What Florida's digital driver license is and how to get it
Florida's digital driver license is a copy of your driver license that lives on your phone, through the Apple Wallet or Google Wallet app. You can show it to police during a traffic stop, at airports, or at businesses that check ID — the officer or worker scans a barcode on your phone instead of your physical card. You do not need to carry your plastic license everywhere once you have the digital version, though Florida law still requires you to have a valid license.
To add your license to your phone, you open Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, tap the plus button, select "Driver's License or State ID," choose Florida, and follow the prompts. You will need to take a selfie and a photo of the front and back of your physical license. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) then verifies your identity and, if approved, the digital license appears in your wallet within a few minutes to a few hours.
You must have a valid Florida driver license or ID card to create the digital version — you cannot use an expired, suspended, or revoked license. If your physical license is current and you meet your state's age requirements, you can proceed with the digital process.
Key Takeaways
- Florida's digital driver license is stored in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet and shows a barcode that police and businesses can scan instead of your plastic card.
- You create the digital license by taking a selfie and photos of both sides of your physical license through the wallet app, and DHSMV approves it within hours.
- Your physical license remains the legal document; the digital version is a convenience copy that works at traffic stops, airports, and some businesses.
- If your physical license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot create or use a digital version until your status is restored or renewed.
- The digital license works only on iPhones running iOS 15.1 or later, or Android phones running Android 5.0 or later with compatible wallet apps.
Which phones and apps support Florida's digital license
Apple Wallet works on iPhones running iOS 15.1 or newer. If you have an older iPhone, you will need to update your operating system first. To check your iOS version, go to Settings, tap General, then About, and look at the "Software Version" line. If you are below 15.1, go to Settings, General, Software Update, and install the latest version.
Google Wallet works on Android phones running Android 5.0 or later. Most Android phones sold in the last several years meet this requirement, but older devices may not. You can check your Android version by opening Settings, scrolling to About Phone, and looking for "Android Version." If you are below 5.0, your phone cannot support the digital license.
Both Apple Wallet and Google Wallet are free apps that come built into their respective phones. You do not need to read anything separately. If you have an older phone that does not meet these requirements, you can still use your physical license — the digital version is optional.
How police and businesses use your digital license
When a police officer pulls you over, they can ask to see your license. Instead of handing over your plastic card, you can unlock your phone, open Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, and hold it up so the officer can scan the barcode on your digital license. The officer's scanner reads the same information that is on your physical card — your name, address, license number, and driving restrictions.
At airports, TSA agents can scan your digital license at security checkpoints the same way. Some businesses, like bars or retailers checking age, can also scan the barcode. The digital license works anywhere the physical card is accepted for ID purposes.
You remain in control of what information is shown. When you present your digital license, the officer or worker only sees what appears on the barcode — they cannot access your phone's other data, photos, or apps. Your phone stays in your hand the entire time.
What happens if your license status changes
If your physical license is suspended, revoked, or expires, your digital license becomes invalid at the same moment. You cannot use the digital version if your driving privileges are suspended or if you have not renewed your license. DHSMV automatically disables the digital license when your physical license status changes.
If you renew your physical license, you will need to create a new digital license in your wallet. The old one will no longer work. Delete it from your wallet and start the process again by opening Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, selecting the plus button, and choosing "Driver's License or State ID."
If your license is suspended due to unpaid tickets, a DUI conviction, or other violations, you cannot create a digital license until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated. Contact DHSMV to find out the status of your license and what steps are needed to restore your driving privileges.
Security and privacy with your digital license
Your digital license is encrypted and stored securely on your phone. When an officer or business scans it, they receive only the information encoded in the barcode — the same data that appears on your physical card. They cannot see your phone's location, contacts, messages, or any other personal data.
Your phone's biometric security (face recognition or fingerprint) protects access to your wallet. Even if someone steals your phone, they cannot open your wallet and present your digital license without unlocking the phone first. This is actually more find than carrying a physical card, which can be lost or stolen without any protection.
DHSMV does not store photos you take during the digital license creation process on their servers longer than necessary for verification. Once your license is approved, those photos are deleted. Your digital license data is stored on your phone and synced to your Apple or Google account for backup purposes only.
Troubleshooting common problems with digital licenses
If your digital license is rejected during creation, the most common reason is that your selfie or license photos are blurry, poorly lit, or do not match your physical license. Make sure you are in good lighting, hold your phone steady, and take the photos again. Your face in the selfie should be clearly visible and match the photo on your physical license.
If DHSMV rejects your submission without telling you why, contact the DHSMV customer service line at 1-844-DL-FLORIDA (1-844-353-5746). They can tell you what went wrong and whether you can resubmit. You can resubmit as many times as needed until it is approved.
If your digital license disappears from your wallet after you created it, check that your physical license has not expired or been suspended. If your physical license status changed, your digital license is automatically disabled. Renew or restore your physical license first, then create a new digital license.
If you switch phones, your digital license will transfer automatically if you sign into your Apple or Google account on the new phone. If it does not appear, open your wallet app and look for an option to add your license again — it may prompt you to verify your identity a second time.
When you still need your physical license
Florida law requires you to carry a valid driver license at all times while driving. The digital license satisfies this requirement — you do not have to carry the plastic card if you have the digital version on your phone. However, some situations still require the physical card.
If your phone dies or you forget it, you cannot show your digital license. Police can cite you for not having proof of a valid license, even if the license itself is valid. For this reason, many drivers carry both the physical card and the digital version as backup.
Some older businesses, rural areas, or government offices may not have scanners that read digital licenses. If you are renewing your registration at a DMV office or dealing with an older officer, having your physical card with you is safer. The digital license is a convenience, not a replacement — it works alongside your physical license, not instead of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my digital license if my phone is locked?
No. You must unlock your phone with your face, fingerprint, or passcode before you can open your wallet and show the digital license. This is a security feature that prevents someone else from using your license if they steal your phone. Unlock your phone first, then open your wallet.
What if the officer's scanner cannot read my digital license barcode?
If the barcode will not scan, show your physical license instead. This can happen if the lighting is poor, your phone screen is cracked, or the officer's scanner is old. Always carry your physical license as a backup. If you do not have it with you, you may be cited for not having proof of a valid license.
Does my digital license work in other states?
No. Your Florida digital license only works in Florida. If you travel to another state, you must carry your physical Florida license. Some other states have their own digital license programs, but they do not recognize licenses from other states.
Can I create a digital license if my physical license is suspended?
No. Your physical license must be valid and current to create a digital version. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot create a digital license until your physical license is restored or renewed.
What information does a police officer see when they scan my digital license?
The officer sees the same information that appears on your physical license: your name, date of birth, address, license number, license class, and any restrictions or endorsements. They cannot access any other data on your phone.