What You Need to Do Right Now

To put your driver's license on your phone, you add it to your phone's digital wallet — Apple Wallet on iPhone or Google Wallet on Android. The process takes about five minutes and requires your physical license, a compatible phone, and internet connection. Not all states issue digital licenses yet, and the ones that do have slightly different steps, but the basic flow is the same: open your wallet app, tap the plus or add button, select ID, and follow the prompts to photograph your license and verify your identity.

Your phone must be running a recent operating system version. iPhones need iOS 15.1 or later; Android phones need Android 12 or later. If your phone is older, you may not be able to add a digital license even if your state supports it. You can check your phone's settings to see which version you have.

Key Takeaways

  • Only certain states currently support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet; check your state's DMV website to confirm before you start.
  • You will need your physical license, a compatible phone with a recent operating system, and internet access to add your digital license.
  • The process involves photographing both sides of your license and completing an identity verification step, which may use facial recognition or other methods depending on your state.
  • A digital license on your phone does not replace your physical license; you must still carry the physical card for driving and most legal purposes.

Which States Support Digital Driver's Licenses Right Now

As of early 2024, the following states allow you to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyoming. Google Wallet supports a slightly different list that includes Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyoming. The lists change as more states roll out their programs, so check your state's DMV website to confirm whether your state is currently participating.

If your state is not on either list, your digital license is not yet available. Some states have announced plans to launch digital licenses but have not yet done so. Your state's DMV website will have the most current information about whether the program is live and when it might launch if it is not yet available.

Step-by-Step: Adding Your License to Apple Wallet

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Select "ID" from the menu. Choose "Driver's License or State ID" and select your state. You will be asked to photograph the front of your license, then the back. Position your license in the frame and tap the camera button. The app will guide you through each photo.

After you photograph both sides, the app will ask you to verify your identity. This step varies by state but typically involves taking a selfie or answering security questions. Follow the prompts on your screen. Once verification is complete, your license will appear in Wallet. You can view it by opening Wallet and tapping your ID card.

Your digital license will show an expiration date and a note that it is a digital version. You can delete it from Wallet at any time by pressing and holding the card, then tapping the trash icon.

Step-by-Step: Adding Your License to Google Wallet

Open Google Wallet on your Android phone. Tap the plus sign to add a new item. Select "ID" and then "Driver's License or State ID." Choose your state from the list. You will be asked to photograph the front of your license, then the back. Hold your license steady in the frame and tap the camera button for each side.

After both photos are taken, Google Wallet will prompt you to verify your identity. The verification method depends on your state and may include a selfie, security questions, or other checks. Complete the verification steps as they appear on your screen. Once finished, your license will be saved in Google Wallet and you can view it by opening the app and tapping your ID.

You can remove your digital license from Google Wallet by opening the app, tapping your ID card, pressing the menu button (three dots), and selecting "Delete."

What Happens During Identity Verification

Identity verification is the step that confirms you are the person on the license. Most states use facial recognition technology, which means you will take a selfie or short video of yourself. The system compares your face to the photo on your license to make sure they match. Some states may also ask you to answer security questions based on information in the DMV database, such as your address or vehicle registration details.

If verification fails, you will see an error message. Common reasons include poor lighting, a blurry selfie, or answers that do not match the DMV records. You can usually try again when ready. If you continue to have trouble, contact your state's DMV for help.

Where You Can Use Your Digital License

A digital license on your phone is not yet accepted everywhere a physical license is. Currently, you can show your digital license to police officers during traffic stops in states that support it, and some airports and venues may accept it for age verification. However, the acceptance is still limited and varies by location.

You must still carry your physical driver's license for most purposes. Banks, insurance companies, and many retailers still require the physical card. If you are pulled over, it is safest to show both your digital and physical license. Your digital license is a convenience tool, not a replacement for the physical card.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

If your phone does not show the option to add an ID, your phone's operating system may be too old. Check your phone's settings and update to the latest available version. If you have the latest version and still do not see the option, your state may not yet support digital licenses.

If your photos of the license are rejected, make sure the entire card is visible in the frame, the lighting is clear, and there are no glares or shadows. Try again in better lighting. If your identity verification fails repeatedly, the issue may be with your selfie quality or mismatched information in the DMV database. Take your selfie in good lighting and make sure your face is clearly visible. If the problem persists, contact your state's DMV.

If your digital license disappears from your wallet, it may have expired. Check the expiration date on the card. If it has expired, you will need to add it again using your renewed physical license. If it has not expired and the card is still missing, try removing and re-adding it to your wallet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need to carry my physical driver's license if I have it on my phone?

Yes. Your digital license is not yet accepted everywhere, and many places still require the physical card. Police officers, banks, and retailers may not accept a digital license. Always carry your physical license when driving or in situations where you may need to show ID.

What if my phone dies or I do not have service? Can I still use my digital license?

Digital licenses stored in Apple Wallet can usually be shown even if your phone is locked or has no service, as long as the battery has some charge. Google Wallet may require an internet connection depending on your state's rules. If your phone is completely dead, you cannot show any digital ID, so always keep your physical license with you.

Can I add my license to my phone if I just renewed it?

Yes, but you must use your new physical license. Take photos of the front and back of your new card when you add it to your wallet. If you try to add an expired license, the system will reject it.

Is my digital license find? Can someone steal it from my phone?

Your digital license is encrypted and protected by your phone's security features, such as Face ID or fingerprint lock. Someone would need to unlock your phone to view it. However, if your phone is stolen and unlocked, your digital ID could be accessed. Keep your phone find just as you would your physical wallet.

What if my state is not on the list yet? When will my state support digital licenses?

States are rolling out digital licenses at different speeds. Check your state's DMV website for announcements about when the program will launch. Some states have announced timelines; others have not yet committed to a date. Your state's DMV is the best source for current information.