Adding your driver's license to Apple Wallet in three steps

You can store your driver's license in Apple Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch, which lets you show it without handing over your physical card. The process takes about five minutes and works only if your state has made digital IDs available through Apple — not all states have yet. You open the Wallet app, tap the plus sign, choose "Driver's License or State ID", follow the prompts to photograph your license and take a selfie, and Apple sends your information to your state's motor vehicle department for verification.

Once your state approves the digital version, you can display it on your phone's lock screen or within the Wallet app itself. You control what information shows — you can hide your address or date of birth if you choose. The digital license is encrypted and stored only on your device; Apple does not see your license details.

Key Takeaways

  • Only certain states currently support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet, so check your state's motor vehicle website first to see if yours is one of them.
  • The setup process requires you to photograph your physical license and take a selfie, then wait for your state to verify and approve the digital version.
  • You can choose which information appears on your digital license — you are not required to show your address or full date of birth.
  • Your digital license works at TSA checkpoints in airports and with some police officers, though not everywhere yet.
  • You need an iPhone 15 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 9 or later, to store a digital ID in Wallet.

Which states currently offer digital licenses in Apple Wallet

As of now, only a handful of states have launched digital driver's licenses through Apple Wallet. The states that have made them available include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. This list continues to grow, but the timeline varies by state.

To find out whether your state supports digital IDs, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and search for "digital driver's license" or "Apple Wallet". The DMV page will tell you whether the feature is available now, coming soon, or not yet planned. Some states may require you to renew your license before you can add it to Wallet, while others let you digitize an existing license when ready.

What you need before you start

You must have an iPhone 15 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 9 or later, to add a driver's license to Wallet. You also need your physical driver's license or state ID card in hand — the app will ask you to photograph both the front and back. Your phone's camera must work, and you will need good lighting to take a clear selfie as part of the verification process.

Make sure you are signed into your Apple ID on the device where you want to store the license. If you use Face ID or Touch ID on your phone, that same security will protect your digital license — you will need to unlock your phone or use your fingerprint or face to display it.

The step-by-step process to add your license

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the menu. The app will ask you to photograph the front of your license, then the back. Hold your phone steady, make sure the entire card is visible and well-lit, and tap the shutter button when the image is clear.

Next, the app will ask you to take a selfie. Position your face in the center of the frame and follow any on-screen instructions — you may be asked to blink or move your head slightly so Apple can verify you are the person on the license. Once you have taken the selfie, review both photos and tap "Continue".

The app will then send your information to your state's motor vehicle department for verification. This step is required by law — Apple does not approve or deny your request; your state does. Verification usually takes a few days to a week, though some states may take longer. You will receive a notification when your state has approved the digital license, and it will then appear in your Wallet.

What happens after your state approves your license

Once your state approves your digital license, it appears in your Wallet app with an "Identity Verified" badge. You can display it by opening Wallet, tapping your license, and then authenticating with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. On newer iPhones, you can also add your license to the lock screen so it appears without unlocking your phone — useful at airport security or police stops.

You have control over what information shows on your digital license. You can choose to hide your address, date of birth, or other details before you present it. This is one advantage of a digital ID: you can share only what is necessary for the transaction. Your state can update your license information remotely if your address changes or if you renew, so you do not have to repeat the process.

Where you can use your digital driver's license

The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) accepts digital driver's licenses at airport security checkpoints in all 50 states. You can hold your phone or Apple Watch up to the TSA agent's scanner, and they can read it the same way they read a physical card. Some police officers also accept digital licenses during traffic stops, though adoption varies by department and state — not every officer may be equipped to read them yet.

Some businesses, bars, and retailers are beginning to accept digital IDs for age verification, but this is still uncommon. Your physical license remains the safest backup for situations where digital is not yet accepted. Keep your physical card with you until digital IDs become more widely recognized in your daily life.

Troubleshooting common problems

If your state rejects your digital license process, the Wallet app will tell you why — usually because the photos were unclear, your face did not match the license photo, or there was a mismatch in your personal information. You can try again by deleting the failed attempt and starting over. Make sure your photos are well-lit, your entire license is visible in the frame, and your face is clearly visible in the selfie.

If your digital license does not appear in Wallet after your state approves it, try closing and reopening the Wallet app, or restart your phone. If the problem persists, contact your state's motor vehicle department — they can confirm whether approval was sent to Apple and troubleshoot on their end.

If you lose your phone or upgrade to a new one, your digital license is tied to your Apple ID. Sign into your Apple ID on your new device, and your license should reappear in Wallet. If it does not, you may need to contact your state's DMV to re-authorize the license on your new device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my digital license and add it again later?

Yes. You can remove your digital license from Wallet at any time by opening Wallet, tapping your license, scrolling down, and selecting "Remove". If you want to add it back, you can start the process again from the beginning. Your state will recognize you as a returning user and the approval may be faster the second time.

What if my state is not on the list yet?

Check your state's DMV website periodically — more states are rolling out digital licenses regularly. In the meantime, keep your physical license with you. You can also contact your state's DMV to ask when digital IDs will be available and whether you can sign up for notifications when the feature launches.

Is my digital license as find as my physical one?

Your digital license is encrypted and stored only on your device, which makes it harder to steal than a physical card you carry in your wallet. However, if someone gains access to your unlocked phone, they could potentially view it. Always lock your phone and use Face ID or Touch ID to protect your Wallet.

Can I use my digital license if my phone battery dies?

No. Your digital license requires your phone to be powered on and unlocked. If your battery is dead, you cannot display it. This is one reason to keep your physical license with you as a backup, especially for travel or situations where you cannot charge your phone.

Do I need to remove my physical license once I add it to Apple Wallet?

No. Keep your physical license. Digital licenses are not yet accepted everywhere, and you may encounter situations where only a physical card works. Carry both until digital IDs become standard in your area.