How to Add Your Driver's License or ID to Apple Wallet

You can add your driver's license or state ID to Apple Wallet on iPhone and Apple Watch, but only if your state offers the feature and your device meets Apple's requirements

Apple Wallet now holds more than just payment cards. In the United States, you can store your driver's license or state ID directly in the app, and present it to TSA agents at airport security or to police during traffic stops. Not every state participates yet — the feature rolled out gradually starting in 2021 — and your phone must run iOS 15.1 or later. The process itself takes about 10 minutes and involves taking photos of your ID and a selfie, then verifying your identity through your state's DMV system.

The key difference between adding a card and adding an ID is that Apple does not hold your full ID data. Instead, your state's DMV retains the information, and Apple's servers store only an encrypted reference to it. When you show your ID to an officer or TSA agent, they scan a code on your phone using their own reader — they do not see your full address, Social Security number, or other details you do not choose to share.

Key Takeaways

Your state must support digital ID in Apple Wallet; currently Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah offer it, with more expected to follow.
Your iPhone must run iOS 15.1 or later, and your Apple Watch must run watchOS 8.1 or later if you want to add the ID there as well.
The setup process requires you to photograph both sides of your physical ID and take a selfie, then complete identity verification through your state's DMV portal.
You can delete the digital ID from your phone at any time without affecting your physical license, and you can add it back later if needed.

Which states currently support digital ID in Apple Wallet

Apple Wallet's ID feature is not available nationwide. As of now, the following states allow residents to add their driver's license or state ID: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah. Apple has announced that more states are in development, but there is no official timeline for when they will launch.

To check whether your state supports the feature, open Apple Wallet on your iPhone, tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, and select "Driver's License or State ID." If your state does not appear in the list, the feature is not yet available there. You can still use your physical ID everywhere — the digital version is straightforward an additional option for certain situations.

Device requirements and iOS versions you need

Your iPhone must run iOS 15.1 or later to add an ID to Apple Wallet. If you have an older iPhone that cannot update to iOS 15.1, you will not be able to use this feature. To check your current iOS version, go to Settings, tap General, and select About. The version number appears at the top of the screen.

If you want to add the ID to an Apple Watch as well, your watch must run watchOS 8.1 or later. The ID syncs automatically between your iPhone and any paired Apple Watch, so you do not need to add it separately — once it is on your phone, you can choose to display it on your watch too. This is useful if you want to show your ID without pulling out your phone.

Step-by-step process for adding your ID

Start by opening Apple Wallet on your iPhone and tapping the plus sign in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID," then choose your state from the list. Apple will explain what information you are about to share and how it will be used. Read this carefully, then tap Continue.

Next, you will photograph the front and back of your physical ID. Make sure the entire card is visible in the frame, the lighting is clear, and there are no reflections or shadows. Apple's camera will guide you through this step. After you photograph both sides, you will take a selfie. Position your face in the center of the frame and follow any on-screen prompts about head position or lighting.

Once you have submitted your photos, Apple sends them to your state's DMV system for verification. You may be asked to complete additional identity checks through your state's portal — this might include answering security questions based on your DMV records or confirming recent transactions. The entire verification process usually takes a few minutes, though some states may take longer. Once approved, your ID appears in Apple Wallet and is ready to use.

How to present your digital ID to TSA or law enforcement

When you need to show your ID, open Apple Wallet and tap your driver's license or state ID. Your phone's screen will display the ID in a format designed for scanning. At airport security, TSA agents have readers that can scan the code on your screen. You do not need to unlock your phone or use Face ID — the ID is visible as soon as you open it.

If a police officer asks for your ID during a traffic stop or other interaction, you can show them the digital version on your phone. However, the officer's equipment must be compatible with Apple's digital ID format. Not all law enforcement agencies have updated their readers yet, so you may still need to provide your physical license as a backup. It is a good idea to keep your physical ID with you at all times until digital ID readers are more widely deployed.

Removing or re-adding your ID from Apple Wallet

If you want to remove your digital ID from your phone, open Apple Wallet, press and hold your ID card, and tap the trash icon. Removing it from your phone does not delete it from your state's DMV system — your physical license remains valid, and you can add the digital version back to your phone later if you change your mind.

To re-add it, follow the same process as the initial setup: open Wallet, tap the plus sign, select your state, and photograph your ID and take a selfie again. Since your state already has your information on file, the verification step is usually faster the second time. You can add and remove the digital ID as many times as you want without any penalty or impact on your actual license.

What happens to your data and privacy concerns

Your state's DMV retains your ID information on its own servers, not on Apple's. Apple stores only an encrypted reference that links your phone to your state's record. When someone scans your digital ID, they see only the information you would normally show on a physical license — they cannot access your full DMV file, Social Security number, or other sensitive data stored by your state.

You have control over what information is shared each time your ID is scanned. If you are concerned about privacy in a particular situation, you can decline to show your digital ID and use your physical license instead. Apple does not track when or where your ID is scanned, and your state's DMV does not receive notifications about individual scans either.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my state is not on the list yet?

You will need to use your physical driver's license or state ID for now. Apple has announced that more states are working on digital ID support, but there is no set timeline. Check back periodically in Apple Wallet by tapping the plus sign — your state will appear in the list once it launches the feature.

Can I add my ID if I have a learner's permit or commercial license?

Digital ID support currently covers standard driver's licenses and state ID cards. Learner's permits, commercial licenses, and other ID types are not yet supported. Your state's DMV information page will specify which documents are may be able to access.

What if my phone is lost or stolen?

Your digital ID is encrypted and requires Face ID or Touch ID to display. If your phone is lost, you can use Find My iPhone to remotely erase it, which removes the ID from that device. Your state's DMV record is unaffected, and you can add the ID to a new phone once you get one.

Do I still need to carry my physical license?

Yes. While digital ID is accepted at TSA checkpoints and by some law enforcement agencies, not all readers are compatible yet. Carrying your physical license ensures you can prove your identity anywhere, anytime, without relying on your phone's battery or network connection.

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

No. Each person must add their own ID to their own device. The verification process requires you to photograph yourself and complete identity checks tied to your own DMV record, so you cannot add a family member's or friend's ID to your phone.

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.