How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

What Apple Wallet accepts and what it does not

You can add your driver's license or state ID to Apple Wallet on an iPhone or iPad, but only if your state has made that option available and your license meets specific requirements. Apple Wallet does not store a physical copy of your license — it stores a digital version that you can show to police during a traffic stop or to TSA at airport security. The digital license is not a replacement for carrying your physical card.

As of now, only certain states have launched this feature through Apple's partnership program. The states currently offering digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet are Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, and Wyoming. More states are expected to add the feature, but the timeline varies.

Your physical license must be valid and not expired. You cannot add a license that is suspended, revoked, or marked as a REAL ID non-compliant document. The digital version will show the same information as your physical card: name, date of birth, address, license number, and expiration date.

Key Takeaways

Apple Wallet digital licenses are available only in specific states, and your state must have partnered with Apple to offer the feature.
Your physical driver's license must be valid, not expired, and not suspended or revoked to add it to Apple Wallet.
You will need an iPhone XS or later, or an iPad with iPadOS 15.1 or later, to store and display a digital license.
The digital license in Apple Wallet is not a legal replacement for your physical card — you must still carry both.
Adding your license to Apple Wallet requires you to verify your identity through a series of steps, including taking photos of your physical card and your face.

Which states currently support digital driver's licenses

The states listed above have completed Apple's integration process and allow residents to add their licenses to Apple Wallet. However, not every resident of those states can do so when ready — some states are rolling out the feature in phases, starting with new license holders or specific counties.

To find out whether your state supports the feature and whether you are in the rollout group, open the Wallet app on your iPhone, tap the plus sign, and select "Driver's License or State ID." The app will tell you whether your state is available. If your state does not appear in the list, the feature is not yet available there, and you will need to wait for your state to launch the program.

States that have not yet partnered with Apple may do so in the future. You can check the Apple Support website periodically or contact your state's DMV to ask whether a digital license feature is planned.

Device requirements and iOS version

Your device must meet Apple's minimum specifications to store a digital driver's license. For iPhones, you need an iPhone XS or later. For iPads, you need an iPad with iPadOS 15.1 or later. Older devices cannot support the feature, even if your state offers it.

Your device must also be running the current or near-current version of iOS or iPadOS. Apple regularly releases security updates, and the Wallet app requires you to keep your device updated. If your iPhone or iPad is several versions behind, you may not be able to add a license until you update.

You will also need a working internet connection during the setup process. The verification steps require your device to communicate with Apple's servers and your state's DMV system.

Steps to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet

The process involves several verification steps to confirm that you are the license holder. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the menu.

The app will ask you to choose your state. If your state is not listed, the feature is not available to you yet. If it is listed, tap your state and follow the on-screen instructions.

You will be asked to take a photo of the front of your physical driver's license. Position the card in good lighting and make sure all four corners are visible. The app will scan the card and extract your information. Next, you will take a photo of the back of your card. Again, may support the entire card is visible and the image is clear.

After the card photos, you will be asked to take a selfie — a photo of your face. The app uses facial recognition to verify that you are the person on the license. Look directly at the camera and follow any on-screen prompts about head position or lighting.

Once the photos are submitted, your state's DMV system will verify your identity. This verification can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. You will receive a notification when the process is complete. If verification fails, the app will explain why and may ask you to resubmit photos.

What happens after your license is added

Once your license is verified and added to Apple Wallet, it will appear as a card in your Wallet app. You can display it by opening Wallet, tapping your license, and holding your iPhone or iPad near a reader — such as a police officer's device during a traffic stop or a TSA scanner at an airport.

Your digital license will include all the information on your physical card. Some states allow additional features, such as age verification, which lets you prove you are over 21 without showing your full license number. Check your state's DMV website to see what features are available.

The digital license expires on the same date as your physical card. When your physical license is due for renewal, you will need to renew it through your state's DMV in the normal way. Once your new physical license arrives, you can update the digital version in Apple Wallet by following the same photo and verification process.

Common mistakes and what to avoid

The most common mistake is assuming that a digital license in Apple Wallet is a legal replacement for your physical card. It is not. You must carry your physical driver's license at all times. The digital version is a convenience for situations where you want to show your license without handing over your physical card.

Another mistake is taking blurry or poorly lit photos of your license or face. If the app cannot read your card clearly or match your face to the photo on your license, verification will fail. Use natural light, avoid shadows, and make sure the entire card is in the frame. For your selfie, look directly at the camera and follow the app's instructions about head position.

Do not try to add a license that is expired, suspended, or revoked. The DMV verification system will reject it. If your license status has changed, you must resolve the issue with your state's DMV before attempting to add it to Apple Wallet.

Some people try to add a license from a state that does not yet support the feature. Check the list of available states before you start the process. If your state is not listed, you will not be able to proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license instead of my physical license?

No. Your physical driver's license is the legal document. The digital version in Apple Wallet is a convenience tool, but you must carry your physical card. Some situations — such as renewing your registration or explore for a loan — may require your physical card.

What if my state is not on the list yet?

Your state may launch the feature in the future. Contact your state's DMV or check Apple's support page periodically. In the meantime, you can only carry your physical license.

What happens if I lose my iPhone?

Your digital license is tied to your iPhone and protected by Face ID or Touch ID. If you lose your phone, the license is not accessible to anyone else. Once you get a new iPhone, you can add your license to Apple Wallet again by repeating the verification process.

Can I add a license from another state to my iPhone?

Only if you are a resident of that state and it supports the feature. You cannot add a license from a state where you do not live. If you move to a new state, you will need to get a license from that state and then add it to Apple Wallet if the state supports the feature.

Does adding my license to Apple Wallet cost money?

No. Adding your license to Apple Wallet is free. There are no fees from Apple or your state for the digital version.

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.