How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

What You Need Before You Start

To add your driver's license to Apple Wallet, you need an iPhone or iPad running iOS 15.1 or later, a compatible state-issued driver's license, and your Apple ID. Not every state offers this feature yet — as of now, only certain states have made their licenses compatible with Apple Wallet, and the list grows periodically. Before you begin, check whether your state's DMV supports digital licenses through Apple Wallet.

You'll also need to be in the United States and have a valid, non-expired driver's license. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot add it to Apple Wallet. The digital version does not replace your physical license for all purposes — you still need to carry the card itself for some transactions, though Apple's version works for TSA airport screening and some in-person ID checks at participating locations.

Key Takeaways

Only certain states currently support adding a driver's license to Apple Wallet, so you must first confirm your state is one of them.
The process takes place entirely within the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad and requires your Apple ID and a few minutes of your time.
Apple Wallet's digital license works for TSA airport screening and some retail ID checks, but you still need your physical card for many everyday situations.
If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot add it to Apple Wallet until your status is restored.

Step-by-Step Process to Add Your License

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad 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. You'll then be prompted to take a photo of the front of your license and a photo of the back, so have your physical card ready.

After you photograph both sides, the app will ask you to take a selfie and confirm your identity. This step uses facial recognition to verify that you are the person on the license. Once Apple confirms your identity, your license will appear in Wallet. The entire process usually takes five to ten minutes. If the app cannot verify your identity on the first try, you can attempt it again — most people succeed within two or three attempts.

Which States Support Digital Driver's Licenses

As of early 2024, the following states allow you to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. This list continues to expand, so if your state is not listed, check back periodically or visit Apple's official support page for the most current information.

If your state is not yet supported, you cannot add your license to Apple Wallet at this time. Your state's DMV may be working on compatibility, but there is no way to speed up that process from your end. In the meantime, you can continue using your physical license for all transactions.

How to Use Your Digital License in Apple Wallet

At TSA airport security checkpoints, you can present your digital license by opening Wallet, selecting your driver's license, and holding your iPhone or iPad near the TSA reader. The agent will scan it the same way they would scan a physical card. You do not need to unlock your phone or use Face ID — the license displays automatically when you select it.

Some retail locations and businesses also accept digital licenses for age verification and other ID checks. However, many establishments still require a physical card, so you should always carry your actual driver's license with you. The digital version is a convenience tool, not a complete replacement. If a business or officer asks for your ID and you're unsure whether they accept digital licenses, offer your physical card first.

What Happens If Your License Status Changes

If your license is suspended, revoked, or expires, your digital version in Apple Wallet becomes invalid at the same moment your physical card does. You cannot remove the suspension or expiration by deleting the digital license — the status is tied to your actual license record at the DMV, not to the Wallet app.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve the issue with your state's DMV before you can use either the physical or digital version for any purpose. Once your status is restored and your license is valid again, your digital license in Wallet will automatically update to reflect the change. If your license expires, you'll need to renew it through your DMV, and then you can add the renewed license to Apple Wallet using the same process.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If the app cannot verify your identity during the selfie step, make sure you're in good lighting, your face is clearly visible, and you're holding the device at eye level. Avoid wearing sunglasses, hats, or heavy makeup that differs significantly from your license photo. If you still cannot verify after a few attempts, wait a few hours and try again — sometimes the system needs time to process.

If your state appears in the list but the "Driver's License or State ID" option does not show up in your Wallet app, make sure your iPhone or iPad is running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Go to Settings, then General, then Software Update, and install any available updates. After updating, close and reopen the Wallet app. If the option still does not appear, your device may not be compatible — Apple Wallet requires an iPhone XS or later, or an iPad Pro (3rd generation) or later.

Privacy and Security Considerations

Apple Wallet stores your digital license on your device using encryption. Your license information does not sync to iCloud or any other cloud service, and Apple does not have access to your license data. When you present your license at TSA or a retail location, only the information necessary for that transaction is shared — the reader cannot access your full license details or any other information stored in your Wallet.

Your digital license is protected by the same security features as the rest of your iPhone or iPad, including Face ID or Touch ID. If someone gains access to your unlocked device, they could theoretically view your license, just as they could with a physical card in your wallet. To minimize this risk, always lock your device when you're not using it and do not share your Apple ID password with anyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license instead of my physical card for driving?

No. Your digital license in Apple Wallet does not replace your physical driver's license for driving. You must carry your actual card whenever you operate a vehicle. Police officers and highway patrol may not accept a digital license during a traffic stop, so always have the physical card with you.

What if I lose my iPhone after adding my license to Wallet?

Your digital license is tied to that specific device. If you lose your phone, the license is no longer accessible from that device. You can add your license to a new iPhone or iPad using the same process once you have a replacement. Your physical license remains valid and usable in the meantime.

Do I need to tell my state's DMV that I added my license to Apple Wallet?

No. Adding your license to Apple Wallet is a feature of the Wallet app and does not require any action or notification to your state's DMV. Your DMV record and your digital license are separate — the digital version straightforward displays information from your existing, valid license.

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if it's suspended?

No. You can only add a valid, non-suspended, non-expired license to Apple Wallet. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the suspension with your DMV first. Once your license is valid again, you can add it to Wallet.

Will my digital license work at bars or restaurants for age verification?

Some establishments accept digital licenses, but many still require a physical card. It depends on the business and whether their ID-scanning equipment is compatible with Apple Wallet. Always carry your physical license when you go out, as you cannot assume a venue will accept the digital version.

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.