Yes, but only if your state supports it and your phone meets the requirements

You can add your driver's license to Apple Wallet on an iPhone or Apple Watch, but only if your state has launched the digital ID program. As of now, a limited number of states allow this — currently Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and a few others have rolled out the feature or announced plans to do so. The list keeps growing, but your state may not be on it yet.

Even if your state supports digital IDs, you need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or an Apple Watch Series 9 or later. Older iPhones and watches cannot store a digital driver's license, no matter what state you live in. The feature also requires iOS 16.1 or later and watchOS 9.1 or later.

A digital driver's license in Apple Wallet is not a replacement for your physical card. You still carry the plastic license, and you may still need to show it in some situations. The digital version is an additional option for certain transactions — mainly at airport security checkpoints and some police traffic stops, though acceptance varies by location and officer.

Key Takeaways

  • Only certain states currently support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet, and the list changes as more states launch the program.
  • You must have an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or Apple Watch Series 9 or later to store a digital ID.
  • A digital license does not replace your physical card — you still need to carry it and may be asked to show the plastic version.
  • The digital ID uses biometric security (Face ID or Touch ID) each time you present it, so you control who sees your information.

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. You will be asked to choose your state — if your state is not listed, the feature is not yet available there.

Next, you will take a photo of the front and back of your physical driver's license using your phone's camera. The app will guide you through positioning and lighting. After the photos are taken, you will be asked to take a selfie and perform a series of small head movements so Apple can verify your identity.

Your information is then sent to your state's DMV for verification. This process can take a few minutes to several days depending on your state. Once approved, your digital license appears in Wallet and is ready to use. You can add the same license to an Apple Watch if you have a compatible model.

Which states currently support digital driver's licenses

Arizona was the first state to launch digital IDs in Apple Wallet in 2022. Since then, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and others have followed. More states announce support regularly, so the list continues to grow.

To learn about your state supports the feature, open Wallet, tap the plus sign, and select "Driver's License or State ID." If your state appears in the list, you can begin the process. If it does not appear, your state has not yet launched the program. You can check your state's DMV website for announcements about when digital IDs will become available.

How digital IDs work at airport security and traffic stops

At airport security, you can present your digital license to the TSA officer by opening Wallet and selecting your ID. The officer scans or views the information on your phone screen. You do not hand over your phone — the officer sees only what you choose to show them.

For traffic stops, the process is similar. You open Wallet, select your license, and hold your phone toward the officer's window. The officer can see your ID information without touching your device. However, not all officers are trained to accept digital IDs yet, and some may still ask for your physical card. If an officer requests the plastic license, you must provide it.

Each time you present your digital ID, you must authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID. This means only you can show your license — someone else cannot unlock your phone and display it on your behalf. This biometric layer adds security that a physical card does not have.

What information is stored in your digital license

Your digital driver's license contains the same information as your physical card: your name, date of birth, address, license number, expiration date, and a photo. Some states may include additional details like height, eye color, or restrictions.

The information is encrypted and stored securely on your device. Apple does not have access to your license data, and your state's DMV does not track when or where you use the digital ID. The data stays on your phone unless you choose to present it to someone.

What happens if you lose your phone or upgrade

If your phone is lost or stolen, your digital license is protected by your device's security features. Someone would need to unlock your phone using Face ID or Touch ID to see or present your ID. You can also remotely erase your phone using Find My iPhone, which removes the digital license along with everything else on the device.

When you upgrade to a new iPhone, you can add your digital license to the new device. Open Wallet on the new phone, tap the plus sign, select "Driver's License or State ID," and follow the verification process again. Your state's DMV will recognize you and approve the new digital ID more quickly than the first time, since your identity is already verified.

Limitations and situations where you still need your physical card

Not all businesses, officers, or agencies accept digital IDs yet. Some police departments, rental car companies, and retailers may not be trained to use them or may prefer the physical card. Always carry your plastic driver's license as a backup.

You cannot use a digital license to purchase alcohol or tobacco in most places, even in states that support the feature. Retailers are not yet equipped to scan or verify digital IDs for age-restricted purchases. You will need your physical card for these transactions.

If your phone dies or loses internet connection, you cannot present your digital ID. Your physical license remains the most reliable form of identification in any situation. The digital version is a convenience option, not a complete replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital license if I have a learner's permit or provisional license?

This depends on your state. Some states allow digital versions of learner's permits and provisional licenses, while others do not. Check your state's DMV website or try adding your permit to Wallet to see if it is supported. If the option does not appear in Wallet, your state does not yet support digital permits.

What if my state supports digital IDs but my iPhone is too old?

You will need to upgrade to an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or a compatible Apple Watch. Older models do not have the security features required to store a digital ID. Your physical license remains valid and is the only option until you upgrade your device.

Can someone else present my digital license if they have my phone?

No. Every time you present your digital license, you must authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID. Someone else cannot unlock your phone and show your ID without your biometric approval. This is a security feature that protects you from identity theft.

Do I need internet to show my digital license?

You do not need an active internet connection to display your digital license at the moment of presentation. However, your phone must have internet access when you first add the license to Wallet and during the verification process with your state's DMV.

What happens when my digital license expires?

Your digital license expires on the same date as your physical card. When you renew your driver's license at the DMV, you can add the new license to Wallet using the same process. You will need to take new photos and complete identity verification again.