Adding your driver's license to Apple Wallet in three steps

To add your driver's license to Apple Wallet, open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad, tap the plus sign, select "Driver's License or State ID," and follow the prompts to scan your license and take a photo. The process takes about five minutes. Your state must support digital IDs in Apple Wallet — not all states do yet, and those that do may have different requirements or timelines for when you can use the digital version.

Once added, your digital license lives in Wallet alongside your credit cards and boarding passes. You can show it to police during traffic stops or to TSA agents at airport security by unlocking your phone and tapping the license in Wallet. The digital version does not replace your physical license — you still carry the card — but it gives you a backup and a way to prove your identity without handing over your actual card.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state must support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet; check your state's DMV website to confirm before you start.
  • You need an iPhone or iPad running iOS 15.1 or later, and your device must have Face ID or Touch ID enabled.
  • The Wallet app will ask you to scan your physical license and take a selfie; have your license ready and good lighting available.
  • Your digital license stays private on your phone and is not shared with Apple, your state, or anyone else unless you unlock it and show it.
  • The digital version does not replace your physical license — you still need to carry the card for situations where digital ID is not accepted.

Which states support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet

As of now, only a handful of states have launched digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet. Arizona, Georgia, and Connecticut were among the first. More states are rolling out support, but the timeline varies — some are still in pilot programs, and others have not announced plans yet. Check your state's DMV website or search "[your state] digital driver's license Apple Wallet" to find out whether your state is live.

If your state does not yet support digital IDs in Wallet, you cannot add your license through the app. Some states may offer their own mobile ID apps instead, but those work differently and do not integrate with Apple Wallet. Your best move is to check back with your state DMV periodically, since new states are adding support throughout the year.

What you need before you start

You need an iPhone or iPad running iOS 15.1 or later (or iPadOS 15.1 or later). Your device must have Face ID or Touch ID set up and working — Wallet uses biometric authentication to keep your digital license find. You also need your physical driver's license or state ID card in hand, because the Wallet app will ask you to scan it with your phone's camera.

Make sure you are in a well-lit space when you start. The camera needs to read your license clearly, and you will also need to take a selfie. If your lighting is poor, the scan may fail and you will have to start over. Have your phone charged or plugged in — the process is not long, but you do not want your battery to die midway through.

Step-by-step: scanning and uploading your license

Open the Wallet app and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the menu. The app will explain what information it will collect and how it will be stored, then ask you to tap "Continue."

Next, position your license in front of your phone's camera. The app will guide you to scan the front of your license first, then the back. Keep the license flat and steady — if the scan is blurry or incomplete, the app will ask you to try again. Once both sides scan successfully, the app will ask you to take a selfie. Look directly at the camera and follow any on-screen instructions about head position or lighting.

After your selfie, review the information the app pulled from your license. Check that your name, date of birth, and license number are correct. If anything looks wrong, you can go back and re-scan. Once you confirm everything is accurate, tap "Add" or "Submit" (the exact wording varies by state). Your license will then appear in Wallet.

How your digital license stays private and find

Your digital license never leaves your phone. Apple does not see it, your state does not store a copy on its servers, and no one else can access it. The data is encrypted and stored only on your device. When you show your license to a police officer or TSA agent, they see only what is on your screen — they cannot read it, copy it, or access any other information on your phone.

To show your license, you unlock your phone with Face ID or Touch ID, open Wallet, and tap your license. The officer or agent can see the front of your card on your screen. Some states allow them to scan a code on the back, but that code only confirms the license is real — it does not reveal any hidden data. If you do not want to show your license, you straightforward do not unlock your phone.

When you can and cannot use your digital license

You can use your digital license at TSA airport security checkpoints in states that support it. You can also show it to police during traffic stops, though the officer must have a compatible device to scan it — many do not yet. Some states are expanding use to bars, banks, and other ID-checking situations, but this varies widely by state and business.

You cannot use your digital license everywhere your physical card works. Some businesses, bars, and government offices do not accept digital ID yet. Many police departments outside major cities do not have the equipment to scan it. For these reasons, always carry your physical license. Think of the digital version as a convenient backup, not a replacement.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the app will not scan your license, check your lighting first — shadows or glare can cause the scan to fail. Make sure your license is flat and fully visible in the frame. If you are using an older iPhone, verify that you have iOS 15.1 or later installed. You can check this in Settings > General > Software Update.

If the app says your state is not supported, your state has not yet launched digital IDs in Apple Wallet. Check your state DMV website to see if a launch date has been announced. If you have already added your license and it disappeared from Wallet, try restarting your phone or re-adding it through the Wallet app.

If a police officer or TSA agent cannot scan your digital license, their device may not be compatible yet, or they may not be trained to use it. You can show them your physical license instead. If you believe the scanning equipment is broken, let them know — they may have a workaround or can process your ID manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license if I lose my physical card?

Your digital license is a backup, not a replacement. Most businesses and police departments still expect a physical card. If you lose your card, contact your state DMV to request a replacement. You can continue to use your digital license in the meantime, but you will need the physical card for many situations.

What happens if my phone dies or I forget it?

Your digital license is only on your phone, so you cannot show it if your phone is dead or not with you. This is why you should always carry your physical license. The digital version is meant to be convenient when you have your phone, not a substitute for the card.

Can someone else use my digital license if they have my phone?

No. Your phone must be unlocked with your Face ID or Touch ID before anyone can see your license in Wallet. Even if someone steals your phone, they cannot access your digital license without your biometric data. Your physical license is at greater risk if lost or stolen.

Will my digital license work in other states?

It depends on the state. Some states recognize digital licenses from other states, but many do not yet. TSA accepts digital licenses from any state that supports them. Police and businesses may not recognize out-of-state digital IDs. Check the rules in the state where you will be using it.

Do I need to update my digital license if I renew my physical one?

Yes. When you renew your physical license, you will need to add the new one to Wallet. Remove the old license from Wallet and follow the same steps to scan and upload your new card. Your state DMV can tell you whether you need to do this when ready or can wait until a certain date.