How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

What happens when you add your driver's license to Apple Wallet

When you add your driver's license to Apple Wallet on your iPhone or iPad, you store a digital copy that you can show to police officers, TSA agents at airport security, or other officials who ask for ID. You don't need to carry the physical card with you — you can pull it up on your phone instead. Apple keeps the image encrypted on your device, and you control who sees it and when.

The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and requires your state-issued driver's license, your iPhone or iPad, and a camera. Not every state offers this feature yet. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add support over time.

Key Takeaways

You can only add a digital driver's license if your state currently supports the feature in Apple Wallet.
The process requires you to photograph your physical license and take a selfie so Apple can verify it's really you.
You'll need to unlock your phone or use Face ID or Touch ID each time you show your digital ID to an official.
Your digital license lives only on your device — it doesn't sync to iCloud or appear on other Apple devices.

Check whether your state supports digital driver's licenses

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. Scroll down and look for "Driver's License or State ID." If you see this option, your state supports digital IDs. If you don't see it, your state hasn't launched the feature yet.

You can also check Apple's official support page for the most current list of states. The list changes as more states add support, so if your state isn't listed today, check back in a few months.

Steps to add your driver's license

Start in the Wallet app and tap the plus sign in the upper right. Select "Driver's License or State ID." Choose your state from the list. Tap "Continue."

Read the information about how Apple and your state will handle your data. Tap "Continue" again. You'll be asked to photograph the front of your physical driver's license. Position it in the frame on your screen and tap the camera button. Do the same for the back of your license.

Next, you'll take a selfie. Follow the on-screen instructions — you may be asked to move your head or blink to confirm you're a real person. Once Apple processes your photos, you'll receive a notification that your license has been added to Wallet. The whole process usually takes a few minutes, though approval can take up to 24 hours in some cases.

How to show your digital driver's license

When an official asks for your ID, open Wallet and tap your driver's license. Your phone will ask you to unlock it using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. Once you do, your license appears on the screen. Hand your phone to the officer or agent so they can see it.

The official can tap your license to see additional details if needed. Your phone stays in your control the entire time — the other person cannot swipe through your Wallet or access anything else on your device. When they hand your phone back, the license disappears from the screen after a few seconds.

What information appears on your digital license

Your digital driver's license shows the same information as your physical card: your name, date of birth, address, license number, and expiration date. It also includes your photo and signature. Some states may display additional details like restrictions or endorsements.

You can view all the information on your digital license by opening Wallet, tapping your license, and scrolling through the details. If any information is wrong, you'll need to contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to correct it on your physical license first — the digital version will update automatically once the state's records change.

Security and privacy with Apple Wallet IDs

Apple encrypts your driver's license data on your device and does not store a copy on its servers. Your state's DMV receives only the information needed to verify your identity when you first add the license. After that, your state doesn't track when or where you show your digital ID.

Because you must unlock your phone each time you display your license, someone who steals your phone cannot use your digital ID without your Face ID, fingerprint, or passcode. If you lose your phone, you can use Find My iPhone to erase it remotely, which will delete your digital license along with everything else on the device.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you see an error message during the photo step, make sure you're in good lighting and that your license is fully visible in the frame. Blurry photos or glare on the card often cause the process to fail. Try again in a different location with better light.

If your state isn't showing up in Wallet, confirm that you're running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Go to Settings, tap General, then Software Update. If your state still doesn't appear after updating, your state may not yet support digital driver's licenses.

If you've already added your license but it's no longer showing in Wallet, it may have expired. Check the expiration date on your digital license. You'll need to renew your physical license with your state's DMV, and then you can add the new one to Wallet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital driver's license instead of my physical one?

Not everywhere yet. TSA accepts digital IDs at airport security in participating states, and some police officers will accept them during traffic stops. However, you should still carry your physical license because not all officials are trained to accept digital versions, and some situations may require the physical card.

What happens if my phone dies while I'm driving?

You should carry your physical driver's license with you. A digital license is convenient, but it's not a replacement for the physical card. If your phone battery dies, you won't be able to show your digital ID, so having the physical one in your wallet protects you.

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet on my iPad?

Yes, you can add your driver's license to an iPad, but you can only show it to officials using that iPad. The license doesn't sync between your iPhone and iPad, so if you want to carry your digital ID on your phone, you'll need to add it there separately.

What if I renew my driver's license?

Once you receive your new physical license from your state's DMV, you can add it to Apple Wallet using the same process. Your old digital license will remain in Wallet until you remove it manually. Delete the expired license and add the new one.

Is my digital license valid if my phone is in airplane mode?

Yes. Your digital license is stored on your device, so it works whether your phone is in airplane mode, has no cell service, or is in low-power mode. You only need your phone to be unlocked and the Wallet app to be accessible.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.