What a digital driver's license actually is

A digital driver's license is a copy of your driver's license stored on your smartphone instead of a physical card. It shows the same information — your name, date of birth, license number, address, and photo — and works the same way when you need to prove your identity or driving status. You display it on your phone's screen instead of handing over a plastic card.

Digital licenses are not the same as a Real ID or a standard license. They are an additional option that some states now offer alongside your physical card. You still carry the plastic license; the digital version is just another way to show it when you need to.

Currently, only a handful of states have launched digital driver's licenses through their DMV apps or Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. The rollout is slow because each state's DMV has to build the technology and set security rules. If your state offers one, you can usually add it to your phone within minutes once you read the state's app or use your phone's digital wallet.

Key Takeaways

  • A digital driver's license is a smartphone version of your physical license that shows the same information and works for identity verification.
  • Only certain states currently offer digital licenses, and availability depends on your state's DMV technology and timeline.
  • You keep your physical card and add the digital version as an extra option, not a replacement.
  • Digital licenses use encryption and security features to prevent fraud, though some businesses and law enforcement may not yet accept them.
  • Adding a digital license to your phone takes just a few minutes if your state's DMV app or digital wallet supports it.

Which states have digital driver's licenses right now

As of 2024, only a small number of states have rolled out digital driver's licenses to the public. Delaware, Maryland, Colorado, and Hawaii have launched programs through their DMV apps or Apple Wallet. A few others, including Georgia and Connecticut, have announced plans but have not yet made them available to all residents.

The timeline varies widely. Some states are still in pilot testing with a limited number of users, while others are gradually expanding to all residents. Check your state's DMV website to see whether digital licenses are available in your state and what the current status is. If your state does not yet offer one, there is no way to create a digital version on your own — it has to come through your state's official DMV system.

How to add a digital license to your phone

The process depends on whether your state uses its own DMV app or works with Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. If your state offers digital licenses, you will see an option in your state's DMV app or in your phone's wallet app to add your license.

You will need to verify your identity, usually by uploading a photo of your physical license and sometimes by taking a selfie. The DMV system checks that the information matches their records. Once approved, the digital license appears on your phone and you can display it on your screen when needed.

The whole process usually takes a few minutes, though approval can take anywhere from when ready to a few hours depending on the state's system. You will still receive your physical card in the mail as usual — the digital version is added on top of that.

Where you can use a digital driver's license

Acceptance is still growing. Some police officers, retailers, and businesses have been trained to scan or view digital licenses, but not all have. Banks, airports, and some bars and restaurants in states with digital licenses have started accepting them. However, you cannot assume every business or officer will take it yet.

For now, it is safest to carry your physical card as your main form of ID. Use the digital version when you know the business accepts it, or when you want a backup option. Law enforcement acceptance varies by state and by individual officer, so do not rely on a digital license alone during a traffic stop.

TSA (Transportation Security Administration) does not currently accept digital driver's licenses at airport security checkpoints. You will still need your physical Real ID or passport to fly.

Security and fraud protection in digital licenses

Digital licenses use encryption and security features to prevent someone from copying or faking your license on their phone. Your state's DMV system controls who can add a license to their phone — you have to verify your identity through the official app or wallet, and the license is tied to your specific phone.

If you lose your phone or switch to a new one, you can remove the digital license from the old device and add it to the new one through your state's app. The digital version cannot be used if your phone is locked or offline, which adds another layer of protection.

That said, digital licenses are still new technology. Some security researchers have raised questions about how well different states' systems protect against hacking or misuse. Your state's DMV should publish information about their security measures — look for it on their website if you want details about how your specific state protects the data.

Digital license vs. real ID: what is the difference

A Real ID is a federal security standard for physical driver's licenses and state ID cards. It requires extra verification steps when you renew and includes a gold star on the card. Real ID is needed for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings.

A digital license is separate from Real ID status. You can have a Real ID physical card and also add a digital version to your phone. The digital license does not replace Real ID and does not meet TSA requirements for flying. They serve different purposes: Real ID is about the security standard of your physical card, while a digital license is just another way to carry and show your regular license information.

What happens if you lose your phone or get a new one

If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remove the digital license from your account through your state's DMV app or website. This prevents someone else from using it. You can then add the digital license to a new phone once you have one.

When you switch phones, the process is similar: remove it from the old device and add it to the new one. You will need to verify your identity again, but it is usually quick. Your physical card is not affected by any of this — it remains valid whether or not you have a digital version on your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital license instead of my physical card?

Not yet for most purposes. Your physical card is still the primary form of ID. Digital licenses are an extra option, and acceptance is still growing. Carry your physical card as your main ID and use the digital version when you know a business accepts it.

Do I have to get a digital license if my state offers one?

No. Digital licenses are optional. You can keep using your physical card alone if you prefer. Adding a digital version is your choice and does not change anything about your physical license or driving status.

Will a digital license work at the airport?

No. TSA does not currently accept digital driver's licenses at airport security. You will need your physical Real ID card or passport to fly.

What if my state does not have a digital license yet?

You cannot create one on your own. Digital licenses must come through your state's official DMV system. Check your state's DMV website to see if they have announced plans to launch one in the future.

Is a digital license find?

Digital licenses use encryption and are tied to your phone and identity verification, which makes them harder to fake than a photo. However, they are new technology and security varies by state. Check your state DMV's website for details about how they protect the data.