Apple Wallet driver's license is available in only a handful of states, and the list is growing slowly

You can add your driver's license to Apple Wallet in Arizona, Georgia, and Maryland as of now. Colorado, Hawaii, Mississippi, and Ohio have announced plans to add the feature but have not yet launched it. The feature works on iPhone and Apple Watch, and you present it by unlocking your phone or tapping your watch at a police stop or airport security checkpoint.

This is not the same as a Real ID or a digital ID card from your state's DMV. It is a digital copy of your license that lives in the Wallet app alongside your credit cards and boarding passes. Your physical license remains valid and required in all states, even in those where Apple Wallet support exists.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona, Georgia, and Maryland currently allow you to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet; Colorado, Hawaii, Mississippi, and Ohio plan to launch the feature later.
  • Adding your license to Apple Wallet does not replace your physical license — you still need to carry the card itself.
  • You can present your Apple Wallet license at airport security and during police stops in states where the feature is active.
  • The process requires your iPhone or Apple Watch to be unlocked, and you must have a valid license issued by a participating state.

How to add your license to Apple Wallet in participating states

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" and 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. Apple uses facial recognition to verify that the person in the selfie matches the photo on your license.

After verification, your license appears in Wallet. To show it to an officer or security agent, unlock your iPhone or Apple Watch and open Wallet, then tap your license and hold it up. You do not need to hand over your phone — the other person can see the information on your screen. Some airports and police departments may still ask to see your physical card as well.

What states have launched Apple Wallet driver's license

Arizona was the first state to launch the feature in March 2023. Georgia followed in September 2023. Maryland added support in October 2024. All three states allow both driver's licenses and state ID cards to be added to Wallet.

The rollout has been slower than Apple initially suggested. When the company first announced the feature in 2021, it projected that many states would adopt it within a year or two. Adoption depends on each state's DMV infrastructure, security standards, and legislative approval. Some states have not yet committed to a launch date.

States planning to add Apple Wallet driver's license

Colorado, Hawaii, Mississippi, and Ohio have publicly announced that they will support Apple Wallet driver's license in the future. None of these states has set a firm launch date. Colorado and Hawaii have been in development longer than Mississippi and Ohio, but timelines remain unclear.

If your state is not on either list, you can check your state DMV's website or contact them directly to ask whether they plan to support the feature. Some states may be evaluating it without having made a public announcement yet.

How Apple Wallet license differs from Real ID and digital ID

Apple Wallet driver's license is a digital copy you control through your phone. Real ID is a federal security standard that applies to your physical card — it means your state's DMV verified your identity documents more thoroughly than usual. You can have a Real ID physical card and also add that same license to Apple Wallet.

Some states offer their own digital ID apps separate from Apple Wallet. These are usually run by the state DMV and may have different security features or acceptance rules. Apple Wallet is a third-party app that Apple manages, though it works with state DMV data. The physical license you carry remains the primary proof of identity in all cases.

Where you can use Apple Wallet driver's license

Airport security at major U.S. airports accepts Apple Wallet driver's license in participating states. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has approved the feature for use at checkpoints. Police officers during traffic stops may also accept it, though some departments are still training officers on how to verify it.

Not every business, bar, or retailer will accept Apple Wallet license yet. Banks, rental car companies, and other institutions that check ID may still require your physical card. It is safest to carry your physical license at all times, even in states where Apple Wallet is available. The digital version is a convenience, not a replacement.

Requirements to add your license to Apple Wallet

You need an iPhone 12 or newer, or an Apple Watch Series 7 or newer. Your device must be running the current version of iOS or watchOS. You must have a valid driver's license or state ID issued by Arizona, Georgia, or Maryland (or a state that has launched the feature by the time you read this).

Apple will ask you to verify your identity using facial recognition. You will need to take a clear photo of your license and a selfie. The process usually takes a few minutes. If verification fails, you can try again or contact your state DMV for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need to carry my physical driver's license if I add it to Apple Wallet?

Yes. Your physical license is still required and is the primary form of ID. Apple Wallet is a convenience for situations where you can show your phone, but many places still ask for the physical card. Always carry both.

Can I use Apple Wallet driver's license at a bar or store that checks ID?

Some bars and retailers may accept it, but many still require the physical card. It depends on the business. Do not assume a location will take the digital version — bring your physical license to be safe.

What happens if my phone dies or I lose it?

Your physical license is still valid. You can use it anywhere. If you lose your phone, your license data is not lost — it is stored on Apple's servers and linked to your Apple ID. You can add it to a new phone once you set it up.

Is Apple Wallet driver's license the same as Real ID?

No. Real ID is a federal security standard for your physical card. Apple Wallet is a digital copy. You can have both — a Real ID physical license that you also add to Apple Wallet. They serve different purposes.

When will my state add Apple Wallet driver's license?

Check your state DMV's website for announcements. If your state has not announced plans, you can contact the DMV directly to ask. Timelines vary widely and depend on each state's technical and legal requirements.