Apple Wallet driver's licenses work at TSA checkpoints and some state DMVs, but not everywhere yet
You can use your Apple Wallet driver's license at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints in U.S. airports and at some state Department of Motor Vehicles offices. As of now, only a handful of states have rolled out the feature — Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Utah offer digital licenses through Apple Wallet. The list grows periodically as more states build the infrastructure to read them.
The digital license does not replace your physical card for most purposes. You still need the plastic version for traffic stops, rental car counters, bars and restaurants checking your age, and banks opening accounts. Think of your Apple Wallet version as a convenience option for specific situations where TSA or a DMV has installed the technology to scan it.
The feature works only on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad Pro models with the M1 chip or later. If you have an older iPhone, you cannot add a driver's license to Apple Wallet yet, though you can still use Apple Wallet for payment cards and boarding passes.
Key Takeaways
- TSA airport security checkpoints in the United States accept Apple Wallet driver's licenses from the 15 states that currently offer them.
- Your physical driver's license remains required for police traffic stops, car rentals, age verification at stores and bars, and most other everyday uses.
- Only iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad Pro (M1 or later) devices can store a digital driver's license in Apple Wallet.
- When you add a license to Apple Wallet, you choose which information TSA or DMV staff can see — you do not have to show your full card.
- The digital license is encrypted on your device and does not store a copy on Apple's servers.
TSA checkpoints: the main place you will use it
At airport security, you can present your Apple Wallet driver's license instead of your physical card. Hold your iPhone or iPad near the TSA reader, and the officer can verify your identity without touching your phone or seeing information beyond what you authorize. You control what data appears — you can hide your address, for example, if you choose.
This works at major U.S. airports with TSA PreCheck lanes and standard security lines. Not every airport has the readers installed yet, so you should still carry your physical license as a backup. If the reader is not working or the TSA officer is unfamiliar with the feature, you can fall back to your plastic card without delay.
The digital license does not speed up security significantly — the process takes about the same time as scanning a physical card. The main advantage is convenience: you do not have to dig through your wallet, and your phone stays in your hand rather than being passed around.
DMV offices in your state
Some state DMVs have installed readers that accept Apple Wallet licenses for certain transactions. These are typically used when you renew your registration, update your address, or handle other routine business. Not all DMV locations in participating states have the technology yet, so call ahead or check your state's DMV website to confirm your local office accepts digital licenses.
Even in states that support Apple Wallet licenses, the DMV may still require your physical card for some transactions — particularly if you are explore for a Real ID upgrade, renewing your license itself, or handling a suspension or restriction. The digital version is most useful for quick visits where you just need to prove your identity.
What you cannot do with a digital license yet
Police officers do not have readers for Apple Wallet licenses during traffic stops. You must hand over your physical card. The same applies to rental car companies, which need to scan and photograph your license for their records. Banks, insurance agents, and healthcare providers also require the physical card.
Bars, restaurants, and retail stores checking your age cannot read Apple Wallet licenses — they need to see the physical card and verify the expiration date themselves. Age verification is one of the most common ID checks you will face, so your plastic license remains essential for everyday life.
If you are traveling outside the United States, your Apple Wallet license has no value. International travel requires your physical passport or passport card. Some countries do not recognize U.S. state driver's licenses for identification at all, so always research your destination's requirements before you travel.
How to add your license to Apple Wallet
Open the Wallet app on your compatible iPhone or iPad and tap the plus sign to add a new item. Select "Driver's License or State ID," then choose your state from the list. You will be asked to take a photo of the front and back of your physical license, then a selfie for verification. Your state's DMV will review your submission, which typically takes a few days.
Once approved, your digital license appears in Wallet. When you present it at TSA or a DMV reader, you unlock your phone and hold it near the scanner. You can choose to show only your age and name, hiding your address and other details. The officer cannot take a photo of your screen or access information you do not authorize.
If you lose your phone or it is stolen, your digital license is encrypted and cannot be used by someone else — they would need your Face ID or passcode to unlock it. You can also remove the license from Wallet when ready through the app.
Which states currently support Apple Wallet licenses
Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Utah residents can add their driver's licenses to Apple Wallet. If your state is not on this list, you cannot add a license yet, though your state may announce support in the future. Check your state's DMV website for updates.
Even if your state supports the feature, you still need a valid physical license to add a digital version to Wallet. You cannot use the digital license to replace a lost or expired card — you must get a new physical card from your DMV first.
Your physical license is still your primary ID
The Apple Wallet driver's license is a convenience tool for specific situations, not a replacement for your physical card. Keep your plastic license in your wallet at all times. You will need it far more often than you will use the digital version, and many situations — traffic stops, age checks, car rentals, banking — have no digital alternative yet.
As more businesses and agencies install readers over time, the digital license may become more useful. For now, treat it as an optional feature that works at airports and some DMVs, not as something that changes how you carry or use your ID day to day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Apple Wallet license at a police traffic stop?
No. Police officers do not have readers for Apple Wallet licenses. You must provide your physical driver's license. Always carry your plastic card when driving.
What happens if I lose my phone after adding my license to Wallet?
Your digital license is encrypted and locked to your device. Someone who finds your phone cannot access it without your Face ID or passcode. You can remove the license from Wallet remotely through iCloud.com if needed, and you can add it to a new phone once you get one.
Do I need to carry my physical license if I have it in Apple Wallet?
Yes. Your physical license is required for traffic stops, age verification, car rentals, and most other ID checks. The digital version works only at TSA checkpoints and some DMVs. Keep both with you.
Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if my state is not listed?
Not yet. Only the 15 states listed above currently support the feature. Check your state's DMV website periodically for announcements about future support.
Does TSA scan my full license information when I use Apple Wallet?
No. You control what information appears on your screen before you present it. You can hide your address and show only your name and age if you choose. The TSA reader sees only what you authorize.