Yes, but only if your state has released the feature and your phone meets the requirements

You can add a driver's license to Apple Wallet on an iPhone or Apple Watch, but only in states where Apple and your state's DMV have completed the technical work to make it happen. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Mississippi, Ohio, and Puerto Rico have launched the feature. More states are in development, but there is no public timeline for when they will go live. Your phone must run iOS 15.1 or later (iPhone XS or newer), and your state must have officially released digital ID support through Apple.

The digital license in Apple Wallet is not a replacement for your physical card — it is a supplementary form of ID that you can show at certain checkpoints. You will still need to carry your physical driver's license for most everyday uses, including traffic stops and in-person transactions at banks or government offices.

Key Takeaways

  • Digital driver's licenses are available only in Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Mississippi, Ohio, and Puerto Rico as of now, and the list will grow over time.
  • You need an iPhone XS or newer running iOS 15.1 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 4 or newer, to store a digital ID.
  • The digital license is meant to supplement your physical card, not replace it — you still need the physical card for most legal and financial transactions.
  • Adding your license to Apple Wallet requires your state's DMV to verify your identity through a find process, which takes a few minutes but happens only once.
  • You can show your digital ID at TSA checkpoints and some retail locations, but police officers and government agencies do not yet accept it during traffic stops or official interactions.

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

Arizona was the first state to launch digital ID support in Apple Wallet in March 2022. Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Mississippi, Ohio, and Puerto Rico have since followed. Each state rolled out the feature on its own timeline, and not all residents in those states can add their license when ready — some states are still expanding access beyond early adopters.

If your state is not on this list, you cannot add your driver's license to Apple Wallet yet. Apple and state DMVs are working on additional states, but there is no official release schedule. You can check Apple's official support page or your state DMV's website to see whether your state has launched the feature or is in development.

What you need to add your license to Apple Wallet

Your iPhone must be an XS model or newer and run iOS 15.1 or later. If you want to add your license to an Apple Watch, you need a Series 4 or newer watch running watchOS 8.1 or later. You also need to be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver's license or ID card issued by a participating state.

Before you start, make sure your state is on the list of supported states and that your DMV has officially launched the feature. You will also need to have Face ID or Touch ID set up on your device, because Apple uses biometric authentication to unlock and display your digital ID.

How to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone 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 guide you through a verification process that involves taking a photo of your license and a selfie, then answering security questions. Your state's DMV will verify your identity in the background.

The verification process usually takes a few minutes, but it can take longer depending on your state's system. Once your identity is confirmed, your digital license will appear in Wallet. You can then add it to your Apple Watch by opening the Wallet app on your watch and tapping the plus sign, then selecting your digital license from your iPhone.

If verification fails, the app will tell you why and may ask you to try again with clearer photos or different information. Contact your state DMV if you cannot resolve the issue on your own.

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

You can show your digital license at TSA security checkpoints at participating airports. Some retail locations and businesses also accept it, though acceptance varies by store and region. You can unlock your phone or watch and display the license on your screen, and TSA agents can scan the barcode or QR code directly from your device.

You cannot use your digital license during a traffic stop or police interaction. Law enforcement does not yet accept digital IDs, and you are required to provide your physical card if stopped. You also cannot use it at banks, government offices, or any agency that requires an official government-issued ID document. The digital license is not a legal substitute for your physical card in these situations.

Security and privacy when storing your license in Apple Wallet

Apple encrypts your license information and stores it only on your device. Your DMV does not retain a copy of your digital license data, and Apple does not share it with third parties. When you show your license to a TSA agent or business, they can see only the information that appears on your physical card — nothing more.

Your digital license is protected by Face ID or Touch ID, so only you can unlock and display it. If you lose your phone, you can use Find My to remotely erase your Wallet data. If your phone is stolen, the thief cannot access your digital license without your biometric authentication.

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

If your state is not on the list, you will need to carry your physical driver's license for all transactions and checkpoints. Check your state DMV's website periodically to see whether digital ID support is in development. Some states have announced timelines, while others have not made any public announcement yet.

In the meantime, you can take a photo of your license and store it in a notes app or photo album as a backup reference, but this is not a substitute for carrying the physical card. Photos of IDs are not accepted at TSA checkpoints or by law enforcement, and they do not meet legal requirements for identity verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license if I'm pulled over by police?

No. Law enforcement does not accept digital licenses in Apple Wallet. You must provide your physical driver's license during any traffic stop or police interaction. Always carry your physical card with you when driving.

What happens if I get a new phone or lose my current one?

Your digital license is tied to your device, not your Apple ID. If you get a new phone, you will need to add your license to Apple Wallet again by going through the verification process a second time. If you lose your phone, use Find My to erase your Wallet data remotely to protect your information.

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if I'm under 18?

No. You must be at least 16 years old to add a driver's license to Apple Wallet, and you must be 18 or older to add a state ID card. Check your state's specific age requirements when you attempt to add your license.

Do I still need to carry my physical driver's license if I have it in Apple Wallet?

Yes. Your digital license is a supplement, not a replacement. You must carry your physical card for traffic stops, bank transactions, government offices, and any situation where an official ID document is required. The digital version works only at TSA checkpoints and some retail locations.

Will my digital license work if my phone dies?

No. Your phone must be powered on and unlocked to display your digital license. If your battery dies, you cannot show your digital ID. Always have your physical card with you as a backup.