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 card 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 the information, and neither does the business or officer checking it.

Not every state offers this feature yet, and not every iPhone model supports it. If your state participates and your device is compatible, the process takes about five minutes and requires your physical license, a photo ID, and a few verification steps through your state's DMV system.

Key Takeaways

  • Only certain states allow digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet; you can check your state's DMV website to see if yours is one of them.
  • Your iPhone or iPad must be running iOS 15.1 or later (or iPadOS 15.1 or later) to support a digital license.
  • Adding your license requires your physical card, a photo ID, and verification through your state's DMV portal or app.
  • You can show your digital license to TSA agents and police officers, though some situations still require your physical card.

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

As of now, Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Utah allow residents to add their driver's license or ID to Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add this feature over time, but the rollout has been gradual.

To find out whether your state supports digital licenses, visit your state's DMV website and search for "Apple Wallet" or "digital ID." The DMV page will tell you whether the feature is available and walk you through the steps specific to your state. Some states use their own app to verify your identity before sending the license to Wallet; others handle verification directly through Apple's system.

Device requirements for adding a license to Apple Wallet

Your device must be running a recent version of Apple's operating system. iPhones need iOS 15.1 or later; iPads need iPadOS 15.1 or later. If your device is older and cannot update to these versions, you will not be able to add a digital license.

You also need to have Face ID or Touch ID set up on your device. Apple uses biometric authentication to unlock your digital license when you show it to an officer or TSA agent, so your phone must be able to recognize your face or fingerprint. If you have disabled Face ID or Touch ID, you will need to turn it back on before adding your license.

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

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 and then guide you through taking a photo of the front and back of your physical license.

Next, you will take a selfie so Apple can verify that you are the person on the license. The app will then direct you to your state's DMV system to confirm your identity — this usually means answering security questions or entering information from your license and Social Security number. Once your state's DMV verifies you, your digital license will be added to Wallet.

The entire process typically takes five to ten minutes. Your digital license will appear in Wallet alongside any credit cards, transit passes, or other IDs you have stored there. You can view it anytime by opening Wallet and tapping the license card.

When you can and cannot use your digital driver's license

TSA agents at airport security checkpoints in participating states can scan your digital license from your iPhone or iPad. You do not have to unlock your phone or enter a PIN — the agent scans the license, and your biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) confirms it is you. This works at most major U.S. airports, though some smaller regional airports may not yet have the technology to read digital licenses.

Police officers can also view your digital license during traffic stops in states that support the feature. You show them your phone with the license displayed, and they can see the same information they would see on a physical card. However, some officers may still ask for your physical license out of habit or department policy, so it is wise to keep your physical card with you even after adding it to Wallet.

You cannot use your digital license for activities that require a physical card, such as purchasing alcohol or tobacco, renting a car, or crossing an international border. Banks and other institutions that need to verify your identity in person will also ask for your physical card. Your digital license is a supplement to your physical card, not a replacement.

Security and privacy of your digital driver's license

Your digital license is encrypted and stored only on your device. Apple cannot see the information on your license, and it is not sent to Apple's servers. When you show your license to a TSA agent or police officer, they scan it using a special reader, but they do not receive a copy or a record that stays on their device — they see the information in the moment, just as they would with a physical card.

If your phone is lost or stolen, your digital license is protected by your device's security. Face ID or Touch ID is required to display the license, so a thief cannot straightforward open Wallet and show it to someone. You can also remotely erase your device through Find My iPhone, which will remove the digital license along with everything else on the phone.

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

If your state is not on the list of participating states, you will not see the option to add a driver's license when you open Wallet. Check your state's DMV website periodically to see if the feature becomes available — new states are added throughout the year.

In the meantime, keep your physical driver's license with you. Some states are exploring other digital ID options through their own apps or third-party services, so your state's DMV website may have information about alternative ways to store your ID digitally if Apple Wallet is not yet available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to remove my physical license from my wallet once I add it to Apple Wallet?

No. Keep your physical license with you. Many situations still require a physical card, and some officers or TSA agents may not yet be familiar with digital licenses or may prefer the physical version. Your digital license is a convenience, not a replacement.

What happens if my phone dies or runs out of battery?

You will not be able to show your digital license if your phone is powered off or has no battery. This is one reason to always carry your physical license. Some newer iPhones can display certain information even when the battery is critically low, but this is not may provide for driver's licenses.

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if I have a learner's permit instead of a full license?

This depends on your state. Some states allow learner's permits to be added to Wallet; others do not. Check your state's DMV website or contact them directly to find out whether your permit is may be able to access.

Is my digital license valid if I move to a different state?

Your digital license is tied to your home state and remains valid as long as your physical license is valid. If you move and get a new license from a different state, you will need to add that new license to Wallet separately once your new state's DMV issues it.

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

No. Your digital license requires Face ID or Touch ID to display, so someone else cannot show it without your biometric authentication. This is a security feature that protects your license from being used fraudulently.