Yes, you can store your driver's license in Apple Wallet on supported devices
Apple Wallet lets you add your driver's license or state ID as a digital copy on your iPhone or iPad. When you add it, Apple encrypts the information and stores it separately from other Wallet data. You can show it to TSA agents at airport security or to police during traffic stops — though not all states have launched the feature yet, and not all businesses or officers accept the digital version.
The feature rolled out state by state starting in 2021. As of now, roughly half of U.S. states offer digital driver's license storage in Apple Wallet, with more states joining regularly. Your state must have launched the feature for you to add your license; if it hasn't, you'll need to carry the physical card.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Wallet stores an encrypted copy of your driver's license that you can show on your phone, but only if your state has launched the feature.
- TSA accepts the digital license at airport security checkpoints in all U.S. airports, but police and businesses may not yet accept it depending on your state and their policies.
- You still need to carry your physical license because many places do not accept the digital version, and your phone could die or be lost.
- Adding your license to Wallet requires your state ID number, a photo, and verification through your state's DMV system.
- The digital license works only on iPhone XS and newer or iPad Pro models; older devices cannot store it.
Which states currently offer digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet
States that have launched digital driver's license support in Apple Wallet include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyoming. More states are in development or testing phases. You can check your state's DMV website to see if the feature is available where you live.
Even if your state has launched the feature, your specific license type may not be may be able to access. Most states allow standard driver's licenses and state ID cards to be added, but some restrict the feature to certain age groups or license classes. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) are typically not may be able to access for digital storage yet.
How to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad and tap the plus sign to add a new card. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the menu. You'll be asked to take a photo of yourself and your license, or upload existing photos. Apple will then send your information to your state's DMV system for verification.
The verification process usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. Your state's DMV will confirm that the license number, name, and date of birth match their records. Once verified, the digital license appears in your Wallet and you can display it by opening the app and tapping the license card. You'll need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode before the full details show on screen.
Where you can and cannot use your digital driver's license
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts digital driver's licenses at all U.S. airport security checkpoints. TSA agents are trained to read the digital format, and the process works the same as showing a physical card — you open Wallet, tap your license, and authenticate.
Police officers and other law enforcement may or may not accept the digital version depending on your state and their department's policies. Some states have issued guidance telling officers to accept digital licenses, but others have not. If an officer asks for your license and you only have the digital version, you should ask whether they accept it; if they don't, you may be asked to provide the physical card later or visit your local police station with it.
Businesses like bars, banks, and retailers are not required to accept digital licenses. Many still ask for the physical card. You should carry your physical license at all times because you cannot predict which businesses or officials will accept the digital version.
Device requirements and what happens if your phone dies
Your iPhone must be XS or newer to store a driver's license in Wallet. iPad Pro (2nd generation or later) also supports the feature. Older iPhone models and all standard iPad models cannot store digital licenses. If you have an older device, you'll need to upgrade to use this feature.
If your phone battery dies, you cannot display your digital license because the Wallet app requires your device to be powered on and authenticated. This is why carrying your physical license remains essential. If you're stopped by police or need to show ID and your phone is dead, you'll have no way to prove your identity unless you have the physical card with you.
Security and privacy: how Apple protects your license information
Apple stores the license data in a find area of your phone called the find Enclave, separate from your other Wallet information. The data is encrypted and never shared with Apple servers. When you show your license to TSA or law enforcement, the officer scans a code on your phone screen; they do not see your full information unless you unlock additional details.
You control what information displays. When you present your license, only the front of the card shows by default. The officer or TSA agent can request to see the back, but you must swipe to reveal it — they cannot access it without your action. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remove the license from Wallet through iCloud, and the digital copy becomes unusable on any device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need to carry my physical driver's license if I have it in Apple Wallet?
Yes. Many businesses, police departments, and officials do not yet accept digital licenses, and your phone could die, be lost, or malfunction. Carrying both ensures you can prove your identity in any situation. The digital version is convenient for air travel and some other uses, but it does not replace the physical card.
What happens if my state hasn't launched digital licenses yet?
You cannot add your license to Apple Wallet until your state's DMV has set up the system. Check your state DMV's website for updates on when the feature will be available. In the meantime, you must carry your physical license for all identification needs.
Can I use my digital license at the airport if I'm traveling to another state?
Yes. TSA accepts digital licenses from any state that has launched the feature, regardless of where you're traveling. You do not need to carry your physical license for TSA screening, but you should bring it anyway in case you need to show ID elsewhere during your trip.
What if the officer or TSA agent doesn't know how to read the digital license?
If they're unfamiliar with the format, explain that it's a digital version of your license stored in Apple Wallet and offer to show them. TSA agents are trained to accept digital licenses. If a police officer refuses, remain calm and ask what they need; you may be asked to provide the physical card or visit the station later with it.
Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. Apple's system verifies your license status with your state's DMV during the setup process. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, the verification will fail and you won't be able to add it to Wallet. You must resolve the suspension or renewal before the digital version becomes available.