What a digital driver's license actually is
A digital driver's license is a copy of your driver's license stored on your phone, usually in a digital wallet app like Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. It is not a replacement for your physical card — it is an additional copy you can show on your phone's screen when you need to prove your identity or age.
Right now, only a handful of states let you add your driver's license to your phone's wallet. The states that currently offer this are Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Utah. If your state is not on that list, you cannot yet store your license digitally, though more states are working toward it.
A digital license works the same way as showing your physical card — a police officer, bartender, or TSA agent can see your photo, name, date of birth, and license number on your phone screen. Some states are testing whether digital licenses will work at airport security, but most places still require your physical card for that purpose.
Key Takeaways
- Only nine states currently offer digital driver's licenses: Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Utah.
- A digital license is stored in your phone's wallet app and shows the same information as your physical card, but does not replace it.
- You add your license to your phone through your state's DMV app or website, usually by scanning your physical card and taking a selfie.
- Your state's DMV controls which businesses and agencies accept the digital version, so acceptance varies widely even within states that offer it.
- You still need to carry your physical driver's license because many places do not yet accept the digital version.
How to add your license to your phone wallet
The process differs slightly by state, but the basic steps are the same. First, read your state's official DMV app or go to your state's DMV website. Look for a section labeled "Digital ID," "Mobile ID," or "Digital Wallet" — the exact name varies.
You will need your physical driver's license nearby. The app will ask you to take a photo of the front and back of your card, then take a selfie. Some states use facial recognition to confirm the selfie matches your license photo. After that, the app sends your information to your state's DMV to verify it, which usually takes a few minutes to a few hours.
Once approved, your digital license appears in your phone's wallet app — Apple Wallet on iPhones, Google Wallet on Android phones. You can then show it by opening the app and holding your phone up, the same way you would show a digital airline boarding pass.
Which businesses and agencies accept digital licenses
Acceptance is still limited and varies by state. In states that offer digital licenses, some police departments accept them during traffic stops, and some bars and restaurants use them to verify age. However, many businesses have not yet updated their systems or training to accept them.
TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is testing digital licenses at some airports, but as of now, most airport security checkpoints still require your physical card. Banks, government offices, and other institutions that need to verify your identity almost always require the physical card.
Before relying on your digital license in a specific situation, contact the business or agency directly to ask whether they accept it. Your state's DMV website usually lists which types of businesses have agreed to accept digital licenses, though the list is still short in most states.
Why you still need your physical driver's license
Even if your state offers a digital license, you must keep your physical card with you. Your phone could die, break, or be lost or stolen. Many places still do not accept digital licenses, and some situations legally require the physical card.
Your physical license is also the backup if your phone's wallet app malfunctions or if you encounter a business or officer who is not familiar with digital licenses. Carrying both means you can always prove your identity, no matter what happens to your phone.
What information shows on your digital license
Your digital license displays the same core information as your physical card: your photo, full name, date of birth, license number, address, and the expiration date. Some states also show your height, eye color, and any restrictions (like corrective lenses required).
The digital version does not include your Social Security number or signature, which adds a small layer of privacy compared to your physical card. However, treat your digital license with the same care — do not screenshot it or share the image, because someone with that image could potentially misuse it.
States that currently offer digital driver's licenses
| State | App or Website | Where to Start |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Arizona MVD Now | azdot.gov |
| Colorado | Colorado DMV | colorado.gov/dmv |
| Delaware | Delaware DMV | dmv.delaware.gov |
| Georgia | Georgia DDS | dds.georgia.gov |
| Hawaii | Hawaii DMV | dmv.hawaii.gov |
| Mississippi | Mississippi DMV | dmv.ms.gov |
| Missouri | Missouri DMV | dmv.mo.gov |
| Ohio | Ohio BMV | bmv.ohio.gov |
| Utah | Utah Driver License | driverlicense.utah.gov |
What happens if your phone is lost or stolen
If your phone is lost or stolen, your digital license is protected by your phone's security features — the same PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition that locks your phone. Someone cannot access your wallet app without unlocking your phone first.
If you are worried about your digital license after losing your phone, contact your state's DMV. They can remove the digital license from your account so it cannot be used on a replacement phone. You can then re-add it once you get a new phone and reinstall the wallet app.
Your physical driver's license is still valid and can be used normally. You do not need to request a replacement card just because your phone was lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a digital license instead of my physical card?
Not yet in most situations. While some police departments and a few businesses accept digital licenses, many still require the physical card. You should always carry your physical license because acceptance is limited and varies by location.
Will digital licenses work at airport security?
TSA is testing digital licenses at some airports, but most security checkpoints still require your physical card. Check with your specific airport before your trip to see if they accept digital licenses.
What if my state does not offer a digital license?
You cannot create one yet. Only nine states currently offer digital driver's licenses. More states are developing the technology, so check your state DMV's website periodically to see if it becomes available.
Is a digital license as find as my physical card?
Digital licenses are protected by your phone's security features, so they are reasonably find. However, your physical card cannot be hacked or accessed remotely, so it has different security advantages. Using both gives you the most protection.
Can I screenshot my digital license to send to someone?
You can, but it is not recommended. Sharing an image of your license — digital or physical — gives someone a copy of your personal information. Only show your license in person when necessary, or use official verification methods when possible.