How to Store Your Driver's License in Apple Wallet

Yes, you can store your driver's license in Apple Wallet on supported iPhones and Apple Watches

Apple Wallet accepts digital driver's licenses and state IDs in the United States, but only if your state has launched a digital ID program and your phone meets Apple's requirements. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, and Washington have made digital licenses available through Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add support over time.

The process is straightforward: you open Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch, tap the plus button, select "Driver's License or State ID," and follow the state's verification steps. Apple does not store your license information on its servers. Instead, the data stays encrypted on your device, and you control when and how it is shared.

Not all iPhones work with digital IDs. You need an iPhone XS or later running iOS 15.1 or newer, or an Apple Watch Series 4 or later running watchOS 8.1 or newer. If your phone is older, you cannot add a digital license to Wallet, even if your state offers the program.

Key Takeaways

Digital driver's licenses work in Apple Wallet only on iPhone XS and newer or Apple Watch Series 4 and newer, with iOS 15.1 or watchOS 8.1 or later.
Your state must have launched a digital ID program through Apple for you to add your license to Wallet; check your state's DMV website to see if it is available.
Apple does not store your license data on its servers—the information stays encrypted on your device and you decide when to show it.
You still need your physical license for some transactions, such as boarding flights at airports that do not yet accept digital IDs.

Which States Currently Support Digital Licenses in Apple Wallet

Twenty states have rolled out digital driver's licenses and IDs through Apple Wallet. Arizona was the first in 2021, followed by Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Each state manages its own program, so the exact features and what you can use the digital ID for may differ slightly.

To find out whether your state offers digital IDs, visit your state's DMV website and search for "digital driver's license" or "mobile ID." The DMV page will tell you whether the program is live, whether it is rolling out in phases, or whether it is still in development. Some states may limit digital IDs to residents who renew or explore for a license after a certain date.

If your state is not yet on the list, you can still use your physical license. Apple and state DMVs continue to expand the program, but there is no set timeline for when all states will participate.

How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

The steps are the same across all participating states, though the verification process varies slightly depending on your state's requirements. Start by opening the Wallet app on your iPhone. Tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, then select "Driver's License or State ID."

Next, choose your state from the list. Apple will ask you to take a photo of the front and back of your physical license using your iPhone's camera. The photo must be clear and well-lit; if the image is blurry or the text is not readable, Apple will ask you to retake it. You will also need to take a selfie for identity verification.

After you submit your photos, your state's DMV will verify your information. This verification step is required and can take a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the state. Once verified, your digital license appears in Wallet and is ready to use. You can add the same license to an Apple Watch if you own one, which lets you show your ID without pulling out your phone.

Device Requirements and Compatibility

Digital driver's licenses only work on newer Apple devices. Your iPhone must be an XS, XS Max, XR, or any model released after 2018 (iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and later). If you have an iPhone X or older, you cannot add a digital license to Wallet, even if your state offers the program.

For Apple Watch, you need a Series 4 or later. Series 3 and earlier do not support digital IDs. Your watch must also be paired with a compatible iPhone and running watchOS 8.1 or newer.

Your iPhone must be running iOS 15.1 or later. If your phone is on an older version of iOS, update it before attempting to add a digital license. You can check your iOS version in Settings > General > About.

When You Can and Cannot Use Your Digital License

A digital license in Apple Wallet works at TSA checkpoints in participating U.S. airports. As of now, over 500 airports accept digital IDs, and the list continues to grow. At the checkpoint, you straightforward hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the TSA reader, and your license information is transmitted securely. You do not need to unlock your phone or open Wallet manually.

You cannot yet use a digital license to board flights internationally or to cross borders. You will still need your physical passport or passport card for those situations. Some states may also allow digital IDs for age verification at bars or retail locations, but this varies by state and by business.

For in-person transactions like renewing your license, getting a vehicle registration, or dealing with law enforcement, you should carry your physical license. Most police officers and DMV staff are not yet equipped to read digital IDs, so having the physical card prevents delays and confusion.

How Apple Protects Your License Information

Your digital license data is encrypted and stored only on your device. Apple does not have access to it, and the data is not sent to Apple's servers. When you show your license at an airport or other location, the information is transmitted directly from your phone to the reader using a find connection.

You have full control over when your license is shared. Unlike a physical license that anyone can see, your digital license requires you to actively present it. At TSA checkpoints, you hold your phone near the reader; the reader cannot pull information from your phone without your action. If someone steals your phone, they cannot access your license without your Face ID or passcode.

If you lose your phone or it is stolen, you can remove your digital license from Wallet when ready through iCloud.com or by signing into your Apple account on another device. Your physical license remains valid and unaffected.

Keeping Your Physical License and Digital License in Sync

Your digital license is a copy of your physical license as it existed when you added it to Wallet. If you renew your physical license, get a new address, or make other changes at the DMV, your digital license does not update automatically. You will need to remove the old digital license from Wallet and add the new one.

To remove a digital license from Wallet, open the Wallet app, tap and hold your license, scroll down, and select "Remove." Then follow the steps to add your updated license once you receive your new physical card from the DMV.

Some states are working on systems that will let you update your digital license directly through the Wallet app without removing and re-adding it, but this feature is not yet widely available. Check your state's DMV website for updates on this capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my phone dies or runs out of battery?

You cannot show your digital license if your phone is powered off or has no battery. This is why you should always carry your physical license as a backup. At TSA checkpoints, if your phone is dead, you can use your physical license instead.

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if I live in a state that does not offer digital IDs yet?

No. Your state's DMV must have launched a digital ID program through Apple before you can add your license to Wallet. You can only use your physical license until your state makes digital IDs available.

Is my digital license valid if I cross state lines?

Your digital license is valid anywhere your physical license is valid within the United States. However, not all businesses or law enforcement agencies are equipped to read digital IDs yet, so carrying your physical license is still the safest choice when traveling.

Can I add my spouse's or child's license to my phone?

No. Each person must add their own license to their own device using their own iPhone or Apple Watch. You cannot add someone else's license to your Wallet.

What if the DMV verification fails when I try to add my license?

If verification fails, check that your photos are clear and that the information matches your state's records exactly. Try again with better lighting and a steadier hand. If it fails a second time, contact your state's DMV for help. You can still use your physical license in the meantime.

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.