What you need to add your license to Apple Wallet

You can store a digital copy of your driver's license or state ID in Apple Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch. This is not the same as a mobile driver's license — it is a digital image of your physical card that you can show to police or TSA agents by unlocking your phone. Apple Wallet stores the image securely and requires face or fingerprint verification before anyone can view it.

To add your license, you need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or newer model running iOS 17 or later. If you have an older iPhone, you cannot use this feature yet. You also need a valid driver's license or state ID issued by a participating U.S. state. Not all states have made their licenses available for digital storage in Wallet yet — the list grows regularly, but your state may not be included.

The process requires your phone's camera and internet connection. You will photograph your license during setup, and Apple will verify it matches your identity using facial recognition and other security checks.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an iPhone 15 Pro or newer with iOS 17 or later to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet.
  • Only licenses from participating U.S. states can be added — check your state's DMV website to see if yours is available.
  • The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and requires you to photograph your license and verify your identity with your face.
  • Police and TSA agents can view your digital license by tapping your phone, but you must unlock it first using Face ID or Touch ID.
  • Your digital license is encrypted on your phone and does not replace your physical card, which you should still carry.

Step-by-step process to add your license

Open Apple Wallet on your iPhone 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 choose which state issued your license and confirm that you want to add it to Wallet.

Next, you will photograph the front and back of your physical license using your phone's camera. Hold the card flat and make sure the entire card is visible in the frame. Apple will check that the image is clear enough to read. If the photo is blurry or cut off, you will be asked to retake it.

After you submit the photos, Apple will ask you to verify your identity by taking a selfie and answering security questions. This step confirms that you are the person on the license. The verification process uses facial recognition technology and may take a few minutes to complete. Once Apple approves your identity, your license will appear in Wallet.

Which states currently support digital licenses in Wallet

As of early 2024, the following states have made their driver's licenses and state IDs available for Apple Wallet: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

This list changes regularly as more states work with Apple to add their licenses. If your state is not listed, check your state's DMV website or Apple's support page for updates. Some states have announced plans to add digital licenses but have not yet launched the feature. You can still use your physical license in the meantime.

How police and TSA agents view your digital license

When a police officer or TSA agent asks to see your license, you unlock your iPhone using Face ID or Touch ID and open Apple Wallet. Tap your license, and the agent can view it on your screen. The agent does not need to touch your phone or enter a PIN — they straightforward look at the image you are showing them.

At airport security, TSA agents have special readers that can scan the digital license directly from your phone screen without you unlocking it first. This is faster than showing a physical card. However, you should still carry your physical license as a backup, because not all police officers or agents may be equipped to read digital licenses yet.

Security and privacy of your digital license

Your digital license is encrypted on your phone and stored separately from other Wallet data. Apple does not see the contents of your license — the company only verifies your identity during the setup process. Once your license is in Wallet, only you can view it by unlocking your phone with Face ID or Touch ID.

If your phone is lost or stolen, your digital license is protected by the same security as your phone. If you erase your phone remotely using Find My iPhone, your Wallet data is also erased. You can remove your license from Wallet at any time by opening Wallet, tapping your license, and selecting "Remove This Card."

Differences between digital licenses and mobile driver's licenses

A digital license in Apple Wallet is a picture of your physical card stored on your phone. You show it by unlocking your phone and opening Wallet. It works at police stops and airport security, but it is not an official government ID document.

A mobile driver's license (mDL) is an official government ID issued by your state, separate from your physical card. It uses encrypted technology and special readers to verify your identity without showing personal information. Mobile driver's licenses are still being rolled out by states and are not yet widely available. When your state offers an mDL, you will set it up through your state's DMV app or website, not through Apple Wallet.

For now, the digital license in Apple Wallet is the easiest way to store your ID on your phone. It does not replace your physical license, and you should continue to carry your physical card as your primary form of ID.

What to do if your state is not yet supported

If your state has not yet made its driver's license available for Apple Wallet, you have two options. First, check your state's DMV website regularly for updates — many states announce launch dates months in advance. Second, contact your state's DMV directly and ask when digital licenses will be available.

In the meantime, you can continue to use your physical license for all purposes. Some states are developing mobile driver's licenses through their own apps, which may become available before Apple Wallet support launches. Check your state's DMV website to see if a separate mobile ID app is offered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license instead of my physical card?

Not yet. You should continue to carry your physical license because not all police officers or agents are equipped to read digital licenses. Your digital license in Apple Wallet is a backup, not a replacement. Always have your physical card with you.

What happens if I get a new license from my state?

You will need to remove your old license from Apple Wallet and add your new one. Open Wallet, tap your old license, and select "Remove This Card." Then follow the steps to add your new license using your updated physical card.

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if I have an iPhone 14 or older?

No. This feature requires an iPhone 15 Pro or newer with iOS 17 or later. If you have an older iPhone, you cannot add your license to Wallet. You will need to upgrade your phone to use this feature.

Is my digital license valid across state lines?

Yes. Your digital license is a copy of your state-issued ID, so it is valid anywhere your physical license is valid. Police and TSA agents in other states can view and verify your digital license the same way they would your physical card.

What if I forget my Face ID or Touch ID password?

You will not be able to view your digital license until you unlock your phone. If you forget your Face ID or Touch ID, you can unlock your phone using your passcode, and then your license will be accessible. Your digital license itself does not have a separate password.