Where you can use Apple Wallet for your driver license right now

As of early 2024, you can add your driver license or state ID to Apple Wallet in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah. More states are testing the feature or have announced plans to roll it out. The list changes regularly, so the best way to check if your state is included is to open Wallet on an iPhone or iPad running the current version of iOS or iPadOS and look for the option to add an ID.

When your state does offer the feature, you don't need to do anything special to become may be able to access — you straightforward add your existing driver license to Wallet through the app. The process takes a few minutes and uses your phone's camera to scan your license and verify your identity. Once added, you can show your digital ID to police during traffic stops, at airport security, and at some other locations that accept it.

Key Takeaways

  • Fifteen states currently support adding your driver license to Apple Wallet, with more expected to follow in 2024 and 2025.
  • You add your real driver license to Wallet through the app itself — there is no separate process or form to fill out.
  • Your state's DMV or transportation department controls whether and when the feature becomes available, not Apple.
  • A digital ID in Wallet works at airport security and during police traffic stops in participating states, but not everywhere a physical license works yet.
  • You keep your physical driver license even after adding it to Wallet — the digital version is an additional option, not a replacement.

How to add your driver license to Apple Wallet

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the menu. Your phone will ask you to position your license in front of the camera so it can scan the front and back. The app reads the information on your license and uses your phone's Face ID or Touch ID to confirm your identity — this is a security step to make sure you're the person whose license you're adding.

After verification, your license appears in Wallet alongside any credit cards or passes you already have there. You can view it anytime by opening Wallet and tapping the ID. When you need to show it — at an airport or during a traffic stop — you present your phone the same way you would hand over a physical card. The person checking your ID can tap their device to your phone to read the information, or you can straightforward let them look at the screen.

The entire process usually takes fewer than five minutes. If your state doesn't yet support the feature, the option to add an ID won't appear in Wallet, and you'll need to continue using your physical license.

States that have announced plans but aren't live yet

Several states have publicly committed to supporting Apple Wallet driver licenses but have not yet launched the feature. California, Florida, New York, Texas, and Virginia have all announced they are working on it. The timeline varies — some states may launch within months, while others may take longer depending on how quickly they can update their systems and coordinate with Apple.

Your state's DMV website is the most reliable source for when the feature will arrive. Many DMVs post updates about digital ID rollouts on their homepage or in a news section. You can also contact your state's DMV directly by phone or through their website if you want to know the current status.

What you still need your physical license for

Even after you add your driver license to Apple Wallet, you should carry your physical license with you. Not all locations accept digital IDs yet, and some situations still require the physical card. Rental car companies, for example, typically want to see and scan a physical license. Banks and other financial institutions may also require the original document for certain transactions.

Police officers in states that support digital IDs can check your license through Wallet during a traffic stop, but officers in states without the feature cannot. If you travel between states, you may encounter situations where only a physical license is accepted. Keeping both versions available protects you if your phone dies, gets lost, or malfunctions.

How your digital license stays find

Your digital driver license in Wallet is encrypted and stored securely on your phone. When someone scans your ID with their device, they only receive the information you choose to share — you have control over what data is transmitted. This is different from handing over a physical license, where someone can see everything printed on it.

If your phone is lost or stolen, you can use Find My iPhone to remotely erase your Wallet, including your digital ID. You can also remove the ID from Wallet at any time by opening the app, pressing and holding the ID, and selecting delete. Your physical license remains valid and unaffected by anything that happens to your digital version.

Which locations accept Apple Wallet driver licenses

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints at airports in participating states accept digital IDs from Apple Wallet. You can use your digital license to go through security screening just as you would with a physical ID. Some state police departments also accept digital IDs during traffic stops, though acceptance varies by officer and jurisdiction.

Retail locations, bars, and other businesses that check ID for age verification do not yet widely accept digital licenses. Most still require a physical card. As the feature expands and more businesses update their systems, acceptance will likely grow, but for now the primary use cases are airport security and law enforcement.

What happens if your state isn't on the list yet

If your state hasn't launched Apple Wallet driver licenses, you have no action to take right now. Your physical driver license works exactly as it always has. You can check your state's DMV website periodically to see if the feature has been added, or sign up for email updates if your DMV offers them.

Some states may never support Apple Wallet — they might instead use Google Wallet, a different digital ID system, or stick with physical licenses only. The decision belongs to each state's transportation department. If you want your state to support digital IDs, contacting your state representative or DMV to express interest can help signal demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use Apple Wallet if my state supports it?

No. Adding your license to Wallet is completely optional. You can continue using your physical license for everything. The digital version is an extra option for convenience, not a requirement.

Can I use my digital license on an Android phone?

Not through Apple Wallet — that feature is only for iPhones and iPads. Google is developing a similar feature for Android devices, but it is not yet widely available. Check with your state's DMV to see if they support Google Wallet digital IDs.

What if I don't have Face ID or Touch ID on my device?

You need a device with Face ID or Touch ID to add a license to Wallet, because Apple uses these features to verify your identity during setup. Older iPhones and iPads without these features cannot store digital IDs.

Can I add my license to Wallet if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. Your license status in your state's system determines whether you can add it to Wallet. If your license is suspended or revoked, the app will not allow you to complete the process. You would need to resolve the suspension or revocation with your DMV first.

If I move to a different state, do I need to add a new license to Wallet?

Yes. Your digital license is tied to the state that issued it. When you get a new license from your new state, you can add that license to Wallet if the state supports the feature. Your old digital ID will no longer be valid once your previous license expires or is replaced.