Yes, but only if your state and phone support it

You can add your driver's license to Apple Wallet on an iPhone or Apple Watch, but only if your state has made its license digital and Apple has enabled the feature for that state. As of now, only a handful of states have rolled out this capability. Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming have made digital licenses available through Apple Wallet. More states are in development, but the list changes slowly.

The digital license you add to Apple Wallet is not a replacement for your physical card — it is a second version that you can show on your phone's lock screen or Apple Watch. You still need to carry your physical license for certain situations, like air travel or when a police officer specifically asks for your physical ID.

Key Takeaways

  • Only about 20 states currently support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet, and your state must have both created the digital version and partnered with Apple.
  • A digital license in Apple Wallet does not replace your physical card and cannot be used for air travel or in situations where a physical ID is legally required.
  • To add your license to Apple Wallet, you must use an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or Apple Watch Series 9 or later, and you must live in a state where the feature is available.
  • The process requires you to verify your identity through your state's DMV system, and you will need to authenticate each time you show your license on your phone.
  • If your state does not yet support digital licenses, you can check your state DMV website or contact them directly to find out when the feature might become available.

Which devices can hold a digital driver's license

Apple Wallet on an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max can store a digital driver's license. You can also add it to an Apple Watch Series 9 or later. Older iPhone models and older Apple Watch models cannot hold a digital license, even if your state supports the feature. This is a hardware limitation — the feature requires specific security features built into newer devices.

If you have an older iPhone or Apple Watch, you will not be able to use this feature until you upgrade. There is no workaround or alternative way to add a digital license to an older device.

How to add your license to Apple Wallet

The process differs slightly depending on whether you are adding the license to an iPhone or Apple Watch. On an iPhone, open the Wallet app, tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, select "Driver's License or State ID," and follow the prompts. You will be asked to take a photo of yourself and your license, and then you will be directed to your state's DMV system to verify your identity. The state will confirm your information against their records.

On an Apple Watch, open the Wallet app on the watch itself, tap the plus sign, and select "Driver's License or State ID." The process is the same — you will verify your identity through your state's system. Once added, you can view your license on your watch's lock screen or by opening Wallet.

The entire process usually takes a few minutes, but the time varies depending on how quickly your state's DMV system responds. You may be asked to answer security questions or provide additional information to confirm your identity.

What happens when you show your digital license

When you want to show your digital license, you unlock your iPhone or Apple Watch and hold it up. The person checking your ID can see your photo, name, license number, and expiration date on the screen. Each time you display your license, you must authenticate — either by using Face ID, Touch ID, or entering your passcode. This authentication step is required every time, even if you are showing the same person your license multiple times in one day.

The digital license includes the same information as your physical card, but it does not include all the details printed on the back. Some states may display additional information depending on how they set up their digital system.

Where you cannot use a digital license

A digital license in Apple Wallet cannot be used for air travel. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not currently accept digital IDs at airport security checkpoints. You must present your physical driver's license or passport.

Some states and businesses may also not accept digital licenses in other situations. Law enforcement officers may request your physical card, and you are required to provide it. Rental car companies, banks, and other institutions may have their own policies about whether they will accept a digital license. When in doubt, carry your physical license with you.

States that support digital licenses and how to check if yours does

The states currently offering digital driver's licenses through Apple Wallet are Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. This list expands periodically as more states complete their development and testing.

To find out whether your state supports digital licenses, visit your state's DMV website and search for "digital driver's license" or "Apple Wallet." You can also call your state DMV directly and ask whether the feature is available. If your state is not on the list yet, the DMV website may have information about when the feature is expected to launch.

What to do if your state does not support digital licenses yet

If your state has not yet launched digital licenses, you have no way to add your license to Apple Wallet right now. Your only option is to wait for your state to develop and release the feature. There is no way to manually add a license or use a third-party app as a substitute.

Check your state DMV website periodically or sign up for email updates if your state offers them. Some states announce launch dates in advance, while others roll out the feature with little warning. Contacting your state DMV directly can sometimes get you a timeline, though many states cannot commit to a specific date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license at the airport?

No. The TSA does not accept digital driver's licenses at airport security checkpoints. You must present your physical driver's license, passport, or other federally accepted ID. A digital license in Apple Wallet cannot replace your physical card for air travel.

What if I lose my phone or Apple Watch?

Your digital license is tied to your device and your Apple ID. If you lose your phone or watch, you can remove the license from that device through your Apple ID settings or by contacting Apple Support. You can then add the license to a new device once you set it up. Your physical license remains valid and unaffected.

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

Yes. Your digital license is a convenience, not a replacement. You should carry your physical license at all times because many situations — air travel, law enforcement stops, rental car companies, and banks — may not accept a digital version. Treat the digital license as an additional option, not a substitute.

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if I have an iPhone 14 or older?

No. The feature requires an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or Apple Watch Series 9 or later. Older devices do not have the necessary hardware security features. You would need to upgrade your device to use this feature.

What if my state is developing a digital license but it is not available yet?

Check your state DMV website regularly for updates. Many states announce timelines or launch dates on their DMV pages. You can also call your state DMV directly to ask when the feature is expected to become available. Some states have beta programs where you can test the feature before it rolls out to everyone.