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 on your iPhone or iPad. When you add your license, you can show it to TSA agents at airport security or to police officers during traffic stops without handing over your physical card. Not every state offers this yet, and not every iPhone model supports it, but the feature is expanding.
The process takes about 10 minutes. You'll need your physical driver's license, a compatible Apple device, and to live in a state where the feature is available. Apple handles the verification directly with your state's DMV, so you don't contact the DMV yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Wallet stores a digital driver's license that works at TSA checkpoints and during police stops in participating states.
- Only certain states currently support digital licenses in Apple Wallet, and the list grows regularly.
- You need an iPhone 12 or newer, or an iPad Pro with Face ID, to use this feature.
- Your physical driver's license remains valid and necessary; the digital version is an additional option, not a replacement.
- Apple verifies your identity with your state's DMV during setup, and you control what information is shown each time you present it.
Which states let you add your driver's license to Apple Wallet
As of now, Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Utah support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet. Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming have announced plans to add the feature but have not launched it yet. The list changes regularly, so check Apple's official support page to see if your state is current.
If your state is not yet on either list, you cannot add your license to Apple Wallet at this time. You will still need to carry your physical driver's license for identification.
What devices can hold a digital driver's license
You need an iPhone 12 or newer to add and use a digital driver's license in Apple Wallet. iPad Pro models with Face ID (the 11-inch and 12.9-inch models from 2018 and later) also support the feature. Older iPhones, regular iPads, and Android devices cannot store digital licenses through Apple Wallet.
Your device must be running the current version of iOS or iPadOS. If you have an older iPhone or iPad, you cannot use this feature even if your state supports it.
How to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the menu. Choose your state from the list. The app will ask you to take a photo of the front and back of your physical driver's license using your device's camera.
After you photograph both sides, Apple will ask you to take a selfie and verify your identity. You may be asked to move your head or blink to confirm you are the person in the photo. Apple then sends your information to your state's DMV for verification. This process usually takes a few minutes, though it can take longer if the DMV is processing a high volume of requests.
Once your state's DMV confirms your identity, your digital license appears in Wallet. You can now show it at airport security or during police stops without removing your physical card from your wallet.
How to show your digital license when you need it
At TSA checkpoints, hold your iPhone or iPad up to the reader device at security. Your face will appear on the screen along with your license information. You do not need to unlock your phone or open the Wallet app first—just hold it near the reader.
During a police stop, open Wallet, tap your digital license, and hand your phone to the officer. The officer can see your photo, name, address, and license number. You control what information appears—you can choose to show only your license number and photo if you prefer, without displaying your address. Your phone must have battery to use this feature.
Your physical driver's license remains valid for all purposes. You can use either the digital or physical version, or both. Some situations may still require your physical card, so keep it with you.
What happens to your information when you add your license
Apple does not store your driver's license information on its servers. The data stays encrypted on your device. When you show your digital license at TSA or to a police officer, the reader scans information directly from your phone—Apple does not see the transaction or receive a copy of your data.
Your state's DMV verifies your identity during setup but does not receive ongoing updates about where or when you use your digital license. You can remove your digital license from Wallet at any time, which deletes it from your device.
When you cannot use your digital license
Your digital license works at TSA airport security and during police traffic stops in states that support the feature. It does not work at bars, liquor stores, or other businesses that check ID for age verification. You must carry your physical driver's license for those situations.
Some government offices, banks, and other institutions may not accept digital licenses yet. If you are unsure whether a specific place will take your digital version, bring your physical license as backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my state is not on the list yet?
You cannot add your license to Apple Wallet if your state has not launched the feature. Check Apple's support page periodically, as more states are added regularly. Until your state joins the program, you will need to carry your physical driver's license.
Do I still need my physical driver's license?
Yes. Your physical license remains valid and necessary. The digital version is an additional option for convenience at airports and police stops, not a replacement. Keep your physical license with you at all times.
What if I lose my phone or it runs out of battery?
You cannot show your digital license if your phone is off or has no battery. This is why you should always carry your physical driver's license. If you lose your phone, your digital license is deleted from it, but your actual driver's license remains valid.
Can I add my ID if I just got my driver's license?
Yes, as long as your license is valid and your state supports digital licenses in Apple Wallet. You will go through the same verification process. Your physical license must be in good condition so Apple can photograph both sides clearly.
Will adding my license to Apple Wallet affect my actual driver's license?
No. Adding a digital copy does not change your physical license or your driving record. The two are separate. You can remove the digital version from Wallet anytime without affecting your actual license.