How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

What you need to add your license to Apple Wallet

You can store your driver's license or state ID in Apple Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch, but only if your state has made this feature available. Not all states offer it yet. The states that do allow it include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, and Utah, with more being added over time.

To add your license, you'll need an iPhone 13 or newer, or an Apple Watch Series 4 or newer. You also need to be signed in to iCloud with your Apple ID, and you'll need to have Face ID or Touch ID set up on your device. Your state's DMV must have already issued you a physical driver's license or state ID card.

The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. You'll photograph your license from both sides, take a selfie, and answer some security questions. Apple encrypts all of this information and stores it separately from the rest of your phone.

Key Takeaways

Only certain states currently support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet, so check whether your state is one of them before you start.
You need an iPhone 13 or newer (or Apple Watch Series 4 or newer) with Face ID or Touch ID enabled and an active iCloud account.
The setup process asks you to photograph both sides of your physical license, take a selfie, and answer identity verification questions.
Once added, you can show your digital license at TSA checkpoints and some other locations, but you still need your physical license for most in-person interactions with police or government offices.

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 menu. The app will ask you to confirm your state and that you have a valid, unexpired license issued by that state's DMV.

Next, you'll photograph the front of your license. Position it in the frame shown on your screen, make sure the image is clear and well-lit, and tap the capture button. The app will then ask you to photograph the back. After both photos are taken, you'll take a selfie. This selfie is used to verify that you are the person on the license.

Apple will then ask you to answer security questions based on information from your license and your state's DMV records. These questions confirm your identity before the license is added to Wallet. Once you answer them correctly, your license is encrypted and stored on your device.

What happens after your license is added

Your digital license appears in Apple Wallet alongside any credit cards, transit passes, or other cards you store there. You can view it anytime by opening Wallet and tapping on it. To show it to someone, you straightforward hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near a compatible reader, or show the license on your screen.

Currently, the main use for a digital driver's license is at TSA checkpoints in U.S. airports. TSA agents can scan your digital license the same way they scan a physical one. Some car rental companies and other businesses may also accept it, but this varies by location and company.

Your physical license remains valid and necessary for most situations. Police officers, for example, typically still ask for your physical card during traffic stops. You should continue to carry your physical license with you.

Updating your digital license if your information changes

If you renew your physical license, get a new address, or change your name, you'll need to update your digital license. Open Wallet, tap your digital license, and look for an option to update your information. You may need to photograph your new license and take another selfie to confirm the changes.

If your state issues you a new physical license before your current one expires, you can add the new one to Wallet as a separate card. You can then delete the old one from Wallet once you've confirmed the new one is working properly.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the app won't let you add your license, first check that your state is on the list of states that support this feature. If it is, make sure you're using an iPhone 13 or newer and that Face ID or Touch ID is turned on. You also need to be signed in to iCloud.

If your photos are rejected, make sure your license is fully visible in the frame, well-lit, and in focus. Shadows, glare, and blurry images often cause the app to ask you to retake them. If you're having trouble with the selfie, make sure your face is clearly visible and well-lit, and that you're looking directly at the camera.

If you're asked security questions you can't answer, it may mean the information on your license doesn't match what your state's DMV has on file. Contact your state's DMV to verify your information before trying again.

When you can and cannot use your digital license

TSA checkpoints at participating U.S. airports are the primary place where you can use your digital license. The TSA website lists which airports currently accept digital IDs. Some car rental companies, hotels, and other businesses may also accept it, but acceptance varies widely.

You cannot use your digital license as a substitute for your physical license in most situations. Police officers, government offices, banks, and most other organizations still require your physical card. Your digital license is a convenience tool for specific situations, not a replacement for your physical ID.

If your phone dies, is lost, or is stolen, you won't be able to show your digital license. This is another reason to always carry your physical license with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if my state doesn't support it yet?

No, you can only add your license if your state has made this feature available through Apple. If your state is not on the list, you'll see a message saying your state is not supported when you try to add a license. Check back periodically, as more states are being added over time.

Is my information safe in Apple Wallet?

Apple encrypts your license information and stores it separately from the rest of your phone's data. You need Face ID or Touch ID to view it, and Apple does not have access to your license information. However, like any digital data, it's theoretically possible for a device to be compromised, so you should still protect your phone with a strong passcode.

What if I lose my phone after adding my license to Wallet?

You can remove your license from your lost phone by signing into iCloud on another device and using Find My to erase your phone remotely. You can then add your license to a new phone once you get one. Your physical license remains valid and can be used in the meantime.

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet on my Apple Watch without an iPhone?

No, you must first add your license to an iPhone 13 or newer. Once it's on your iPhone, you can then add it to a paired Apple Watch Series 4 or newer. You cannot set up a digital license directly on a watch.

Do I still need my physical license if I have it in Apple Wallet?

Yes, you should always carry your physical license. Your digital license works at TSA checkpoints and some other locations, but most police officers, government offices, and businesses still require your physical card. Having both ensures you're prepared for any situation.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.