessary personal details like your full address or birth date.

What if I move to a different state?

You will need to get a new driver's license from your new state's DMV. Once you receive your new physical license, you can add it to Apple Wallet if your new state supports the feature. You cannot transfer a digital license between states.

Can I use a digital license at the airport?

TSA has approved digital driver's licenses for airport security in participating states, but adoption is still rolling out. Some TSA checkpoints have the readers installed, while others do not. Bring your physical license to the airport until digital licenses are standard at your local airport.

What if my state is not on the list yet?

Check your state's DMV website for updates on when digital licenses will launch. You can also check Apple's Wallet support page for the most current list and expected timelines. In the meantime, your physical license works as it always has.