How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

Yes, you can add your driver's license to Apple Wallet, but only in certain states and only on compatible devices

Apple Wallet now holds a digital copy of your driver's license or state ID card in a handful of states. You do not carry a physical card in the app — instead, you show your phone or Apple Watch to a TSA agent at airport security or to a police officer during a traffic stop. The feature works only on iPhone XS and later, and iPad Pro models from 2018 forward. Your state must have launched the feature, which as of now includes Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas, with more states rolling out over time.

The process is straightforward: you open Wallet, tap the plus sign, select "Driver's License or State ID," follow the prompts to photograph your license and take a selfie, and submit for verification. Apple and your state's DMV verify your identity before the digital license becomes active. The whole process takes a few minutes, though approval can take a few days.

Key Takeaways

Digital driver's licenses work only on iPhone XS or later and iPad Pro (2018 or newer), and only in states that have launched the feature.
You photograph your physical license and take a selfie during setup, then Apple and your state DMV verify your identity before set up.
TSA agents at airport security and some police officers can scan the digital license from your phone or Apple Watch.
You still need your physical license for most interactions — the digital version is not a replacement, only an additional option.
If your state has not yet launched the feature, you cannot add your license to Wallet, and there is no way to request early access.

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

The following states have launched digital driver's license support: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas. Apple and state DMVs are rolling out the feature to additional states, but the timeline varies. Some states are still in pilot programs with limited availability.

If your state is not on this list, you cannot add your license to Wallet yet. There is no waitlist or way to request the feature — you will need to check back periodically or watch your state DMV's website for announcements. When your state launches, you will see the option appear in Wallet automatically.

Step-by-step process to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet

Step 1: Open Wallet and start the process. Unlock your iPhone or iPad, open the Wallet app, and tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. Scroll down and select "Driver's License or State ID." You will see a list of participating states — tap yours.

Step 2: Photograph your physical license. Hold your driver's license in front of your device's camera. The app will guide you to photograph the front and back. Make sure the entire card is visible, well-lit, and in focus. If the photo is blurry or incomplete, the app will ask you to retake it.

Step 3: Take a selfie for identity verification. The app will prompt you to take a photo of your face. Follow the on-screen instructions — usually you will be asked to look straight at the camera, then turn your head slightly. This photo is used to verify that you are the license holder.

Step 4: Review and submit. Check that all information is correct, then submit for verification. Apple and your state DMV will confirm your identity. This process typically takes a few minutes to a few days. You will receive a notification when your digital license is ready to use.

What devices work with digital driver's licenses

Digital driver's licenses work on iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and all newer iPhone models. On iPad, you need an iPad Pro from 2018 or later. The feature also works on Apple Watch Series 4 and newer, though you cannot add the license directly to your watch — you add it to your iPhone first, and it syncs automatically.

If you have an older iPhone or iPad, you cannot use this feature. There is no way to add a digital license to Android devices, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, or any other digital wallet. Your only option is to carry your physical license.

Where you can use your digital driver's license

TSA agents at airport security checkpoints can scan your digital license from your phone or Apple Watch. This is the primary use case — you unlock your phone, open Wallet, tap your license, and hold it up to the TSA agent's scanner. The agent sees only the information they need; Apple and your phone do not store a record of the scan.

Some police officers can also scan digital licenses during traffic stops, but this varies by state and by individual department. Not all officers have the equipment yet, and some departments have not trained their staff. If an officer asks for your license and you offer the digital version, they may ask for your physical card instead. Always carry your physical license as a backup.

You cannot use a digital license at the DMV, at banks, at airports for check-in (only for TSA security), or for age verification at stores or bars. Businesses and government offices still require the physical card.

What happens if you lose your phone or it breaks

Your digital license is tied to your Apple ID and your device. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remove the license remotely through iCloud.com by signing in to your account and using Find My iPhone to erase the device. This removes the digital license when ready.

If your phone breaks or you get a new device, you can add the license to your new iPhone or iPad by signing in with the same Apple ID. The license will sync automatically if you use iCloud backup. If you do not use iCloud, you will need to add the license again by going through the setup process a second time.

Common mistakes and what to avoid

The most common mistake is assuming the digital license replaces your physical card. It does not. You still need your physical license for most interactions — the digital version is an additional option, not a substitute. Always carry your physical license when you drive.

Another mistake is taking a poor-quality photo of your license during setup. Make sure the entire card is visible, the lighting is even, and there are no glares or shadows. If the photo is rejected, the app will tell you why and let you retake it.

Do not assume every police officer or TSA agent can scan a digital license. Some departments and airports have not yet rolled out the equipment. If someone asks for your license and cannot scan the digital version, hand them your physical card without argument.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital driver's license if my state has not launched the feature yet?

No. The feature is available only in states that have officially launched it. If your state is not on the list, the option will not appear in Wallet. There is no way to add a license from a state that does not support the feature, and there is no waitlist or early access program.

What if I take a bad photo during setup and it gets rejected?

The app will tell you what went wrong — usually poor lighting, blurriness, or part of the card being cut off. You can retake the photo as many times as you need. There is no limit on attempts, and you will not be charged or penalized for retakes.

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

Yes. The digital license is not a legal replacement for your physical card. You need the physical license for most interactions, including driving, age verification, and any transaction that requires a government ID. The digital version is an additional option for TSA checkpoints and some police interactions.

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if I have a learner's permit or a commercial driver's license?

The feature currently works only with standard driver's licenses and state ID cards. Learner's permits, commercial licenses, and other license types are not supported yet. Check your state DMV's website for updates on when additional license types may become available.

What information can TSA agents or police officers see when they scan my digital license?

They see the same information that appears on your physical license — your name, date of birth, address, license number, and expiration date. They cannot see your Apple ID, phone number, email, or any other personal data stored on your device. Apple does not keep a record of the scan.

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.