What You Need Before You Start
Apple Wallet stores a digital copy of your driver's license or state ID card on your iPhone or iPad. To add it, you need an iPhone XS or newer, or an iPad Air (3rd generation) or newer, running iOS 15.1 or later. Your state must participate in the program — not all states have rolled out this feature yet, and those that have are still expanding which documents they accept.
You will also need the physical driver's license or state ID card itself, because Apple requires you to photograph it and verify your identity during the setup process. The digital version does not replace your physical card; it works alongside it as an additional form of ID you can show on your phone.
Before you begin, check whether your state supports digital ID in Apple Wallet. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, and Virginia have launched the feature. More states are expected to add support throughout the year, but the timeline varies.
Key Takeaways
- Your iPhone or iPad must be XS-generation or newer and running iOS 15.1 or later to store a digital driver's license in Apple Wallet.
- Only certain states currently support digital ID in Apple Wallet, and you can only add a license from a state that has launched the feature.
- The setup process requires you to photograph your physical license and complete identity verification, which may include a video selfie.
- A digital license in Apple Wallet works at TSA checkpoints and some police interactions, but you must still carry your physical card as a backup.
Step-by-Step Process to Add Your License
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. The app will ask you to choose your state; select the state that issued your license.
Next, you will photograph the front and back of your physical driver's license or state ID using your phone's camera. Take the photos in good lighting and make sure the entire card is visible and in focus. Apple will use these images to read the information on your card.
After the photos are taken, Apple will ask you to verify your identity. This step typically involves taking a video selfie while you follow on-screen instructions — you may be asked to turn your head, blink, or look in a specific direction. This is a security measure to confirm you are the person on the license. The process usually takes two to three minutes.
Once identity verification is complete, your license will appear in Apple Wallet. You can now use it at TSA checkpoints and in certain other situations where a digital ID is accepted. The card will display your name, photo, license number, and expiration date when you open it in Wallet.
Where You Can Use Your Digital License
TSA (Transportation Security Administration) accepts digital driver's licenses at airport security checkpoints in participating states. You present your phone to the TSA officer just as you would your physical card. The officer can view your license information on your device without needing to touch your phone.
Some state police departments and law enforcement agencies in participating states can also view your digital license during traffic stops or other interactions, though this varies by jurisdiction and officer training. Not every police department has the technology to read digital IDs yet, so you should still carry your physical license when driving.
Certain retailers and venues may accept digital ID for age verification, but this is less common than TSA use. Your state's DMV website will list which specific locations and agencies accept digital licenses in your area.
What Happens If Your License Expires or Changes
If your license expires, you will need to renew it through your state's DMV in the usual way — by mail, online, or in person. Once you receive your renewed physical license, you can add it to Apple Wallet by repeating the setup process. You will remove the old license from Wallet and add the new one.
If you change your address, name, or other information on your license, you must update your physical license through your state's DMV first. You cannot edit the digital version directly in Apple Wallet. After the DMV issues your updated card, you can add it to Wallet and remove the old version.
If you lose your phone or get a new one, your digital license is tied to that device. You will need to set up the license again on your new phone by going through the same photography and identity verification process.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Your state is not showing up in the list: This means your state has not yet launched digital ID support in Apple Wallet. Check your state's DMV website for updates on when the feature will be available. You can still use your physical license in the meantime.
Identity verification fails repeatedly: Make sure you are in good lighting and that your face is clearly visible. Remove glasses or sunglasses if possible. If the video selfie keeps failing, try again later — the system may be experiencing temporary issues. If it continues to fail after several attempts, contact Apple Support.
Your license appears in Wallet but TSA will not accept it: Not all TSA checkpoints have been equipped to read digital licenses yet, even in participating states. Carry your physical license as a backup. If an officer refuses to accept your digital ID, show them your physical card instead.
You cannot find the Wallet app on your device: Make sure you are running iOS 15.1 or later. Go to Settings, then General, then Software Update to check your current version. If your device is older than iPhone XS, it cannot support digital ID in Apple Wallet.
Security and Privacy Considerations
Your digital license is encrypted and stored securely on your phone. Apple does not have access to your license data, and the information is not sent to Apple's servers. When you show your digital license to someone, they see only the information that would appear on your physical card.
If your phone is lost or stolen, your digital license is protected by your phone's lock screen. A thief cannot access Wallet without unlocking your device. You can also use Find My iPhone to remotely erase your device if it is lost.
You remain in control of when and where you show your digital license. Unlike a physical card, you do not have to hand your phone to anyone — you can hold it and let them view the screen. This gives you more privacy because the person viewing it cannot see information beyond what is displayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my digital license instead of my physical one?
Not yet as a complete replacement. TSA accepts digital licenses at airport security, and some police departments can view them, but many businesses and agencies still require your physical card. You must carry both your physical license and have the digital version on your phone.
What if I do not have an iPhone?
Digital ID in Apple Wallet is only available on iPhone and iPad. Android users cannot store driver's licenses in Google Wallet at this time, though Google has announced plans to support this feature in the future. Check back with your phone manufacturer for updates.
Do I have to set up my digital license right away?
No. You can set it up whenever you want after your state launches the feature. There is no important date or requirement to do it when ready. You can continue using your physical license as usual.
Can someone else see my license if they have my phone?
Not without unlocking your phone first. Your digital license is protected by your device's lock screen password, Face ID, or Touch ID. Once your phone is unlocked, they could access Wallet, so keep your phone find just as you would your physical wallet.
What if I move to a different state?
You will need to get a new driver's license from your new state's DMV. Once you receive it, you can add it to Apple Wallet following the same setup process. You can keep your old state's digital license in Wallet or remove it — Apple Wallet allows you to store multiple licenses.