What You Need to Add Your License to Apple Wallet
You can store a digital copy of your driver's license in Apple Wallet on iPhones running iOS 15.1 or later. The process differs depending on whether your state has launched an official digital ID program or whether you are storing a photo or PDF of your physical license for personal reference.
If your state offers a digital driver's license through Apple Wallet — currently available in Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Mississippi, Ohio, and a growing list of others — you can add an official, state-verified version. If your state has not yet launched this program, you can still store an image of your license in Wallet as a personal backup, though it will not be an official state document.
Before you start, have your physical driver's license and an internet connection ready. You will also need to be able to unlock your iPhone with Face ID or Touch ID during the setup process.
Key Takeaways
- Official digital driver's licenses are available through Apple Wallet in select states, and the process requires your physical license and identity verification through your phone's biometric security.
- If your state does not yet offer an official digital ID, you can take a photo of your license and add it to Wallet manually for personal reference only.
- The official digital license process takes place entirely within the Wallet app and involves scanning your license and confirming your identity.
- You can present a digital license to TSA at participating airports and to police during traffic stops in states where the program is active.
- Your digital license is encrypted on your phone and does not sync to iCloud or other devices.
Adding an Official State Digital License (If Your State Offers It)
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 choose your state; select the one that issued your physical license.
Follow the on-screen instructions to position your face in the frame for a selfie. You will then be asked to scan the front and back of your physical driver's license using your phone's camera. Keep the license flat and well-lit, and move slowly so the camera can read all the text and security features.
After scanning, you will need to verify your identity. This usually involves answering security questions based on information from your driver's license record, or confirming details like your address and date of birth. Your state's DMV system will check your answers against their records. Once verified, your digital license will appear in Wallet and is ready to use.
Storing a Photo of Your License as a Wallet Card (Non-Official)
If your state has not yet launched an official digital ID program, you can create a personal backup by photographing your license and adding it to Wallet. This is not an official state document and cannot be used in place of your physical license for legal purposes, but it can serve as a reference if you lose your wallet.
Take a clear photo of both the front and back of your driver's license using your iPhone camera. Open the Photos app, select the image, and tap "Share." Choose "Add to Wallet" from the share menu. You can then customize the card appearance and add it to your Wallet.
Alternatively, open Wallet, tap the plus sign, and select "Other" to create a generic card. You can then add your license photo as the card image and include text notes with key information like your license number or expiration date.
Where You Can Use Your Digital Driver's License
In states where the official digital ID program is active, you can present your digital license to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at airport security checkpoints. TSA agents at participating airports can scan or view your digital license just as they would your physical card.
Some states also allow you to present your digital license to law enforcement during traffic stops, though this varies by state and by individual police department policy. Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether police in your area accept digital licenses.
Your digital license cannot be used for age verification at bars, liquor stores, or other retail locations. You will still need your physical license for those situations. Banks, insurance companies, and other institutions that require ID verification may or may not accept digital licenses; contact them directly to ask.
Security and Privacy of Your Digital License
Your digital driver's license is encrypted and stored only on your iPhone. It does not sync to iCloud, does not appear on other devices, and is not accessible if someone steals your phone unless they can unlock it with your Face ID or passcode. When you present your license to TSA or law enforcement, they see only the information you choose to display — not your full license data.
If you lose your iPhone or upgrade to a new one, you will need to add your digital license again using the same process. Your state's DMV records remain unchanged, and you can re-add the digital version at any time.
If your phone is stolen, you can remove your digital license by opening Wallet, pressing and holding the license card, and selecting "Remove." You can also use Find My iPhone to remotely erase your device.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If the Wallet app says your state does not offer digital ID, your state's program may not yet be live. Check your state's DMV website for the current launch date. Some states have announced programs but have not yet made them available to all residents.
If the app fails during the identity verification step, make sure you are answering the security questions accurately based on the information on your physical license. If you have recently moved or changed your name, your state's DMV records may not yet reflect those changes. Contact your state DMV to update your record before trying again.
If your phone's camera cannot read your license clearly, make sure the license is flat, well-lit, and not glare-covered. Try scanning in natural light rather than under artificial lighting. If the back of your license is worn or faded, the scan may fail; contact your state DMV about renewing your physical license.
Checking Which States Offer Digital Driver's Licenses
Apple maintains a list of states with active digital ID programs on its official website. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Mississippi, and Ohio have launched programs, with additional states in development. The list changes regularly as more states complete their systems and security testing.
To find out whether your state offers a digital license, open Wallet, tap the plus sign, select "Driver's License or State ID," and see whether your state appears in the list. If it does not, your state's program is not yet available through Apple Wallet.
You can also visit your state's DMV website and search for "digital driver's license" or "mobile ID" to find information about when the program will launch in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my physical license once I add it to Apple Wallet?
No. You must keep your physical license. The digital version is a convenience for situations where you can present it, but many places still require the physical card. TSA and some police departments accept digital licenses, but banks, insurance companies, and retail locations typically do not.
What happens if I upgrade to a new iPhone?
Your digital license does not transfer automatically. You will need to add it again to your new iPhone using the same process. Open Wallet, tap the plus sign, select your state, and follow the verification steps again.
Can someone else see my digital license if they have my phone?
Not without unlocking it. Your digital license is encrypted and requires Face ID or Touch ID to access Wallet. If your phone is stolen, you can use Find My iPhone to erase it remotely.
Is a photo of my license in Wallet the same as an official digital ID?
No. A photo you take yourself is for personal reference only and is not recognized by TSA, police, or any government agency. Only licenses added through the official state program in Wallet are legal documents.
Can I use my digital license at the DMV to renew my registration?
This depends on your state. Some states accept digital licenses for certain DMV transactions, while others require the physical card. Contact your state DMV or check their website to confirm what they accept.