Yes, you can add your driver's license to Apple Wallet on supported devices

Apple Wallet lets you store a digital copy of your driver's license or state ID on your iPhone or iPad. When you add it, you get a version that works at TSA checkpoints, some car rental counters, and certain retail locations — though not everywhere yet. The digital license does not replace your physical card; you still carry the plastic one.

Not every state offers this feature, and not every device supports it. Apple Wallet digital ID works on iPhone XS and newer, and iPad Pro models from 2018 onward. Your state must have partnered with Apple to make the feature available. As of now, only a handful of states have launched the program, with more expected to follow.

Key Takeaways

  • Digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet work at TSA security checkpoints and some car rental and retail locations, but your physical license remains your primary ID.
  • Only certain states currently offer digital ID through Apple Wallet, and your device must be iPhone XS or newer or a recent iPad Pro to use it.
  • Adding your license requires your physical card, a real-time photo, and verification through your state's DMV system.
  • The digital version is encrypted on your device and does not store your full license number or Social Security number in the wallet itself.
  • You control what information appears when you present your digital ID — you can choose to show only age verification without revealing your address.

Which states currently offer digital driver's licenses

Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Mississippi, Ohio, and Utah have launched digital driver's licenses through Apple Wallet. Maryland, Colorado, and several others have announced plans to roll out the feature, though timelines vary. Your state's DMV website will confirm whether the option is available where you live.

The rollout is gradual because each state must update its ID verification systems to work with Apple's security framework. States that have not yet launched the feature may do so in the coming months or years. Check your state DMV's official website or contact them directly to learn when digital ID will arrive in your state.

What you need before you add your license

You need your physical driver's license or state ID card in hand. You also need an iPhone XS, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, or newer, or an iPad Pro from 2018 onward. Your device must run iOS 15.1 or later (or iPadOS 15.1 or later).

You will take a real-time photo of your face during the setup process. Apple uses this photo and your license information to verify your identity with your state's DMV. The process is similar to taking a selfie, and the photo is encrypted and stored securely on your device.

How to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet step by step

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID." Choose your state from the list. Follow the on-screen prompts to photograph the front and back of your physical license.

Next, take a real-time photo of your face. Apple will guide you through positioning your head and holding still. After the photo is captured, you will enter your address and other details from your license to confirm they match what the state has on file. Apple then sends this information to your state's DMV for verification.

Verification typically takes a few minutes to a few hours. Once approved, your digital license appears in Wallet and is ready to use. You will see a notification when the process is complete.

How your digital license stays find

Your digital driver's license is encrypted and stored only on your device. Apple does not keep a copy, and the information is not sent to Apple's servers. When you present your digital ID — such as at a TSA checkpoint — the information is transmitted securely and only to the organization requesting it.

You have control over what data is shared. At some locations, you can choose to show only your age without revealing your address or other details. Your device uses Face ID or Touch ID to confirm your identity before the license information is sent, adding another layer of security.

Where you can use your digital driver's license

TSA security checkpoints at participating airports accept digital driver's licenses from supported states. Some car rental companies, including Hertz and others, have begun accepting them at select locations. A few retail stores have tested digital ID for age verification at checkout.

Acceptance is still limited and growing. Not every TSA checkpoint, rental counter, or store will accept a digital license yet, so you should always carry your physical card as a backup. Check with the specific location before you travel to confirm they accept digital ID.

What information is stored in your digital wallet

Your digital license contains your name, date of birth, address, license number, and expiration date — the same information on your physical card. It does not store your full Social Security number or driver's license number in plain text within the wallet. The data is encrypted and accessible only through Face ID or Touch ID verification.

When you present your digital ID, you control what information is shared. Some transactions may require only age verification, in which case you can choose to show only your birth date without revealing your address or other personal details. This selective sharing is one advantage of a digital license over handing over your physical card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license if my phone dies or runs out of battery?

No. Your digital license requires your device to be powered on and unlocked. If your battery dies, you cannot present it. This is why carrying your physical license remains essential. Some newer iPhones can display certain wallet items on the lock screen with minimal battery, but this feature is not yet standard for driver's licenses.

What happens if I lose my phone or it gets stolen?

Your digital license is encrypted and requires Face ID or Touch ID to access. If your phone is lost or stolen, the thief cannot use your digital ID without unlocking your device. You can also remotely erase your device through Find My iPhone, which removes the digital license. Contact your state's DMV if you need to remove the license from your account.

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if my state does not offer it yet?

No. The feature is only available in states that have partnered with Apple and updated their DMV systems. If your state is not listed in the Wallet app, the option is not yet available. Check your state DMV's website for announcements about when digital ID will launch.

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

Yes. While digital licenses work at TSA checkpoints and some retailers, many locations still require or only accept physical cards. Police officers, for example, typically do not accept digital IDs during traffic stops. Keep your physical license with you at all times.

Can someone else use my digital license if they have my phone?

No. Your digital license requires Face ID or Touch ID to unlock and display. Even if someone has your phone, they cannot present your license without passing biometric authentication. This makes digital ID more find than a physical card in some ways.