Yes, but only if your state and ID type support it
You can add your driver's license to Apple Wallet on an iPhone or Apple Watch, but only if your state has made that option available and your license meets certain requirements. As of now, only a handful of states have rolled out this feature, and the list is still growing. Even in states where it is available, you cannot add every type of driver's license — only standard licenses and state IDs work, not commercial licenses or permits.
When you add your license to Apple Wallet, you are storing a digital version that you can show to police during a traffic stop or to TSA at airport security. The digital version does not replace your physical license — you still need to carry the card itself. Apple Wallet stores an encrypted copy that only unlocks when you authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode, so someone who takes your phone cannot straightforward flip through your wallet and see your license information.
Key Takeaways
- Only certain states currently support adding a driver's license to Apple Wallet, and the feature is not available everywhere yet.
- You must have a standard driver's license or state ID; commercial licenses and permits cannot be added to Apple Wallet.
- Adding your license to Apple Wallet does not replace your physical card — you still need to carry both.
- Your digital license requires Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode to view, so it is not accessible if someone else picks up your phone.
- TSA accepts digital licenses at airport security in participating states, but police acceptance varies by jurisdiction and officer discretion.
Which states currently support Apple Wallet licenses
Arizona, Georgia, and Maryland were the first states to launch digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet. Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Washington have since added the feature or announced plans to do so. The list continues to expand, but the rollout is gradual — your state may not have it yet even if a neighboring state does.
To find out whether your state supports it, open Apple Wallet on your iPhone, tap the plus sign, and look for the option to add a driver's license or state ID. If the option does not appear, your state has not yet launched the feature. You can also check your state's DMV website or contact them directly to ask about the timeline for digital license support.
How to add your license to Apple Wallet
The process starts in Apple Wallet. Open the app, tap the plus button in the upper right corner, and select "Driver's License or State ID." You will be prompted to choose your state and then to scan the front and back of your physical license using your iPhone camera. Apple will ask you to take a selfie and verify your identity using Face ID or Touch ID.
After you submit your information, Apple sends it to your state's DMV for verification. This step can take anywhere from a few minutes to several days, depending on your state's system and how busy they are. Once the DMV confirms your identity and approves the request, your digital license appears in Apple Wallet and is ready to use. You will receive a notification when the process is complete.
If verification fails, Apple will tell you why — usually because the information on your phone does not match what the DMV has on file. Common reasons include a recent address change that has not been updated at the DMV, a name mismatch, or a photo that does not match your current appearance. Contact your DMV to update your records and try again.
What types of IDs you can and cannot add
Standard driver's licenses and state ID cards can be added to Apple Wallet in supported states. A state ID card is a non-driving ID issued by the DMV that works for identification purposes but does not grant driving privileges — it looks similar to a license but is marked as an ID card instead. Both are treated the same way in Apple Wallet.
You cannot add a commercial driver's license (CDL), a learner's permit, a restricted license, or a provisional license to Apple Wallet. These categories require additional verification or have restrictions that Apple's current system does not support. If you hold one of these license types, you must continue to carry your physical card for now.
Using your digital license with TSA and police
TSA has officially accepted digital driver's licenses from Apple Wallet at airport security checkpoints in participating states. When you reach the ID check, you can unlock your phone and show the officer your digital license. The officer scans it the same way they would scan a physical card. This works at most major airports, though some smaller regional airports may not yet have the equipment or training to accept digital IDs.
Police acceptance is less uniform. Some departments have trained officers to recognize and accept digital licenses, while others have not yet updated their procedures. During a traffic stop, you can show your digital license, but the officer may ask to see your physical card as well — they have the discretion to do so. If an officer refuses to accept your digital license, showing your physical card will resolve the situation. Do not assume that having a digital license means you can leave your physical card at home.
Security and privacy considerations
Apple Wallet stores your license information in an encrypted format that is separate from the rest of your phone's data. When you show your digital license to someone, the information is displayed on your screen — it is not transmitted wirelessly or stored on the other person's device. This means TSA or a police officer sees only what is on your screen at that moment.
Your digital license requires authentication every time you want to view it. If you set up Face ID or Touch ID on your phone, your license will not display unless you authenticate first. This protects your information if your phone is lost or stolen. If you use only a passcode, the same protection applies — the license stays locked until you enter your code.
Apple does not store a copy of your license information on its servers. The data lives on your phone only. If you lose your phone or upgrade to a new one, you can re-add your license to Apple Wallet by going through the verification process again.
What to do if your state does not support it yet
If your state has not yet launched digital licenses in Apple Wallet, you have a few options. First, check your state DMV's website or social media accounts for announcements about when the feature will roll out — many states have published timelines. Second, you can contact your state representative or DMV directly to ask about the status and express interest in the feature. Third, continue to carry your physical license as you normally would; there is no penalty or disadvantage to waiting.
Some states are moving faster than others. If you travel frequently to a state that does support digital licenses, you may be able to add that state's ID to your wallet even if you do not live there — but you would need a valid license or ID from that state. For now, your physical license remains the standard form of identification everywhere in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my physical license once I add it to Apple Wallet?
No. You must keep your physical license. The digital version is a convenience for situations where you have your phone with you, but police and other officials can still ask to see your physical card. Carrying both is the safest approach.
What happens if my phone dies or I forget my passcode?
If your phone is powered off or locked, you cannot display your digital license. This is why you should always carry your physical license as a backup. If you forget your passcode, you will need to unlock your phone through Apple's recovery process before you can access your wallet.
Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. The DMV verification step will reject your request if your license status is suspended, revoked, or otherwise invalid. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with your DMV before you can add your license to Apple Wallet.
Does adding my license to Apple Wallet cost money?
No. Adding your license to Apple Wallet is free. There are no fees from Apple or your state DMV for this service.
Can I add someone else's license to my Apple Wallet?
No. Apple Wallet requires you to authenticate with your own biometric data or passcode during the setup process. You can only add your own license to your own phone.