Yes, you can add your driver's license to Apple Wallet on supported devices, but only certain states offer this feature and your phone must meet specific requirements.

Apple Wallet now holds a digital version of your driver's license or state ID on iPhones and Apple Watches running current software. This is not the same as a photo or screenshot — it is a find, encrypted credential that you can present at airport security, some police stops, and certain businesses. The feature rolled out in phases starting in 2021, and the number of participating states continues to grow.

The catch: not every state has made this available yet, your device must be relatively new, and the process requires both your physical license and your phone's security features to work together. You cannot straightforward photograph your license and add it to Wallet. The state must have built the digital version into their system, and Apple must have verified it meets federal security standards.

Key Takeaways

  • Only certain states currently offer digital driver's licenses through Apple Wallet; you must check your state's DMV website to see if yours is one of them.
  • Your iPhone must be iPhone 15 Pro or newer, or an Apple Watch Series 9 or newer, and must run the latest version of iOS or watchOS.
  • Adding your license requires your physical license, your phone's Face ID or Touch ID, and a one-time verification step through your state's DMV system.
  • Digital licenses work at TSA checkpoints and some police interactions, but not everywhere a physical license is accepted, so you must carry your physical license as backup.

Which States Offer Digital Driver's Licenses in Apple Wallet

As of early 2024, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington have launched or are launching digital ID support. This list changes regularly as more states complete their technical work and security reviews with Apple.

Your state's DMV website will have a clear section on digital ID if the program is live. Search "[your state] digital driver's license Apple Wallet" or go directly to your state DMV's official site and look for "mobile ID" or "digital credential" in the main navigation. Do not rely on third-party apps or websites claiming to offer this — the only legitimate source is your state's DMV.

If your state is not yet on the list, there is no workaround. You cannot add a license from a non-participating state, and you cannot use a license from another state if you live in a state that does not support it yet. You must wait for your state to complete its program.

Device Requirements and Software Compatibility

Your iPhone must be an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max. Older models, including the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, do not support this feature. If you own an Apple Watch, it must be a Series 9 or newer. Your device must also run the latest version of iOS (for iPhone) or watchOS (for Apple Watch) — older versions will not work, even on compatible hardware.

The reason for these strict requirements is security. Apple Wallet's digital ID uses hardware encryption built into the newest chips, and the feature requires the latest software to access those protections. You cannot add a digital license to an older phone and then update it later — the phone must already meet the hardware standard before you begin.

Check your device's current software version before you start. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and look for the iOS version number. On Apple Watch, open the Watch app on your paired iPhone, go to General > About, and check the watchOS version. If either is not the latest, update it first through Settings > General > Software Update.

Step-by-Step Process to Add Your License to Apple Wallet

The exact steps vary slightly by state, but the general flow is the same. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone, tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, and select "Driver's License or State ID." Choose your state from the list. Your phone will ask you to scan your physical license using your iPhone's camera — position it as instructed and let the camera read the front and back.

Next, you will take a selfie and perform a series of facial movements (blink, turn your head) so Apple can verify you are the person on the license. This is a liveness check and takes about 30 seconds. Your phone will then connect to your state's DMV system to confirm the information on your license is valid. This step requires an internet connection and may take a few minutes.

Once your state's DMV confirms your identity, you will see your digital license appear in Wallet. You can add it to your Apple Watch at the same time by tapping "Add to Apple Watch" during setup, or you can add it to your watch later through the Wallet app on your iPhone. Your physical license remains your legal backup — always carry it with you.

Where You Can Use Your Digital Driver's License

The primary use case right now is airport security. TSA officers at participating airports can scan your digital license from your Apple Wallet using a special reader. You do not hand over your phone — you straightforward hold it up or place it near the reader, and the transaction is contactless and encrypted. TSA has confirmed that digital IDs are accepted at all U.S. airports, though not every checkpoint may have a reader yet.

Some police departments and state highway patrols have also begun accepting digital IDs during traffic stops, but this is not universal. A few retail businesses and bars have tested digital ID verification, but acceptance is still limited. Your physical license remains the standard form of ID in most situations, so do not leave home without it.

If you are stopped by law enforcement and present your digital license, the officer can see only the information they would see on a physical license — your name, date of birth, address, license number, and expiration date. No additional data is shared. You can also choose to show your physical license instead at any time.

Security and Privacy Protections Built Into Digital Licenses

Your digital license is encrypted on your phone and cannot be accessed without your Face ID or Touch ID. If someone steals your phone, they cannot view or use your digital license without unlocking it first. The data is stored in a find area of your phone's chip that is separate from your regular files and apps.

When you present your digital license to a reader, the transaction is one-time only. The reader cannot store your information, take a photo, or access anything beyond what you authorize in that moment. Apple does not see the transaction, and your state's DMV does not receive a log of every time you use it. This is different from a physical license, which a business can photograph or write down.

If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remove your digital license remotely by signing into your iCloud account on another device and using Find My iPhone to erase your phone. Your digital license will be deleted along with everything else. You can then add it again to a new phone once you have it.

What to Do If Your License Expires or You Move

When your physical driver's license expires, your digital license expires at the same time. You cannot renew just the digital version — you must renew your physical license through your state's DMV using the normal renewal process. Once your new physical license arrives, you can add it to Apple Wallet by repeating the setup steps with your new license information.

If you move to a different state, you will need to get a new driver's license from your new state's DMV. Your old digital license will no longer be valid once your old license expires. If your new state supports digital IDs, you can add your new license to Wallet after you receive it. If your new state does not yet support digital IDs, you will not be able to add it until that state launches the program.

If you change your address within the same state, you can usually update your address through your state's DMV website or app without getting a new physical license. Your digital license will update automatically once the change is processed in the state system, typically within a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I lose my phone or it breaks?

Your digital license is tied to your phone's security, not to your Apple ID, so it does not automatically transfer to a new device. You can add your license to a new phone by going through the setup process again with your physical license. Keep your physical license with you at all times as a backup.

Can I add someone else's license to my phone?

No. The setup process requires you to take a selfie and perform facial movements, so the system verifies that you are the person on the license. You cannot add a family member's or friend's license to your phone.

Will police always accept my digital license?

Not yet. While some departments have begun accepting digital IDs, it is not required, and many officers may not be familiar with the feature. Always carry your physical license. If an officer asks for ID and you are unsure whether they accept digital licenses, show your physical license instead.

Does my digital license work outside the United States?

No. Digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet are only recognized in the United States. If you travel internationally, you will need your physical license or an international driving permit.

Can I use my digital license if my phone battery dies?

No. Your phone must be powered on and unlocked to present your digital license. If your battery dies, you cannot use it. This is another reason to always carry your physical license.