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 on your iPhone or iPad. This is not the same as having a physical license — you still need to carry your actual card — but it gives you a second way to prove your identity in certain situations. The feature works only on newer iPhones and iPads, and only in some U.S. states and territories.

When you add your license to Wallet, Apple stores the information on your device using encryption. You control when and how it appears. You can show it to TSA agents at airport security, and some states are working toward letting you use it at police traffic stops, though that is not yet standard everywhere.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add your driver's license or state ID to Apple Wallet on iPhone XS and later, or iPad Air (3rd generation) and later.
  • Only certain states and territories currently support digital ID in Wallet; your state must have launched the feature for you to add your license.
  • Adding your license to Wallet does not replace your physical card — you still need to carry the actual license.
  • TSA accepts digital IDs from Apple Wallet at airport security checkpoints in all U.S. airports.
  • Police acceptance of digital IDs varies by state and department; check your state's rules before relying on it for traffic stops.

Which devices and states support digital driver's licenses

Your iPhone must be iPhone XS or newer, or your iPad must be iPad Air (3rd generation) or newer. The feature requires iOS 15.1 or later on iPhone, or iPadOS 15.1 or later on iPad. If your device is older than these models, you cannot add a license to Wallet.

As of now, the following states and territories have launched digital ID support: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C., and Wyoming. This list changes as more states roll out the feature. If your state is not listed, the option will not appear in Wallet.

Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether digital ID is available in your state. Some states launched the feature for residents only, while others allow anyone with a valid license from that state to add it, even if they live elsewhere.

How to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID." Choose your state from the list. If your state does not appear, the feature is not yet available there.

Follow the on-screen prompts to take photos of the front and back of your physical license. You will also take a selfie and may be asked to move your head or blink to confirm you are the person in the photo. Apple uses facial recognition to verify your identity.

After you submit your information, Apple sends it to your state's DMV for verification. This process usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, but can take longer. You will get a notification when your digital ID is ready to use. Until then, you cannot display it in Wallet.

When you can use your digital license in Wallet

TSA agents at airport security checkpoints accept digital IDs from Apple Wallet nationwide. You can hold up your iPhone or iPad and let the agent scan the barcode or read the information. You do not need to unlock your device or open the Wallet app first — just hold it near the reader.

Some states are testing digital ID acceptance at police traffic stops, but this is not yet standard. Arizona, California, Colorado, and a few others have begun allowing officers to scan digital IDs, but rules vary by department and change frequently. Before relying on your digital license for a traffic stop, check your state's DMV or highway patrol website to see whether officers in your area accept it.

Retailers, banks, and other businesses do not yet widely accept digital IDs from Apple Wallet. If a business asks for ID, you should still show your physical license unless they specifically say they accept digital ID.

What happens if you lose your phone or change devices

If you lose your iPhone or iPad, your digital license is not lost. When you sign into your Apple account on a new device, your digital ID will not automatically transfer — you have to add it again. Open Wallet, tap the plus sign, and go through the verification process a second time. Apple will verify you against the information your state's DMV already has on file, which is usually faster than the first time.

If your phone is stolen, you can remotely erase it using Find My iPhone. This removes your digital license from that device. You can then add it to a new device once you have one.

Security and privacy with digital licenses in Wallet

Apple encrypts your license information on your device. The company does not store a copy of your license on its servers. When you show your digital ID to TSA or another authorized reader, only the information you choose to share is transmitted — you can hide certain details like your address if the reader does not need it.

Your state's DMV has access to the information you submitted during verification, just as it does with your physical license. Apple does not share your data with third parties without your permission.

If you are concerned about privacy, you can always use your physical license instead. Having a digital copy in Wallet is optional and does not change how your state stores or uses your license information.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 should always carry your physical license. TSA and some police departments accept digital ID, but not all businesses or situations do, so you need the card as backup.

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if my state has not launched the feature yet?

No. The option will not appear in Wallet until your state's DMV has set up the system. Check your state's DMV website to see when digital ID will be available, or check back in Wallet periodically to see if the feature has launched.

What if the TSA agent or police officer does not know how to scan my digital license?

Show them your physical license instead. Digital ID is still new, and not all officers or agents are trained on it yet. You have the right to present your physical card at any time.

Will adding my license to Apple Wallet affect my actual driver's license or DMV record?

No. Your digital license is tied to your existing physical license and DMV record. Adding it to Wallet does not change your license status, expiration date, or any other information the DMV has on file.

Can I add someone else's license to my Apple Wallet?

No. You can only add your own license. The verification process requires you to take a selfie and match it to your state's records, so you cannot add a license that belongs to another person.