What the iPhone Driver's License App Does
Apple's Wallet app 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 police officers, TSA agents at airport security, or other officials without pulling out your physical card. The digital version displays your photo, name, date of birth, and license number — the same information on your plastic license.
This is not a replacement for your physical license. You still need to carry your actual driver's license with you. The digital version is an additional option in situations where showing your phone is more convenient than reaching for your wallet.
Right now, only certain states issue digital driver's licenses through Apple Wallet. The list includes Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. More states are expected to add this feature over time.
Key Takeaways
- You can add your driver's license to Apple Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch if your state participates in the program.
- The digital license shows your photo and key identification details, but you must still carry your physical license.
- To add your license, you open Wallet, tap the plus icon, select ID, and follow Apple's verification steps, which include taking a photo and a video of yourself.
- When showing your digital license, you unlock your phone or watch and hold it up; the official can tap or scan it without seeing other cards in your Wallet.
- Your digital license works at TSA checkpoints and with some police departments, but acceptance varies by location and officer.
How to Add Your License to Apple Wallet
Start by opening the Wallet app on your iPhone. Tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, then select "ID" from the menu. Choose "Driver's License" or "State ID" depending on what you want to add. Select your state from the list — if your state is not listed, the feature is not yet available there.
Apple will ask you to take a photo of the front and back of your physical license. Hold the card flat and make sure the entire card is visible and in focus. After you photograph both sides, you will need to take a selfie and then record a short video of yourself. During the video, you will be asked to turn your head slightly and blink. This is Apple's way of confirming you are the person on the license.
Once you submit these images and video, Apple sends them to your state's DMV for verification. This process usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, but it can take longer depending on the state. You will receive a notification when your license is approved and ready to use in Wallet.
How to Show Your Digital License
When an official asks to see your ID, unlock your iPhone or Apple Watch and open Wallet. Tap your driver's license or state ID. Your phone or watch will display the front of your license with your photo and key details. You do not need to do anything else — just hold it up for the official to see.
The official can tap or scan your license directly on your screen without being able to see any other cards stored in your Wallet. This means your credit cards, insurance cards, and other information stay private. If you are using an Apple Watch, the screen will stay on while the license is displayed, so the official has time to review it.
If your phone or watch runs out of battery, you will not be able to show your digital license. This is one reason you should always keep your physical license with you as a backup.
Where Your Digital License Is Accepted
TSA accepts digital driver's licenses at airport security checkpoints in all participating states. When you reach the ID check, tell the TSA agent you have a digital ID on your phone. They will scan or tap your screen to verify your information. The process works the same way as scanning a physical license.
Some police departments also accept digital licenses during traffic stops, but this varies widely by department and by officer. Not every officer may be trained to use the feature, and some departments may not have the technology to scan it yet. Always have your physical license available in case an officer is not familiar with or does not accept the digital version.
Other uses — such as showing your ID at a bar, bank, or rental car counter — depend on the business. Many businesses are not yet set up to scan digital IDs, so you may still need your physical card in those situations.
Security and Privacy With Your Digital License
Apple encrypts your license information on your phone. Your data does not go to Apple's servers or to any third party — it stays on your device. When an official scans your digital license, they only see the information that would appear on your physical card. They cannot access your photos, messages, location, or any other data on your phone.
You control when your license is shown. You have to unlock your phone and open Wallet yourself; no one can see your license without your action. If you lose your phone, you can use Find My iPhone to lock or erase it remotely, which will also disable your digital license.
If your phone is stolen or lost, contact your state's DMV to report the digital license as compromised. You can remove the license from Wallet at any time by opening Wallet, tapping your license, tapping the three dots, and selecting "Remove ID."
What to Do If Your State Does Not Offer Digital Licenses Yet
If your state is not on the list of participating states, you cannot add your license to Apple Wallet right now. Check back periodically, as more states are rolling out this feature. You can also contact your state's DMV to ask when digital licenses will become available.
In the meantime, keep your physical driver's license with you at all times. Some states may offer their own digital ID apps through their DMV websites, so it is worth checking your state's DMV site to see if there are other options available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my digital license if my phone dies?
No. Your digital license only works when your phone is powered on and unlocked. If your battery dies, you will not be able to show your digital ID. This is why you must always carry your physical license as a backup.
Will TSA accept my digital license at every airport?
TSA accepts digital licenses at security checkpoints nationwide, but only if your state participates in the program. Not every TSA agent may be trained to scan it yet, so have your physical license ready just in case.
Can I add my license to Apple Watch instead of my iPhone?
Yes. If you have an Apple Watch paired with your iPhone, you can add your license to the Watch's Wallet app. You still go through the same verification process on your iPhone first, then the license syncs to your watch.
What happens if I get a new iPhone?
When you set up a new iPhone with your Apple ID, your digital license will transfer to the new phone automatically. You do not have to add it again or go through verification a second time.
Can a police officer see other information on my phone when they scan my digital license?
No. When an official scans your digital license, they only see the information displayed on that card — your photo, name, date of birth, and license number. They cannot access anything else on your phone.