What Apple Wallet does with your driver's license
Apple Wallet lets you store a digital copy of your driver's license or state ID on your iPhone or Apple Watch. When you add it, you can show it to TSA agents at airport security, some police officers during traffic stops, and certain businesses that check ID — without handing over your physical card. The digital version stays encrypted on your device and requires Face ID or Touch ID to display.
Not every state offers this yet. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Washington have launched the feature or announced plans to launch it. More states are expected to add support over time. Your state's DMV website will tell you whether your state participates.
The digital ID does not replace your physical license. You still need the card itself for some situations — rental car companies, banks, and many retailers still require the physical card. Think of the digital version as an additional option, not a substitute.
Key Takeaways
- You can add your driver's license to Apple Wallet only if your state has launched the feature, which currently includes about 20 states.
- The digital ID requires Face ID or Touch ID each time you show it, so it cannot be accessed if your phone is locked or your biometric fails.
- TSA accepts the digital ID at airport security in participating states, but you still need your physical license for car rentals, banks, and most retail ID checks.
- The process takes place entirely through your state's DMV app or website — Apple does not issue or verify the ID itself.
Which states let you add your license to Apple Wallet
Your state must have built the feature into its DMV system before you can use it. The states currently offering digital driver's licenses or IDs in Apple Wallet are Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Some of these launched the feature recently, while others have had it for over a year.
If your state is not on this list, check your state DMV's website directly. Many states have announced plans to add the feature but have not yet launched it. Your DMV website will have a section about digital ID or mobile driver's license (often called mDL) if your state is working on it. You can also call your state's DMV customer service line to ask when the feature will be available.
How to add your license step by step
The process starts with your state's DMV app or website, not with Apple Wallet itself. Open the app or website for your state's DMV, then look for a section labeled "Digital ID," "Mobile Driver's License," "Add to Wallet," or something similar. You will need to log in with your DMV account or create one if you do not have one already.
Once you are logged in, select the option to add your license to Apple Wallet. You will be asked to verify your identity — this usually means answering security questions, entering information from your physical license, or taking a photo of yourself. Some states use additional verification steps like a video call with a DMV agent. After verification, your state's system will send the digital license to your iPhone or Apple Watch.
The license will appear in Apple Wallet alongside your credit cards and other stored items. You can then use Face ID or Touch ID to display it when asked. The entire process usually takes a few minutes, though some states may take longer to verify your identity.
What information the digital license contains
Your digital driver's license holds the same information as your physical card: your name, date of birth, address, license number, expiration date, and your photo. Some states also include your height, eye color, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. The digital version is encrypted and stored only on your device — it does not sync to iCloud or back up to Apple's servers.
When you show your digital ID, the person viewing it sees the same information they would see on your physical card. They cannot access any additional data about you, and your phone does not transmit your information to them — they are straightforward looking at your screen. If you are concerned about privacy, you can delete the digital license from Apple Wallet at any time and continue using your physical card.
Where you can use your digital driver's license
TSA agents at airport security in participating states can scan or view your digital license to verify your identity. This is the most common use case right now. Some police officers may also accept it during traffic stops, though this varies by state and by individual officer — your state's DMV website will tell you whether law enforcement in your state has been trained to accept digital IDs.
Most other businesses still require your physical card. Car rental companies, banks, liquor stores, and retailers that check ID typically do not yet accept the digital version. Even in states where the feature is available, many businesses have not updated their systems or trained their staff to use it. Always carry your physical license when you expect to need ID for anything other than airport security.
Security and privacy considerations
Your digital license is protected by Face ID or Touch ID, which means someone cannot view it just by picking up your phone. Each time you show the license, you must authenticate with your biometric. If your face or fingerprint does not match, the license will not display. This makes the digital version more find than your physical card in some ways — a thief cannot straightforward use it without your knowledge.
The license is encrypted on your device and does not leave your phone unless you actively choose to show it. Apple does not store a copy, and your state's DMV cannot access it remotely. If you lose your phone, the license is gone from that device, but you can add it again to a new phone once you set it up. If you are uncomfortable storing your ID digitally, you can straightforward not add it and continue using your physical license for everything.
What to do if your state does not offer this yet
If your state has not launched digital ID support, your only option is to use your physical driver's license. Check your state DMV's website periodically to see if the feature has been added. Many states have announced timelines for launching the feature, so your DMV website may have information about when it will become available.
In the meantime, keep your physical license in a safe place and carry it whenever you expect to need ID. Some states are also exploring other digital ID options outside of Apple Wallet, such as Google Wallet or state-specific apps, so your state may offer an alternative even if Apple Wallet support is not yet available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my digital license if my phone battery dies?
No. Your phone must be powered on and unlocked to display the digital license. If your battery is dead, you will need your physical card. This is one reason to always carry your physical license as a backup.
What happens if I get a new phone?
You can add your digital license to your new phone by going through the same process with your state's DMV app or website. The license on your old phone will no longer work once you remove it from that device.
Can TSA officers require me to use the digital version instead of my physical card?
No. TSA accepts both the digital and physical versions. You can choose which one to show. If you prefer to use your physical card, you can do so.
Is my information safe if I show my digital license to someone?
Your phone displays the information, but does not transmit it. The person viewing it sees only what is on your screen — the same information that appears on your physical card. They cannot access any additional data about you or your phone.
What if I want to remove my license from Apple Wallet?
Open Apple Wallet, find your driver's license, tap the three dots or menu icon, and select the option to remove or delete it. You can add it back later through your state's DMV app if you change your mind.