What Apple's Driver's License Feature Does
Apple Wallet lets you store a digital copy of your driver's license or state ID on your iPhone or Apple Watch. When you add your license to Wallet, you can show it to TSA agents at airport security, rental car companies, and some police officers without handing over your physical card. The digital version uses encrypted storage and requires Face ID or Touch ID to display — your license information does not appear on your lock screen or in notifications.
This is not a replacement for your physical license. You still need the card itself for most everyday situations. The digital version works only in specific contexts: TSA PreCheck lanes at participating airports, some car rental counters, and a growing number of police traffic stops in states that have approved the feature. Apple controls which states can offer this, and availability expands gradually.
The feature launched in beta in 2021 and has since rolled out to a limited number of states. Not all states participate, and even in states where it is available, not all businesses or agencies accept it yet.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Wallet stores an encrypted digital copy of your driver's license that requires Face ID or Touch ID to view, and it works only at TSA checkpoints and select car rental and police interactions in approved states.
- Your state must have partnered with Apple to offer this feature — it is not available in all 50 states, and the list changes as more states join the program.
- You add your license by opening Wallet, tapping the plus icon, selecting ID, and following the prompts to photograph your license and take a selfie for verification.
- The digital license does not replace your physical card; you must carry both because most businesses and all routine ID checks still require the physical document.
- Apple stores your license data on your device only, encrypted and separate from your Apple ID, and does not share it with third parties without your consent.
Which States Currently Offer Apple Wallet Driver's License
As of early 2024, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Utah have launched or are launching the feature. Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington have announced plans to add it. The list continues to grow, but the rollout is gradual and controlled by Apple and each state's Department of Motor Vehicles.
Before you attempt to add your license, check Apple's official list on their website or in the Wallet app itself — the app will tell you whether your state is supported. If your state is not listed, the feature is not yet available to you, and there is no way to use it until your state completes its agreement with Apple.
Even in states where the feature is available, not all TSA checkpoints, rental car companies, or police departments accept it yet. Acceptance is rolling out in phases, so a feature may be available in your state but not yet at your local airport or with your local police department.
How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet
You need an iPhone 13 or newer, or an Apple Watch Series 8 or newer. You also need to be in a state where the feature is available. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires your physical license and a clear photo of your face.
Step 1: Open Wallet and start the process. Tap the plus icon in the upper right corner of the Wallet app. Select "ID" from the list of options. Choose "Driver's License or State ID."
Step 2: Photograph your license. Follow the on-screen prompts to take a photo of the front and back of your physical license. The camera will guide you to position the card correctly. Make sure the image is clear and all text is readable.
Step 3: Take a selfie for verification. Apple requires a selfie to verify your identity. Follow the prompts to photograph your face. You may be asked to blink or move your head slightly so the system can confirm you are the person on the license.
Step 4: Review and submit. Check that all the information captured from your license is correct. If anything is wrong, you can retake photos. Once you confirm, Apple sends the data to your state's DMV for verification. This step happens in the background and usually takes a few minutes, though it can take longer during high-volume periods.
Step 5: Wait for approval. Your state's DMV verifies the information and approves the digital license. You will receive a notification when it is ready to use. Until then, the license appears in Wallet but shows a "pending" status.
What Happens When You Show Your Digital License
At a TSA checkpoint, you can unlock your phone, open Wallet, and tap your digital license. The agent scans a code on the screen or reads the information displayed. You do not hand over your phone — the agent views the screen while you hold it. The transaction is encrypted and does not store any data on the TSA's end beyond what a physical license scan would capture.
At a car rental counter, the process is similar. You show the digital license on your phone, and the agent may scan it or photograph it with their own device. Some rental companies still require a physical license as a backup, so bring both.
For police traffic stops, the feature is newer and acceptance varies widely. Some police departments have been trained to accept digital licenses; others have not. If an officer does not accept it, show your physical license. There is no penalty for offering the digital version first.
Security and Privacy: How Apple Protects Your License Data
Your license information is stored on your device only, not on Apple's servers or in iCloud. The data is encrypted using the same security as your payment cards in Wallet. To view your license, you must unlock your phone with Face ID or Touch ID — someone who steals your phone cannot see your license without your biometric authentication.
Apple does not share your license data with third parties. When you show your license to TSA or a rental car agent, that transaction is between you and that organization. Apple has no record of where you showed your license or to whom. Your state's DMV has access only to verify the license during the initial setup; after that, the DMV does not monitor or track your usage.
If you lose your phone or it is stolen, your license is protected by your device's security. You can remove the license from Wallet when ready through your device settings, or remotely through iCloud.com if you cannot access your phone. Once removed, the digital license no longer works.
Common Mistakes and What to Avoid
Assuming it works everywhere. The most common mistake is trying to use your digital license at a business or agency that does not accept it yet. Always ask first or have your physical license ready. Do not assume that because your state offers the feature, every TSA checkpoint or police officer will accept it.
Not carrying your physical license. You still need your physical card. The digital version is a convenience for specific situations, not a replacement. Carry both until you are certain where the digital version is accepted in your area.
Taking blurry photos during setup. If your license photo is unclear or your selfie does not match your license photo, the verification will fail and you will have to start over. Take your time with both photos and make sure the lighting is good.
Forgetting to check your state's status. Do not assume your state is supported. Check the Wallet app or Apple's website before you try to add your license. If your state is not listed, the feature is not available to you yet.
What to Do If Your Digital License Is Rejected or Stops Working
If the verification fails during setup, the most common cause is a mismatch between your selfie and your license photo. Retake both photos in good lighting and make sure your face is clearly visible and matches the angle and expression of your license photo as closely as possible.
If your license was approved but stops working, restart your phone first. If that does not fix it, check that your device is running the latest version of iOS or watchOS. Remove the license from Wallet and try adding it again. If the problem persists, contact your state's DMV or Apple Support — they can investigate whether there is an issue with the license record itself.
If a TSA agent or other official rejects your digital license, show your physical license instead. There is no record kept of rejections, and you can continue using the digital version at other locations that accept it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my digital license if my phone dies?
No. Your digital license works only on an unlocked, powered-on device. If your battery is dead, you cannot access it. Always carry your physical license as a backup for situations where your phone might not be available or charged.
What if I get a new phone?
Your digital license is tied to your device, not your Apple ID. When you set up a new phone, you will need to add your license again using the same process. The old license on your previous phone will no longer work once you remove it from that device.
Can someone else use my digital license if they have my phone?
No. They would need to unlock your phone with Face ID or Touch ID, which requires your biometric data. Even if they unlock your phone for another reason, they cannot view your license without passing the biometric check again.
Does using my digital license affect my driving record or insurance?
No. Showing your digital license instead of your physical one does not change anything about your record, insurance, or how the transaction is processed. From the perspective of TSA, a rental car company, or a police officer, a digital license is treated the same as a physical one.
What happens if my state removes the feature?
If your state ends its partnership with Apple, your digital license will stop working and you will no longer be able to add new licenses. Any licenses already in your Wallet will remain but will be marked as invalid. Apple would notify you in advance if this happened.