Yes, you can add your driver's license to Apple Wallet on supported devices

Apple Wallet now holds your driver's license or state ID in digital form on your iPhone or Apple Watch. You don't carry the physical card to every transaction — you unlock your phone, open Wallet, and tap your ID when asked. Not every state offers this yet, and not every iPhone model supports it, but the list of participating states grows each year.

The process is straightforward: you start in the Wallet app, select the option to add an ID, choose your state, and follow the prompts to photograph your license and verify your identity. Apple handles the data on your device only — the state DMV confirms your information but does not store it on Apple's servers.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Wallet works with driver's licenses and state IDs in participating states, and you can check your state's status directly in the Wallet app.
  • You need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or newer to add a license; older models cannot store IDs even if your state participates.
  • The setup process requires you to photograph both sides of your license and complete identity verification, which usually takes a few minutes.
  • You can use your digital ID at TSA airport security checkpoints and at some retail locations, though not everywhere yet.
  • Your physical license remains valid and should stay with you; the digital version is an additional option, not a replacement.

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

As of now, Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Utah have launched digital ID support in Apple Wallet. Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming have announced plans to add support but have not yet gone live.

The easiest way to check whether your state is ready is to open the Wallet app on your iPhone, tap the plus sign to add a card or ID, and look for the option to add a driver's license. If your state appears in the list, you can proceed. If it does not, the app will tell you when your state plans to launch.

Device requirements and compatibility

Your iPhone must be an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or a newer model. Older iPhones, including the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, do not have the security features Apple requires to store a government ID. If you have an older device, you cannot add a license to Wallet even if your state supports the feature.

You can also add your ID to an Apple Watch Series 9 or later, but only after you have added it to your iPhone first. The watch must be paired with a compatible iPhone and set up with the same Apple ID.

How to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet step by step

Open the Wallet app and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the menu. Choose your state from the list. The app will walk you through photographing the front and back of your license — hold it flat, make sure the image is clear and well-lit, and follow the on-screen guides for positioning.

Next, you will complete identity verification. Apple uses facial recognition and may ask you to move your head or blink to confirm you are the person on the license. This step confirms your identity to the state DMV without storing your photo on Apple's servers. Once verification is complete, your license appears in Wallet and is ready to use.

The entire process usually takes three to five minutes. Your state DMV receives confirmation that you have added your ID to Wallet, but the license data itself stays on your device.

Where you can use your digital driver's license

TSA airport security is the primary place you can use your digital ID right now. At participating airports, you can show your iPhone or Apple Watch at the ID checkpoint instead of handing over your physical license. The TSA officer scans or views your digital ID the same way they would a physical one.

Some retail locations and businesses have begun accepting digital IDs for age verification or identity confirmation, but this is not yet widespread. Your physical license remains the safest option for most everyday situations. Keep your physical license with you — the digital version is a convenience for specific scenarios, not a full replacement.

What happens to your data when you add your ID to Wallet

Apple stores your license information on your device only, encrypted and protected by your iPhone's security features. When you show your ID to someone, they see only the information they need — a TSA officer sees your name, photo, and license number, but not your address or other details. You control what information is shared each time.

Your state DMV receives a notification that you have added your license to Wallet and can verify your identity, but the DMV does not store your license data on its own servers. Apple does not have access to your license information, and the data does not sync to iCloud or back up to Apple's cloud services.

What to do if you lose your phone or upgrade to a new one

If your iPhone is lost or stolen, your digital ID is protected by your device passcode and Face ID. Someone cannot access Wallet without unlocking your phone first. You can also use Find My iPhone to remotely erase your device, which removes your license from Wallet.

When you upgrade to a new iPhone, you can add your license to the new device using the same process. Your old device's license is no longer active once you set up the new phone. You do not need to contact your state DMV or do anything special — the Wallet app handles the transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not yet in most situations. TSA airport security accepts it, and some retailers are beginning to, but your physical license is still the standard form of ID. Keep your physical license with you and use the digital version as an additional option when accepted.

What if my state is not on the list yet?

Check the Wallet app periodically — the list of participating states grows regularly. You can also visit your state DMV's website to see if they have announced a launch date. Until your state launches, you will need to use your physical license.

Do I need to renew my digital ID when I renew my physical license?

Yes. When your physical license expires and you renew it, you will need to add the new license to Wallet using the same process. Your old digital ID will no longer work once the physical license expires.

Can someone else use my digital ID if they have my phone?

No. Your phone must be unlocked and you must authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID each time someone requests your ID. This prevents unauthorized use even if someone temporarily has your device.

Is my information safer in Apple Wallet than in my physical wallet?

They are different kinds of safe. Your digital ID is encrypted on your device and requires authentication to show. Your physical license can be lost or stolen and used by someone else. The digital version eliminates the risk of physical loss but requires a compatible device.