How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

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 your license to Wallet, you can show it to TSA agents at airport security or to police officers during traffic stops without handing over your physical card. The digital version is encrypted and stored securely on your device — Apple does not see your license information.

Not every state offers this feature yet, and not every iPhone model supports it. The feature rolled out gradually starting in 2021, beginning with Arizona and Delaware. As of now, more than 20 states have made their licenses available for Wallet, with more expected to follow. You will need an iPhone 12 or newer, or an iPad Pro (5th generation) or newer, to use this feature.

Key Takeaways

You can add your state driver's license to Apple Wallet only if your state has partnered with Apple and your device is iPhone 12 or newer (or iPad Pro 5th gen or newer).
The digital license is encrypted on your device and can be shown at airport security or during police stops without handing over your physical card.
You will need your physical license and a valid passport or other ID document to verify your identity when you first add your license to Wallet.
Your state's DMV or equivalent agency controls whether the feature is available — you cannot add your license if your state has not partnered with Apple yet.

Which states currently support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet

The states that have launched digital driver's license support in Apple Wallet include Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington have announced plans to launch the feature, though not all have done so yet.

Because this list changes as more states partner with Apple, the fastest way to check whether your state supports digital licenses is to open Apple Wallet on a compatible device and look for the option to add a license or ID. If your state is not yet supported, that option will not appear. You can also visit Apple's official support page, which lists all participating states and territories.

What you need to add your license to Apple Wallet

Before you can add your license to Wallet, you must have a physical driver's license or state ID card that is current and valid. You will also need a compatible device: an iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, or newer; or an iPad Pro (5th generation) or newer. Older iPhones and iPads do not support this feature, even if they run the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.

During the setup process, Apple will ask you to verify your identity. You will need to provide a second form of ID — typically a valid passport, but some states accept other documents. You will also take a photo of yourself and a video of your face to confirm you are the person on the license. This verification happens on your device and is not stored by Apple.

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, then select "Driver's License or State ID." Choose your state from the list. If your state does not appear, it is not yet supported by Apple.

Follow the on-screen prompts to take a photo of the front and back of your physical license. Then take a selfie and a short video of your face, following the instructions shown on screen. Apple uses this video to verify that you are the license holder — it checks your face against the photo on your license.

Next, you will be asked to provide a second form of ID for additional verification. Upload a photo of your passport, or whichever document your state accepts. Review all the information you have entered, then submit it for verification. Your state's DMV will review your submission, which usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. Once approved, your digital license will appear in Wallet and you can start using it.

How to use your digital license at airport security and police stops

At TSA checkpoints, you can show your digital license by opening Wallet, selecting your license, and holding your iPhone or iPad up to the TSA agent's reader. The agent scans the digital license the same way they would scan a physical card. You do not need to unlock your phone or enter a passcode — the license display is designed to work without authentication.

During a police stop, the process is similar. Open Wallet, tap your license, and hand your device to the officer. They can view the information on your screen. Some police departments have readers that can scan the digital license directly, while others will straightforward look at the information displayed. Your physical license remains in your wallet as a backup.

You can still use your physical license anywhere — the digital version is an additional option, not a replacement. Some businesses, bars, and other venues may not yet accept digital IDs, so keeping your physical license with you is a good idea.

What happens if you lose your phone or it gets stolen

If your iPhone or iPad is lost or stolen, your digital license is protected by the security features on your device. Your license information is encrypted and stored locally on your phone — it is not stored in iCloud or on Apple's servers. If someone gains access to your device, they would need to unlock it to view your license.

If your device is lost or stolen, you can use Find My iPhone to remotely erase your device, which will also remove your digital license. Once your device is erased, the license cannot be accessed. You can add your license to a new device by going through the verification process again with your state's DMV.

Differences between your digital license and your physical license

Your digital license and physical license are linked to the same underlying license record with your state's DMV. If your physical license expires, is suspended, or is revoked, your digital license will reflect that change. You cannot use an expired digital license any more than you could use an expired physical card.

The main difference is convenience and security. Your digital license cannot be lost or left at home the way a physical card can. It is encrypted on your device and cannot be photocopied or forged. However, your digital license requires a charged battery and a working device — if your phone dies, you cannot show your license. For this reason, keeping your physical license as a backup is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use my digital license, or can I still use my physical one?

You can use either one. Your physical license remains valid and legal. The digital license is optional and exists for convenience. Many people carry both — the physical card as a backup and the digital version for everyday use.

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if my state is not listed?

No. Your state must have partnered with Apple to offer digital licenses. If your state is not yet supported, you cannot add your license to Wallet. You can check Apple's support page to see if your state has announced plans to launch the feature in the future.

What if I get a new phone — do I have to verify my identity again?

Yes. When you add your license to a new device, you will need to go through the verification process again with your state's DMV. This includes taking a new selfie and video. The process is the same as the first time you added your license.

Can I use my digital license to rent a car or buy alcohol?

That depends on the business. Some rental car companies and retailers accept digital licenses, while others do not yet. It is best to ask before you try to use it. Many businesses are still getting set up to read digital IDs, so your physical license may be safer for these transactions.

Is my digital license as find as my physical one?

In some ways, yes — it is encrypted and cannot be photocopied or forged. In other ways, your physical license is more reliable because it does not depend on your phone having battery or a network connection. For maximum security, keep both versions with you.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.