How to Get and Use California's Digital Driver License

What California's Digital Driver License Is and How to Get It

California's digital driver license is a copy of your driver license that lives on your iPhone or Apple Watch. It is not a replacement for your physical card — you still carry that. The digital version lets you show your ID at TSA checkpoints in airports and at some retail locations without handing over your physical card. Apple Wallet is the only app that holds it right now; Android users cannot use this feature yet.

To add your license to Apple Wallet, you need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 model, plus an Apple Watch Series 9 or later (if you want it on your watch). You open Wallet, tap the plus sign, select "Driver's License or State ID," choose California, and follow the prompts. The state will ask you to take a selfie and scan the front and back of your physical license. The whole process takes about five minutes.

California began offering digital licenses in September 2023. The state issues them at no extra cost — you do not pay a fee beyond what you already paid for your physical license. Once you add it to Wallet, it syncs to iCloud, so if you get a new iPhone, the license transfers automatically.

Key Takeaways

California's digital driver license works only on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, and Apple Watch Series 9 or later.
You add your license through Apple Wallet by taking a selfie and scanning both sides of your physical license.
The digital license works at TSA airport checkpoints and some retail locations, but you still need your physical card for other situations.
Your digital license is encrypted and stored securely on your device; California DMV cannot see it unless you choose to show it.

Where You Can Use Your Digital Driver License

TSA accepts California's digital driver license at airport security checkpoints nationwide. You hold your iPhone or Apple Watch up to the scanner just as you would a physical ID. The TSA officer can see your name, photo, and license number without touching your phone or accessing any other information on your device.

Some retail locations also accept the digital license, though this is still rolling out. Stores that use certain point-of-sale systems can read the license through their existing card readers. However, many retailers do not yet support this feature, so you should always carry your physical card as a backup. Gas stations, bars, and other age-restricted businesses may or may not accept the digital version depending on their equipment.

You cannot use the digital license for traffic stops, vehicle registration, or DMV transactions. Police officers cannot read it from your phone during a traffic stop — you must hand over your physical license. If you are renewing your registration or visiting a DMV office, bring your physical card.

How the Digital License Protects Your Information

Apple Wallet encrypts your digital license on your device. The state of California does not store a copy of it on a DMV server. When you show your license at TSA or a retail location, the reader can see only the information printed on your physical license — your name, photo, date of birth, license number, and expiration date. The reader cannot access your address, Social Security number, or any other data stored on your phone.

If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remove the license from Wallet remotely using Find My iPhone. Once removed, the license cannot be used. You can re-add it to a new phone by going through the verification process again, though you will need to take a new selfie.

You control when the license is shown. Unlike a physical card, you do not have to hand your phone to anyone. You can hold it up and let the reader scan it, or you can decline to show it. If you do not want to use the digital version in a particular situation, your physical license works everywhere the digital one does.

Device Requirements and Compatibility

Your iPhone must be iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 model. Older iPhones, including iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, do not support the feature. If you have an Apple Watch, it must be Series 9 or later. The watch must be paired with a compatible iPhone.

Android phones do not support California's digital driver license. Google has announced plans to add this feature to Android devices, but as of now there is no timeline for when it will be available in California.

Your phone must be running the current version of iOS. Check Settings > General > Software Update to make sure you have the latest version. If you are several versions behind, update before trying to add your license.

Adding Your License Step by Step

Open Apple Wallet on your iPhone. Tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Scroll down and select "Driver's License or State ID." Choose California from the state list. Tap "Continue."

You will be asked to take a selfie. Position your face in the frame and tap the camera button. The system will ask you to move your head slightly to verify you are a real person. Once the selfie is accepted, you will be asked to scan the front of your physical license. Place the card flat on a light surface and hold your phone above it. The camera will auto-capture when it has a clear image. Repeat for the back of the card.

After scanning, the system will verify your information against DMV records. This usually takes a few seconds to a few minutes. Once verified, your license appears in Wallet. You can tap it to see the full details or swipe to see the back. If you want it on your Apple Watch, open Wallet on the watch, tap the plus sign, and select the license from your iPhone.

What to Do If Verification Fails

If the system cannot verify your information, it will tell you why. Common reasons include a mismatch between the name on your license and the name on your Apple ID, or a mismatch between the scanned license and DMV records. Check that your Apple ID name matches your legal name exactly as it appears on your license.

If your license information in the DMV system is outdated or incorrect, you may need to update it before adding the digital version. You can do this online at dmv.ca.gov or by visiting a DMV office in person. Once your information is corrected, try adding the license to Wallet again.

If you still cannot add the license after verifying your information, contact the California DMV. You can call 1-800-777-0133 or visit a local DMV office. Keep your physical license with you — it works everywhere the digital version does.

Renewing or Replacing Your Digital License

When you renew your physical driver license, you will need to re-add the digital version to Wallet. The old digital license will stop working on the expiration date of your physical license. Once you receive your new physical license, open Wallet, tap the plus sign, and go through the verification process again with the new card.

If your physical license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can remove the digital version from Wallet when ready by opening Wallet, tapping the license, tapping the three dots, and selecting "Remove." You can re-add it once you receive a replacement card from the DMV.

If you change your address, update your information at dmv.ca.gov or at a DMV office. The digital license will reflect the change automatically — you do not need to re-add it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your phone must be powered on and unlocked for TSA or a retailer to scan the license. If your battery is low, your phone will show a low-battery warning, and some readers may not accept it. Always carry your physical license as a backup.

What happens if I upgrade to a new iPhone?

Your digital license syncs to iCloud automatically. When you sign in to your Apple ID on the new iPhone and restore from backup, the license transfers over. You do not need to re-add it unless the new phone is not compatible with the feature.

Can I show my digital license during a traffic stop?

No. Police officers cannot read the digital license from your phone during a traffic stop. You must provide your physical license. Always carry your physical card when driving.

Is the digital license the same as a REAL ID?

Your digital license has the same information as your physical license. If your physical license is REAL ID compliant, your digital version is too. However, TSA may have different rules about which forms of ID it accepts at airport security, so check TSA.gov before your trip.

What if I do not want to use the digital license?

You do not have to add it to Wallet. Your physical license works everywhere — at airports, retail locations, traffic stops, and the DMV. The digital version is optional and free. If you add it and later change your mind, you can remove it from Wallet anytime.

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.