How to Add and Use Your Driver's License in Apple Wallet

What Apple Wallet Does With Your Driver's License

Apple Wallet stores a digital copy of your driver's license that you can show on your iPhone or Apple Watch instead of pulling out your physical card. When you present it, the person checking your ID — a TSA agent, police officer, or bartender — taps or scans your phone to see only the information they need. You control what gets shown each time; the system doesn't hand over your full license data automatically.

Not every state offers this yet. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming have made digital IDs available through Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add the feature, but the timeline varies.

You still need your physical license. The digital version is a supplement, not a replacement. You cannot use it everywhere a physical ID works — some locations, businesses, and situations still require the card itself.

Key Takeaways

Your state's DMV must support digital IDs in Apple Wallet before you can add your license; check your state's DMV website to confirm availability.
You need an iPhone XS or newer, or an Apple Watch Series 4 or newer, and you must be running the current version of iOS or watchOS.
The setup process asks you to take a photo of your license and a selfie, then verify your identity through your state's DMV system.
When you show your ID, the person checking it taps or scans your phone; you decide what information appears each time.
Your digital license stays encrypted on your device and does not sync to iCloud or other backups.

Check Whether Your State Supports Digital IDs

Before you start, confirm that your state's DMV has rolled out digital ID support. Visit your state's DMV website and search for "digital driver's license" or "Apple Wallet." The page will tell you whether the feature is live, coming soon, or not yet planned.

If your state is listed as supporting digital IDs, the DMV website usually links directly to instructions or to the Apple Wallet app itself. Some states have their own dedicated pages explaining the process; others direct you straight to Apple's setup flow within the Wallet app.

Gather the Documents and Information You Will Need

Have your physical driver's license in front of you before you start. You will need to photograph both the front and back of the card, so make sure the lighting is clear and the text is readable.

You will also need to take a selfie during setup. Your phone's camera will guide you through this; the system checks that you match the photo on your license. Wear similar clothing and avoid heavy shadows or glare on your face.

Make sure your iPhone or Apple Watch is charged and connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data. The upload process requires a stable connection, and a weak signal can interrupt the verification step.

Add Your License to Apple Wallet on iPhone

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner, then select "Driver's License or State ID." The app will ask you to choose your state from a list — only states that support digital IDs will appear as options.

Follow the on-screen prompts to photograph the front of your license, then the back. Hold the card flat and centered in the frame; the camera will tell you when the image is clear enough. After both photos are captured, take a selfie. The system will compare your face to the license photo to verify it is you.

Next, you will be directed to your state's DMV portal to complete identity verification. This step varies by state but usually involves answering security questions or confirming personal details from your DMV record. Once your state's system confirms your identity, the digital license is added to Wallet and encrypted on your device.

Add Your License to Apple Watch

If you have an Apple Watch Series 4 or newer, you can add your digital license there as well. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone, scroll to your digital driver's license, and tap it. Select "Add to Apple Watch," then follow the prompts to confirm.

The license transfers to your watch and stays synced. If you update or replace your license on your iPhone, the watch version updates automatically. You can show your ID from either device — whichever is more convenient at the moment.

Present Your Digital License When Needed

When you need to show your ID, open Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch and select your driver's license. The screen will display your license and ask you to authenticate — usually with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. This step confirms that you are the person presenting the ID.

Once you authenticate, the person checking your ID can tap or scan your phone to view the information. You control what data appears: if they only need to verify your age, you can choose to show only that. If they need your full license details, you can show everything. The system does not transmit your Social Security number, address, or other sensitive details unless you explicitly allow it.

After the scan, the information disappears from the screen. The person checking your ID does not receive a copy or a record of the transaction on their end — they see only what you showed them in that moment.

Update or Remove Your Digital License

If your physical license is renewed or replaced, you will need to add the new one to Wallet. Open the Wallet app, tap the plus sign, and repeat the process with your new card. You can keep the old digital license in Wallet until you are sure the new one is working, then delete it by swiping left on the old license and tapping "Remove."

If you lose your phone or Apple Watch, your digital license is encrypted and cannot be accessed without your device passcode or biometric authentication. If you get a new device, you will need to add your license again through the same process.

To remove your digital license from Wallet at any time, open the Wallet app, tap and hold your driver's license, then select "Remove." The license is deleted from your device but remains valid on your physical card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license everywhere I use my physical license?

No. Some locations, businesses, and situations still require a physical card. TSA checkpoints at airports accept digital IDs in participating states, and many bars and retailers do as well, but not all. Always carry your physical license as a backup.

What happens if my phone dies or I forget it?

You cannot show your digital license if your device is off or unavailable. This is why you must keep your physical license with you at all times. The digital version is a convenience, not a replacement.

Is my information safe in Apple Wallet?

Your digital license is encrypted on your device and does not sync to iCloud or backups. Only you can unlock it with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. The person scanning your ID receives only the information you choose to show, and no record is stored on their device.

Can I add someone else's license to my phone?

No. The setup process requires you to take a selfie and verify your identity through your state's DMV system. Each person must add their own license to their own device.

What if my state does not support digital IDs yet?

Check your state's DMV website for updates on when the feature will launch. In the meantime, keep your physical license with you. You can also contact your state's DMV directly to ask about the timeline for digital ID rollout.

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.