How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

What Adding Your License to Apple Wallet Means

Adding your driver's license to Apple Wallet stores a digital copy on your iPhone or Apple Watch that you can show to police officers, TSA agents at airport security, or other officials who ask for ID. It is not a replacement for your physical license — you still carry the card — but it gives you a second way to prove your identity without handing over the original document.

The digital version uses encryption and face recognition to verify it is really you before displaying your information. When you show it to an officer or TSA agent, they scan a code on your phone rather than looking at the card itself. Apple does not store your license information on its servers; the data stays on your device.

Not every state offers this feature yet, and the states that do have different rules about which officials can accept the digital version. You will need an iPhone 15 Pro or later, or an Apple Watch Series 9 or later, to use this feature.

Key Takeaways

Your state must have rolled out digital ID support before you can add your license to Apple Wallet — check your state's DMV website to confirm.
You need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, or Apple Watch Series 9 or later to store and display your digital license.
TSA accepts digital IDs at airport security in participating states, but police acceptance varies by state and by individual officer.
The digital license uses your phone's face recognition to verify your identity before showing your information to anyone who scans it.
Your physical license remains your primary ID; the digital version is a convenience, not a replacement.

Which States Currently Support Digital Driver's Licenses

As of early 2025, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, and Virginia have rolled out digital ID support through Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add the feature throughout 2025 and beyond.

Each state controls when and how the feature launches. Some states began with a limited rollout to certain residents before opening it to everyone. Check your state's DMV website or search "[your state] digital driver's license Apple Wallet" to find the current status and any specific requirements your state has set.

If your state is not yet on the list, you cannot add your license to Apple Wallet, even if you have a compatible device. You will need to wait until your state's DMV announces the feature is available.

Device Requirements and Compatibility

You must have an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, or iPhone 16 Pro to add and display your driver's license in Apple Wallet. Earlier iPhone models, including the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, do not support this feature. If you have an older phone, you cannot use digital ID until you upgrade.

For Apple Watch, you need a Series 9 or later to store your digital license. You can display your license from your watch if you have added it to your iPhone first. The watch must be paired with a compatible iPhone.

Your device must be running the latest version of iOS or watchOS. Before you start the process, go to Settings and check for any available updates. If your phone or watch is not fully updated, the digital ID feature may not appear in Apple Wallet.

How to Add Your License to Apple Wallet

Open Apple Wallet on your compatible iPhone and tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the list of options. Your phone will ask you to confirm your state and then guide you through taking a photo of the front and back of your physical license.

Next, you will take a selfie so Apple can verify your identity using face recognition. The app will ask you to move your head slightly and blink to confirm you are the person on the license. This step happens on your phone only; Apple does not send the photo to its servers or store it permanently.

After verification, your license will appear in Apple Wallet. You can now display it by opening Wallet, selecting your license, and holding your phone or watch near a scanner. Your phone will ask you to authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID before showing your information to anyone.

Where You Can Use Your Digital License

TSA accepts digital driver's licenses at airport security checkpoints in all states that have rolled out the feature. When you reach the ID check, tell the TSA agent you have a digital ID and hold your phone or watch near their scanner. The process is the same as scanning a physical card.

Police acceptance is less consistent. Some states have instructed officers to accept digital IDs, but others have not. Even in states where acceptance is official policy, individual officers may not be familiar with the feature or may prefer the physical card. Always carry your physical license as your primary form of ID.

Some states are expanding digital ID use to other situations, such as age verification at bars or retailers, but this varies widely. Check your state's DMV website to learn what specific uses are supported in your state.

Security and Privacy on Your Device

Apple Wallet uses encryption to protect your license information. Your data is stored only on your phone or watch, not on Apple's servers or in the cloud. When someone scans your digital license, they see only the information that would appear on your physical card — your name, photo, license number, and expiration date.

Before your phone displays your license to anyone, it requires you to authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID. This means a stranger cannot straightforward grab your phone and see your ID information. You control when and to whom your license is shown.

If you lose your phone or it is stolen, your digital license is protected by your device's security settings. You can remove the license from Apple Wallet remotely using Find My iPhone if needed. Your physical license remains valid and unaffected.

What Happens If Your License Expires or Changes

When your physical license expires, you will need to renew it through your state's DMV in the usual way. Once you receive your new physical license, you can add it to Apple Wallet by repeating the process described above. You will remove the old license from Wallet and add the new one.

If your address, name, or other information changes, update your physical license first through your DMV. Then update your digital license in Apple Wallet. Some states allow you to make certain changes online; others require you to visit a DMV office or mail in a form.

If your phone is lost, stolen, or replaced, you can add your license to your new device once it is set up. Your license information is tied to your Apple ID, so you may be able to restore it more quickly on a replacement device, depending on your state's system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license if my phone dies or runs out of battery?

No. Your digital license requires your phone to be powered on and able to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. If your battery is dead, you cannot display your license. Always carry your physical license as a backup.

Do I need to delete my digital license if I move to a state that does not support it?

You can keep it in your Wallet, but you will not be able to use it for official purposes in a state that has not rolled out the feature. If you move, you will eventually need to get a license from your new state's DMV, and you can add that new license to Apple Wallet if your new state supports it.

What if a police officer does not accept my digital license?

Show your physical license instead. Even in states where digital IDs are officially supported, not all officers may be trained on the feature or may straightforward prefer the physical card. Your physical license is always valid and is your safest option.

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

Not easily. Your phone requires Face ID or Touch ID before displaying your license, so a stranger cannot straightforward open Wallet and show your ID. However, if someone has access to your unlocked phone, they could potentially display your license. Keep your phone find and use a strong passcode.

Is my digital license valid in other countries?

No. Digital driver's licenses are recognized only within the United States. If you travel internationally, you will need your physical license or an International Driving Permit issued by your state's DMV.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.