How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

What Adding Your License to Apple Wallet Means

Apple Wallet is the digital storage app on iPhones and Apple Watches where you can keep your driver's license or state ID in digital form. When you add your license to Wallet, you can show it to police officers, TSA agents at airport security, or other officials by unlocking your phone — no physical card needed. The digital version is encrypted and stored securely on your device.

Not every state offers this feature yet. As of now, only certain states have made their licenses available for Apple Wallet, and the list is growing. Even if your state supports it, you still need a valid physical license or ID card to carry with you — the digital version is a convenience, not a replacement.

The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and requires your iPhone or Apple Watch to be running a recent version of Apple's operating system. You'll need your state ID number, Social Security number, and a clear photo of yourself.

Key Takeaways

Only certain states currently support adding a driver's license to Apple Wallet, so check your state's DMV website first to see if yours is one of them.
You need an iPhone running iOS 15.1 or later, or an Apple Watch running watchOS 8.1 or later, to add and display your license.
The setup process asks you to verify your identity by taking a selfie and providing your state ID number and Social Security number.
Your digital license is encrypted on your device and requires Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to display to officials.
You must still carry your physical driver's license or ID card — the digital version is an additional option, not a legal replacement.

Check Whether Your State Supports Digital IDs

Before you start, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website and search for "Apple Wallet" or "digital ID." Not all states have rolled out this feature. States that currently support it include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming — though this list continues to grow.

If your state is not yet on this list, you can still check back periodically. Your state's DMV website will announce when the feature becomes available. Some states are testing the feature with a limited number of residents before rolling it out to everyone.

Verify Your Device Meets the Requirements

Your iPhone must be running iOS 15.1 or later, and your Apple Watch (if you plan to use one) must be running watchOS 8.1 or later. To check your iPhone's version, open Settings, tap General, then tap About. Look for the "Software Version" number.

You also need to have Face ID or Touch ID set up on your device, since you'll use one of these to unlock your license when you show it to an official. If you have neither biometric security enabled, you can still add your license but will need to enter your passcode each time you display it.

Start the Setup Process in the Wallet App

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. Scroll down and select "Driver's License or State ID." Choose your state from the list. Tap "Continue" and read the information about how your data will be used and stored.

At this point, Apple will ask you to confirm that you have a valid, unexpired driver's license or state ID from the state you selected. You must be the cardholder — you cannot add someone else's license to your Wallet. Tap "Continue" to move forward.

Provide Your Personal Information and Take a Selfie

The app will ask you to enter your state ID number (the number on your physical license) and your Social Security number. Double-check these for accuracy before moving forward. The app uses this information to verify your identity with your state's DMV.

Next, you'll be asked to take a selfie — a photo of your face. The app will guide you through this. Make sure you're in good lighting, your face is clearly visible, and you're looking directly at the camera. You may need to take the photo more than once if the app detects that your face is not clearly visible or that you're wearing sunglasses or a hat.

After the selfie, the app may ask you to move your head in certain directions (like turning left or right) to confirm you're a real person and not a photo. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Complete Identity Verification With Your State

Once you've submitted your information and selfie, Apple sends this data to your state's DMV for verification. This step typically takes a few minutes to a few hours, though it can occasionally take longer. You'll see a message in the Wallet app saying "Verifying" or "In Progress."

Your state's DMV will check that your information matches their records and that your license or ID is valid and not suspended or revoked. If everything matches, your digital license will be added to your Wallet. If there's a problem — for example, if your information doesn't match their records — the app will tell you and may ask you to try again or contact your state's DMV directly.

Display Your License to Officials

Once your digital license is in your Wallet, you can show it to police officers, TSA agents, or other officials who request ID. Open the Wallet app, tap your digital license, and use Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to unlock it. The license will display on your screen with your photo, name, and other identifying information.

If you're at airport security, the TSA agent will scan a code on your digital license just as they would scan a barcode on a physical card. If you're pulled over by police, you can hand your phone to the officer to view your license. The officer cannot take your phone or access any other information in your Wallet — they can only see your license.

Remember: you still need to carry your physical driver's license or state ID with you. The digital version is a convenience, but it is not a legal replacement for the physical card in all situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my state doesn't support Apple Wallet yet?

Check your state's DMV website periodically for updates. States are adding this feature gradually, and your state may announce support in the coming months. In the meantime, you'll need to carry your physical license as you normally do.

Can I add my license to my Apple Watch?

Yes, if your Apple Watch is running watchOS 8.1 or later and is paired with your iPhone. Once you've added your license to your iPhone, you can also add it to your Watch through the Watch app on your iPhone. You'll use the same license information — you don't need to verify your identity again.

What happens if I lose my phone or it gets stolen?

Your digital license is encrypted and requires Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to display. If your phone is lost or stolen, the person who finds it cannot access your license without unlocking your phone first. You can also erase your phone remotely using Find My iPhone, which will remove your digital license along with everything else on the device.

Do I still need to carry my physical license?

Yes. The digital license is an additional option for convenience, but it is not a legal replacement for your physical driver's license or state ID in all situations. Always carry your physical card with you.

Can I add my license to Android phones or other devices?

Not yet. As of now, Apple Wallet is only available on iPhones and Apple Watches. Google is developing a similar feature for Android phones, but it is not yet widely available. Check back with your phone's manufacturer for updates.

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.