How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

What Adding Your License to Apple Wallet Means

Adding your driver's license to Apple Wallet stores a digital copy on your iPhone or Apple Watch that you can show to police during traffic stops or to TSA agents at airport security. You still carry your physical license — the digital version is an additional option. Apple Wallet does not replace your state-issued card, and not all states have made this feature available yet.

The process requires your state to have partnered with Apple, your phone to run iOS 15.1 or later (or watchOS 8.1 or later for Apple Watch), and you to complete a verification step that involves taking photos of your license and your face. Once added, you can display your license on your phone's lock screen or open it from Wallet without unlocking your device.

Key Takeaways

Only certain states currently support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet — check your state's DMV website to confirm availability before starting.
You need an iPhone running iOS 15.1 or later, or an Apple Watch running watchOS 8.1 or later, plus a valid physical driver's license issued by a participating state.
The setup process requires you to photograph both sides of your license and take a selfie, which Apple verifies before adding it to your Wallet.
Your digital license works at TSA checkpoints and during police stops in states where it is supported, but you must still carry your physical license as backup.

Which States Currently Support Digital Licenses

As of early 2024, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Utah have launched digital driver's license support in Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add this feature throughout 2024 and 2025, but the timeline varies. Check your state's DMV website directly — search "[your state] DMV Apple Wallet driver's license" — to see whether your state is currently participating.

Some states have announced plans to support digital licenses but have not yet activated the feature. If your state is not listed as active, you may see it become available later, but there is no set date. The rollout depends on each state's agreement with Apple and their technical readiness.

Device and Software Requirements

Your iPhone must run iOS 15.1 or later to add a driver's license to Wallet. To check your iOS version, open Settings, tap General, then tap About and look at the number next to System Version. If you are running an older version, go to Settings, tap General, then Software Update and install the latest version available.

If you want to add your license to an Apple Watch instead, your watch must run watchOS 8.1 or later. You can check this by opening the Watch app on your iPhone, tapping General, then About. Your iPhone and Apple Watch must be paired and synced for the license to appear on both devices.

Step-by-Step Process to Add Your License

Step 1: Open Wallet and start the process. On your iPhone, open the Wallet app. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. Scroll down and tap Driver's License or State ID. If this option does not appear, your state does not yet support the feature.

Step 2: Choose which document to add. Select Driver's License if you want to add your license, or State ID if you hold only a state identification card. Tap Continue.

Step 3: Photograph your license. Position your license in the frame shown on your screen. Take a clear photo of the front of your license, then the back. Make sure all text is readable and the entire card is visible. Tap Continue.

Step 4: Take a selfie for verification. Follow the on-screen instructions to take a photo of your face. You will be asked to look directly at the camera, then move your head slightly. This step verifies that you are the person on the license. Tap Continue when finished.

Step 5: Review and submit. Check that all information is correct. Tap Submit to send your photos and information to Apple for verification. Do not close the Wallet app during this step.

Step 6: Wait for approval. Apple typically verifies your information within a few minutes, though it can take up to an hour. You will receive a notification when your license has been added to Wallet. Your physical license remains valid during this time.

What Happens After Your License Is Added

Once approved, your digital license appears in your Wallet app. You can display it by opening Wallet, tapping your license, and holding your phone up to show it. At TSA checkpoints, you can tap your license on the reader device without unlocking your phone. During police stops, you can open your license from the lock screen by swiping up and tapping Wallet, then selecting your license.

Your digital license includes the same information as your physical card — name, date of birth, license number, and expiration date. It does not include your Social Security number or other sensitive data. The license is encrypted on your device and Apple does not store a copy of your photos or personal information after verification is complete.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

If your photos are rejected during setup, the most common reason is that the license or your face is not clearly visible. Make sure you are in good lighting, the license is flat and fully in the frame, and your face is clearly visible in the selfie. Avoid shadows, glare, or tilting your phone. If rejection happens again, delete the license from Wallet and start over.

If the Driver's License option does not appear in Wallet, either your state does not support the feature yet or your iOS version is too old. Update to the latest iOS version and check your state's DMV website to confirm support. If your state is supported but the option still does not appear, restart your iPhone and try again.

If your license expires while stored in Wallet, you will need to add your renewed license to Wallet separately. The old license will remain in your Wallet but will be marked as expired. You can delete it manually by swiping left on the license and tapping Delete.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Your digital license is an additional option, not a replacement. Many businesses, police officers, and agencies do not yet accept digital licenses, and some may not accept them at all. Always carry your physical license as your primary form of identification.

Can I add my license to an Apple Watch?

Yes, if your watch runs watchOS 8.1 or later and is paired with your iPhone. Once you add your license to your iPhone, it automatically syncs to your Apple Watch. You can display it by opening Wallet on your watch and tapping your license.

What if I lose my iPhone or it gets stolen?

Your digital license is encrypted and tied to your device. If your phone is lost or stolen, remotely erase it using Find My iPhone to remove the license. You can then add your license to a new iPhone after you set it up. Your physical license remains valid and unaffected.

Can I add a license from a state that does not support Apple Wallet yet?

No. The feature only works in states that have partnered with Apple. If your state is not listed as supporting digital licenses, the option will not appear in Wallet. Check back periodically, as more states are expected to add support over time.

Does adding my license to Wallet cost anything?

No. Adding your license to Apple Wallet is free. There are no fees from Apple or your state DMV for this service.

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.