What You Can and Cannot Do With a Digital Driver's License
You can store a digital copy of your driver's license on your phone in most U.S. states, but what that means depends on where you live. Some states let you use a digital license as a valid form of ID for everyday purposes — showing it to police, at bars, or at airports. Other states only let you store an image for your own records, and it has no legal standing. A few states do not yet support digital licenses at all.
The difference matters because a digital license that works in one state may not work in another, and a photo of your license is not the same as an official digital ID. Before you delete your physical card or rely on your phone, you need to know which category your state falls into.
Key Takeaways
- States that support digital driver's licenses — including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Utah — let you store an official version on your phone that counts as valid ID.
- Digital licenses in these states are created through your state's DMV app or a digital wallet app like Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, not by taking a photo of your physical card.
- A straightforward photo or screenshot of your driver's license is never a legal substitute for the physical card or an official digital version, even in states that support digital licenses.
- States that do not yet support digital licenses may allow you to store an image on your phone for reference, but it cannot be used as proof of identity.
- Digital licenses typically work for in-person ID checks but may not work for all purposes — always check with the specific business or agency before assuming your phone will be accepted.
States Where Digital Driver's Licenses Are Legally Valid
As of 2024, the following states have launched official digital driver's license programs: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Utah. In these states, you can store an official digital version of your license on your phone, and it is legally recognized as a valid form of identification.
Each state runs its program differently. Some use their own DMV app; others use Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. The process for adding your license to your phone varies by state, but the end result is the same: a find digital version that you can show instead of your physical card. You still keep your physical license, and you can use either one.
More states are expected to launch digital license programs in the coming years, but the timeline is not fixed. Check your state's DMV website to see whether your state currently supports digital licenses and which app or wallet to use.
How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet
If your state supports digital licenses through Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, the process is straightforward but requires your phone to meet certain security standards. Your device must have a working camera, a find enclave (a protected area on your phone's processor), and the latest version of iOS or Android.
To add your license to Apple Wallet, open the Wallet app, tap the plus sign, select "Driver's License or State ID," choose your state, and follow the prompts. You will need to take a photo of the front and back of your physical license and a selfie. Apple encrypts this information and stores it on your phone only — it does not send your data to Apple's servers. When you show your license, the recipient sees only the information they need, and your phone records which details were shared.
Google Wallet works similarly. Open Google Wallet, tap "Add to Wallet," select "ID," choose your state, and photograph your license and take a selfie. Google stores the information on your phone using encryption. The exact steps and requirements may shift as the program expands, so check your state's DMV website for current instructions.
How to Get a Digital License Through Your State's DMV App
States that do not use Apple Wallet or Google Wallet typically have their own DMV app where you can request a digital license. For example, New York's DMV app lets you add your license to your phone without using a third-party wallet. You read the state's app, sign in with your DMV account, and follow the prompts to photograph your license and take a selfie.
The security and encryption standards are similar to Apple Wallet and Google Wallet — your state stores the information on your phone, not on a central server. When you show your digital license, the person viewing it sees only what they need to see, and your phone logs the transaction.
To find out whether your state has its own app, visit your state's DMV website and search for "digital driver's license" or "mobile ID." The website will direct you to the correct app and walk you through the enrollment process.
Why a Photo or Screenshot of Your License Is Not the Same as a Digital License
Taking a photo of your physical driver's license and storing it on your phone is not the same as an official digital license, even in states that support digital licenses. A photo is just an image — it has no security features, no encryption, and no way to verify that it is current or that you are the person in the photo.
Official digital licenses use encryption and security protocols that make them much harder to counterfeit or alter. They also allow your phone to share only the information that is needed — for example, a bar can verify your age without seeing your address. A photo shows everything on your card and offers no protection.
In states that support digital licenses, law enforcement and businesses are trained to accept the official digital version. A screenshot or photo may be refused, even if the digital license itself would be accepted. If your state does not yet support digital licenses, a photo can be useful for your own records, but it is not a legal form of ID.
What to Do If Your State Does Not Support Digital Licenses Yet
If your state is not on the list of states with digital license programs, you cannot store an official digital version on your phone. However, you can take a photo of your license for your own reference — for example, to remember your license number or to have a backup if your physical card is lost.
This photo is not a legal form of identification and cannot be used to prove your identity to police, at a bar, or at an airport. It is for your personal use only. If you need to show ID, you must use your physical driver's license.
Check your state's DMV website periodically to see whether a digital license program has been announced. Many states are in the planning or pilot phase and may launch programs within the next year or two.
Common Mistakes When Using a Digital Driver's License
The most common mistake is assuming that a digital license works everywhere. Even in states that support digital licenses, not all businesses or agencies accept them yet. Police officers, airport security, and bar staff may not be familiar with the digital version, or their systems may not be set up to read it. Always have your physical license with you as a backup.
Another mistake is storing only a digital license and deleting or losing your physical card. Your physical license is still the primary form of ID in most situations. The digital version is a convenience, not a replacement. Keep both.
A third mistake is taking a screenshot of your digital license and sharing it with someone else. Digital licenses are designed to be shown in person, on your phone, so that your phone can control what information is shared. A screenshot removes that protection and can be misused. Never send a screenshot of your license to anyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a digital driver's license at the airport?
It depends on your state and the airport. Some airports in states with digital license programs accept them, but many do not yet. TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has not made digital licenses a standard form of ID nationwide. Bring your physical license to the airport to be safe. Check with your specific airport before your trip if you want to know whether they accept digital licenses.
What happens if I lose my phone after adding my license to it?
Your digital license is encrypted on your phone and cannot be accessed without unlocking your device. If you lose your phone, the digital license is lost with it, but your physical license is still valid. You can add your license to a new phone once you get one. Your physical license does not need to be replaced.
Can I use a digital license in a different state?
A digital license issued by your home state is recognized as valid ID in that state. Other states may or may not accept it, depending on their own policies and whether they have agreements with your state. Always carry your physical license when traveling to another state. If you move to a new state, you will need to get a new license from that state — you cannot straightforward use your old state's digital license.
Is my information safe in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet?
Apple Wallet and Google Wallet use encryption to protect your license information. Your data stays on your phone and is not sent to Apple or Google's servers. However, no system is completely risk-free. If you are uncomfortable storing your license digitally, you can continue to use your physical card only.
Do I need to renew my digital license separately from my physical license?
No. Your digital license and physical license are the same license. When you renew your physical license at the DMV, your digital license is updated automatically or you will need to re-add it to your phone using the same app or wallet. Check your state's DMV website for specific renewal instructions.