How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

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, and some police officers can read it during traffic stops — though they can also ask for the physical card. The digital version does not replace your physical license; you still need to carry the actual card.

The feature is available in some states but not all. Your state must have partnered with Apple to support digital IDs, and your phone must be running iOS 15.1 or later. Even if your state supports it, not every officer or TSA agent is equipped to read the digital version yet, so the physical card remains your primary form of ID.

Key Takeaways

Only certain states currently support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet, and you can only add a license from a state where you hold an actual license.
You will need your physical driver's license, a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch, and internet access to complete the setup process.
The digital version works at TSA checkpoints and some police traffic stops, but you must still carry your physical card as your primary ID.
Adding your license takes about 10 to 15 minutes and involves taking photos and answering security questions through the Wallet app.

Which states currently support digital driver's licenses

As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Utah have launched digital ID support in Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add support over time, but the list changes. Check Apple's official support page or your state's DMV website to confirm whether your state is included.

If your state is not yet on the list, you cannot add your license to Wallet. You will need to wait until your state's DMV completes the technical work to partner with Apple. Some states have announced plans but have not yet launched the feature.

How to add your driver's license step by step

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 which type of ID you want to add and which state issued it. Select your state and the type of ID (driver's license or state ID card).

Next, you will take a photo of the front of your physical license and then the back. The app uses these images to read the information on your card. Hold the card flat under good lighting and follow the on-screen prompts. After the photos are taken, you will enter your date of birth and answer security questions to verify your identity.

Once you have answered the questions, Apple sends your information to your state's DMV for verification. This step can take a few minutes to several hours. You will see a notification in Wallet when the verification is complete. At that point, your digital ID is ready to use.

What information gets stored and how it is protected

Your digital license stores the same information as your physical card: name, date of birth, address, license number, and expiration date. Apple encrypts this data and stores it only on your device, not on Apple's servers. When you show your ID to TSA or a police officer, they scan it using a special reader, and only the information you choose to share is transmitted.

You control what information is shown each time. When someone scans your digital ID, you can review what data they are requesting before you approve it. This is different from handing over your physical card, where the other person sees everything at once. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remove the digital ID from that device through iCloud.

Using your digital ID at airport security and traffic stops

At TSA checkpoints, you can present your digital ID by unlocking your iPhone or Apple Watch and holding it up to the TSA agent's reader. The agent scans the ID, and you approve the information being shared. This works at most major U.S. airports, though some smaller airports may not yet have the readers installed. You can still use your physical license at any airport.

During a traffic stop, a police officer can ask to see your digital ID if your state supports it and the officer has the right equipment. You are not required to show the digital version if you have your physical card with you. Some departments have the readers; many do not yet. If an officer does not have a reader or asks for your physical card, provide the physical license.

Troubleshooting common problems when adding your license

If the app rejects your photos, make sure the license is flat, well-lit, and fully visible in the frame. Shadows and glare can cause the camera to fail to read the card. Try again in a brighter location. If the verification step fails, double-check that you entered your date of birth correctly and answered the security questions accurately.

If your state is not showing up in the app, your phone may not be running the latest iOS version. Go to Settings, tap General, then Software Update, and install any available updates. If your state still does not appear after updating, your state does not yet support digital IDs in Apple Wallet. Check your state's DMV website for updates on when support will launch.

If you see an error message during verification, try again after a few hours. The DMV's system may be temporarily busy. If the problem continues, contact your state's DMV directly with your license number and the error message you received.

What to do if you lose your phone or upgrade to a new one

If your phone is lost or stolen, remove your digital ID when ready through iCloud.com. Sign in to your account, go to Find My, select your device, and choose Erase This Device. This removes the digital ID from that phone. You can then add your license to a new phone by repeating the setup process.

When you upgrade to a new iPhone, your digital ID may transfer automatically if you restore from a backup. If it does not, open Wallet on the new phone and add your license again. The process is the same as the first time, and verification usually happens faster because the DMV already has your information on file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a license from a state where I do not live?

No. You can only add a license that was actually issued to you. If you moved to a new state, you would need to get a license from that state first before you could add it to Wallet. You cannot add an out-of-state license even if you still hold it.

Do I still need to carry my physical driver's license?

Yes. The digital version is a supplement, not a replacement. Many officers and locations do not yet have readers, and you are always safer carrying the physical card. Some situations, like rental car pickups, may still require the physical card.

What happens if my digital ID expires?

You will need to renew your physical license through your state's DMV. Once your new physical license arrives, you can remove the old digital ID from Wallet and add the new one using the same process.

Can someone else see my digital ID if they have my phone?

No. Your phone must be unlocked, and you must approve the information share each time someone scans it. A locked phone cannot be used to show your ID without your permission.

Is the digital ID accepted everywhere the physical license is?

Not yet. TSA accepts it at most major airports, and some police departments have readers. Many businesses, bars, and other locations still require the physical card. Always carry your physical license as your primary form of ID.

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.