What a digital driver's license is and where you can use it
A digital driver's license is a copy of your state-issued driver's license stored on your smartphone. It is not a replacement for your physical card — you still carry that — but it lets you show your ID from your phone at certain locations. Right now, only a handful of states offer this, and acceptance is limited to specific situations.
Currently, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio have launched digital license programs. More states are testing or planning to launch them. Even in states that offer digital licenses, not every business or officer accepts them yet. Police traffic stops, for example, typically still require your physical card. Banks, airports, and some retailers are more likely to accept a digital version, but policies vary by location and business.
The digital license lives in a find app on your phone — usually Apple Wallet on iPhones or Google Wallet on Android devices. You do not read a photo or screenshot; the app stores an encrypted version that proves you are the person presenting it.
Key Takeaways
- Digital driver's licenses are available in eight states so far, and you must have a valid physical license to get one.
- The digital version lives in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet and shows an encrypted version of your ID, not a photo you can screenshot.
- Acceptance is still limited — most police stops require your physical card, but some retailers and airports are beginning to accept digital versions.
- The process to add your license to your phone takes a few minutes and involves verifying your identity through your state's DMV app or website.
- You can revoke access to your digital license from your phone at any time if your device is lost or stolen.
How to add your license to your phone
The exact steps depend on your state and phone type, but the general process is the same. First, you need a valid driver's license or state ID card already issued by your state's DMV. You cannot create a digital license from scratch; it must be linked to an existing physical card.
On an iPhone, open Apple Wallet and tap the plus sign to add a card or ID. Select "Driver's License or State ID" and choose your state. You will be asked to take a photo of your face and your physical license. Your state's DMV system will then verify that the information matches their records. This verification step usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. Once approved, your digital license appears in Apple Wallet and you can show it by opening the app and holding your phone near a reader or showing the screen to a person.
On Android, the process is similar through Google Wallet. Open the app, tap the plus sign, select "ID," choose your state, and follow the photo and verification steps. Not all states support Android yet, so check your state's DMV website first.
You will need to unlock your phone or use Face ID or fingerprint to display your digital license — it does not show automatically on your lock screen. This security step prevents someone who steals your phone from using your ID.
Which states offer digital driver's licenses right now
Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio currently offer digital driver's licenses through their DMV systems. Each state's program launched at different times and has different rules about where the digital version is accepted.
Arizona and Colorado were the first to launch, in 2021 and 2022. Georgia, Hawaii, and Mississippi followed in 2023. Delaware, Missouri, and Ohio launched in 2024. If your state is not on this list, check your state's DMV website to see if a program is in development or planned for launch.
Even within these states, acceptance varies widely. Some states have worked with specific retailers or government agencies to accept digital IDs, while others are still in early phases where acceptance is very limited. Before you add your license to your phone, look up your state's specific rules about where you can actually use it.
What happens if your phone is lost or stolen
If your phone is lost or stolen, you can turn off access to your digital license from another device. In Apple Wallet, you can remove the ID from your account through iCloud.com or by signing into your Apple account on another device. In Google Wallet, you can sign into your Google account and remove the ID remotely.
Removing the digital license from your phone does not affect your physical card — that remains valid and in your wallet. You can add the digital license back to a new phone once you replace your device, using the same process as the first time.
If your phone is stolen and you are worried someone has used your ID, contact your state's DMV directly. They can flag your account and monitor for fraud. You may also want to report the theft to local police, especially if other sensitive information was on the phone.
Acceptance at airports, businesses, and police stops
Acceptance of digital driver's licenses is still growing and remains inconsistent. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has not yet approved digital IDs for airport security checkpoints nationwide, though some airports in participating states may accept them on a limited basis. Check with your specific airport before relying on your digital license for travel.
Some retailers, banks, and entertainment venues in states with digital license programs have begun accepting them, but this is not universal. A grocery store in one city might accept it while another does not. Always carry your physical card as a backup.
Police officers during traffic stops almost always require your physical driver's license. A digital license is not a legal substitute for the card during a traffic stop in any state. If an officer asks for your license, show your physical card.
The difference between a digital license and a mobile ID app
A digital driver's license stored in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet is different from a state's mobile ID app. Some states have their own separate apps — like the Arizona DMV app or the Colorado DMV app — where you can also view or store your license information. These state apps are sometimes used for other DMV services like renewing your registration or checking your driving record.
The wallet-based digital license (Apple Wallet or Google Wallet) is the official version accepted by businesses and agencies. The state app is a tool for managing your DMV account and may display your license, but it is not the same as the encrypted, wallet-based version. If your state offers both, use the wallet version when you need to show your ID to someone.
Security and privacy with a digital license
Your digital license is encrypted and stored securely on your phone. When you show it to someone, they see your ID information but cannot access other data on your phone or take a copy of your ID. The technology is designed so that only authorized readers can access the encrypted information, and even then, only the specific details needed for that transaction.
Your state's DMV does not have access to your phone or know when you use your digital license. The transaction happens between your phone and the reader — the DMV is not involved in each use. This is different from a photo or screenshot of your license, which could be copied, altered, or shared.
If you are uncomfortable with digital ID technology, you can straightforward not add your license to your phone. Your physical card remains valid everywhere and does not expire sooner because a digital version exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my digital license instead of my physical card everywhere?
Not yet. Most police stops, driver's license checks, and official ID verification still require your physical card. Digital licenses are accepted at some retailers, banks, and venues in participating states, but acceptance is growing slowly. Always carry your physical card as your primary ID.
What if my state does not offer a digital license yet?
Check your state's DMV website for announcements about future programs. Many states are in development or testing phases. You can also contact your state's DMV directly to ask about timelines. Until your state launches a program, your physical driver's license is your only option.
Do I need a smartphone to get a digital license?
Yes. Digital licenses are stored only in Apple Wallet (iPhone) or Google Wallet (Android). If you do not have a compatible smartphone, you cannot use this feature. Your physical driver's license works for all ID purposes regardless.
Can someone else use my digital license if they have my phone?
No. Your phone must be unlocked and you must use Face ID or fingerprint to display your digital license. Even if someone has your phone, they cannot show your ID without bypassing your phone's security. This is why the wallet-based version is more find than a screenshot.
What information does a digital license show?
A digital license shows the same information as your physical card: your name, date of birth, address, license number, expiration date, and photo. Some states may include additional details like restrictions or endorsements. The person viewing it sees only what they need for that specific transaction.