What you need to add your license to Apple Wallet
You can add your driver's license to Apple Wallet on an iPhone or iPad, but only if your state has made its license available through Apple's system. Not all states have launched this yet — as of now, about half of U.S. states offer it, and more are rolling it out. Your state's DMV does not handle the Apple Wallet upload directly; Apple manages the technical side once your state has joined the program.
To add your license, you need an iPhone 12 or newer, or an iPad Pro, iPad Air, or iPad (5th generation or later). You also need to be signed into iCloud with your Apple ID, and your device must have Face ID or Touch ID turned on. The process itself takes about 10 minutes and involves taking photos of your license and a selfie so Apple can verify it is really you.
Before you start, check whether your state is part of the program. You can do this by opening the Wallet app on your iPhone, tapping the plus sign in the upper right, and looking for "Driver's License or State ID" as an option. If you do not see it, your state has not launched yet.
Key Takeaways
- Only about half of U.S. states currently offer driver's license support in Apple Wallet, so check your state's availability before starting the process.
- You need an iPhone 12 or newer (or compatible iPad) with Face ID or Touch ID enabled to add your license.
- The setup process involves photographing your physical license and taking a selfie for identity verification.
- Once added, you can show your license at TSA checkpoints and some retail locations without unlocking your phone.
- Your license data stays on your device and is not stored on Apple's servers.
Step-by-step: Adding your license to Wallet
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the list of options. If this option does not appear, your state is not yet part of the program.
Tap "Continue" and choose your state from the dropdown menu. Read the information about how your data will be used — Apple explains that your license information stays on your device and is not sent to Apple's servers. Tap "Continue" again.
You will be asked to take a photo of the front of your driver's license. Position it in the frame shown on screen, make sure the entire card is visible and well-lit, and tap the camera button. Then photograph the back of your license the same way. Next, you will take a selfie. Follow the on-screen prompts, which may ask you to blink or move your head slightly so Apple can confirm you are the license holder.
Review the information pulled from your license to make sure it is correct. If anything looks wrong, you can retake photos. Once you confirm everything is accurate, tap "Add" and your license appears in Wallet. The entire process usually completes within a few minutes, though your state may take a day or two to fully set up it on their end.
Which states currently support Apple Wallet licenses
Arizona, Georgia, Connecticut, Iowa, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Utah have launched driver's license support in Apple Wallet. Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Texas have announced they are coming soon. More states are expected to join throughout the year, but there is no official timeline for all 50 states.
To find the most current list, visit Apple's official support page on digital ID or check your state's DMV website. Some states may have launched support very recently, so if you do not see your state listed here, it is worth checking directly rather than assuming it is not available yet.
Where you can use your digital license
The main use for a digital driver's license in Apple Wallet is at TSA checkpoints in U.S. airports. You can hold your iPhone or iPad up to the reader at security, and the TSA agent can scan it just like a physical license. You do not need to unlock your phone or open the Wallet app — just hold it near the reader and Face ID or Touch ID will authenticate it automatically.
Some retail locations and businesses are beginning to accept digital IDs, though this is still expanding. Check with individual stores or venues to see whether they accept Apple Wallet licenses. Your physical license remains valid everywhere, so you can always carry both until you feel comfortable relying on the digital version.
If you lose your phone or it runs out of battery, you will not be able to show your digital license. For this reason, many people keep their physical license with them as a backup, especially when traveling.
Security and privacy: How your data is protected
Your driver's license information is stored directly on your iPhone or iPad, not on Apple's servers or in the cloud. This means only your device has access to the full details of your license. When you show your license at a TSA checkpoint or other location, the reader scans encrypted data from your phone — the business or agency does not receive your complete license information the way they would from a physical card.
Face ID or Touch ID is required every time someone tries to view your license on your device. If someone steals your phone, they cannot access your digital license without passing biometric authentication. If you report your phone as lost or stolen, you can remotely disable the license through Find My iPhone.
Your state's DMV verifies your identity during the initial setup process by checking the photos you submit against your existing license on file. After that, Apple does not store or have access to your license data.
What to do if your state is not yet available
If your state has not launched digital license support yet, you have two options: wait for your state to join the program, or continue using your physical license. There is no way to manually add a license from an unsupported state to Apple Wallet.
You can check your state's DMV website or Apple's support page periodically to see when your state launches. Some states have announced timelines, while others have not given specific dates. If you travel frequently and want digital ID support, you might consider using your physical license until your state becomes available.
In the meantime, you can add other forms of ID to Apple Wallet if your state supports them — some states allow state ID cards in addition to driver's licenses.
Troubleshooting common problems
The "Driver's License or State ID" option does not appear in Wallet. This means your state is not yet part of the program. Make sure you are running the latest version of iOS and that you are in a state that supports it. If you recently moved, try restarting your phone and checking again.
Your photos are rejected during setup. Make sure your license is well-lit, fully visible in the frame, and not glare or reflection. For your selfie, make sure your face is clearly visible and you are looking directly at the camera. Try again in better lighting if the first attempt fails.
Your license shows as "Not Verified" in Wallet. This usually means your state is still processing your information. Wait 24 to 48 hours and check again. If it still shows as unverified after two days, contact your state's DMV for help.
You cannot scan your license at a TSA checkpoint. Make sure your iPhone is not in low-power mode and that Face ID or Touch ID is working. Hold your phone steady near the reader for a few seconds. If the reader still cannot scan it, show your physical license instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if I have an older iPhone?
No. You need an iPhone 12 or newer. If you have an iPhone 11 or older, you cannot add a digital license to Wallet, even if your state supports it. You would need to upgrade your phone to use this feature.
What happens if my phone dies while I am traveling?
You will not be able to show your digital license. This is why many people keep their physical license with them as a backup. If you are concerned about battery life, carry your physical license when traveling or make sure your phone is fully charged before heading to the airport.
Can I add someone else's license to my phone?
No. The setup process requires Face ID or Touch ID to match the person in the photos, so you can only add your own license to your own device. Each person needs their own iPhone or iPad to add their own license.
Is my digital license valid in other countries?
No. Digital licenses in Apple Wallet are only recognized in the United States. If you travel internationally, bring your physical passport and driver's license.
Can I delete my digital license and add it again later?
Yes. Open Wallet, tap and hold your license, scroll down, and tap "Remove." You can add it back anytime by following the same setup process. Your state will recognize you as the same person since your information is already on file.