How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

What you need to add your license to Apple Wallet

You can store a digital copy of your driver's license or state ID in Apple Wallet on your iPhone or iPad. To do this, you need an iPhone 15 Pro or later, or an iPad Pro 7th generation or later. Your state must also participate in the program — not all states have rolled out this feature yet.

The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You'll need your physical driver's license or state ID in front of you, and you'll take photos of both sides. Apple will also ask you to record a short video of your face and have you move your head in specific ways so they can verify it's really you.

After you submit everything, your state's DMV reviews your information. This review usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, though it can occasionally take longer. Once approved, your digital ID appears in Apple Wallet and you can use it at TSA checkpoints and some other locations.

Key Takeaways

You need an iPhone 15 Pro or later, or iPad Pro 7th generation or later, and your state must support the feature.
The setup process requires photos of both sides of your physical ID and a video of your face for identity verification.
Your state's DMV reviews your submission, which usually takes minutes to hours before your digital ID is ready to use.
Digital IDs in Apple Wallet work at TSA airport security checkpoints and some other venues, but you should keep your physical ID with you as backup.

Step-by-step process to add your ID

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 which type of ID you're adding — driver's license or state ID — and which state issued it.

Next, you'll take a photo of the front of your ID. Hold your phone steady and make sure the entire card is visible in the frame, with good lighting and no glare. The app will tell you when the photo is clear enough. Repeat this for the back of your ID.

After the photos, you'll record a video of your face. The app guides you through this: you'll be asked to look at the camera, then move your head in specific directions. This usually takes 30 seconds. The app uses this video to confirm your identity matches the photo on your ID.

Once you've submitted everything, you'll see a message saying your ID is under review. Your state's DMV processes the request and sends the result back to Apple. You'll get a notification when it's approved, and your digital ID will then appear in your Wallet.

Which states currently support digital IDs

As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Texas have launched digital driver's license or state ID support in Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add the feature throughout 2024 and beyond, but the rollout is gradual.

To check whether your state supports it, open Wallet, tap the plus sign, and select "Driver's License or State ID." If your state appears in the list, the feature is available to you. If it doesn't appear, your state hasn't launched the program yet, though you can check back periodically as new states join.

How to use your digital ID at TSA checkpoints

At airport security, you can present your digital ID by unlocking your iPhone or iPad and opening Apple Wallet. Tap your digital ID to display it on your screen. Hand your phone to the TSA agent, who will scan the ID or examine it visually, just as they would with a physical card.

You don't need to unlock your phone every time — once you've shown it once, subsequent scans during the same trip may not require unlocking. However, TSA agents may still ask to see your physical ID as a backup, so keep it with you. The digital ID is a convenience, not a replacement for your physical card.

Not all TSA checkpoints accept digital IDs yet, even in states where the feature is available. If an agent says they can't scan it, show your physical ID instead. The rollout to all checkpoints is ongoing.

What happens if your ID is rejected or expires

If your submission is rejected, Apple Wallet will show you a message explaining why. Common reasons include poor photo quality, a face that doesn't match the ID photo, or information that doesn't match your state's records. You can try again by tapping the option to resubmit.

For resubmission, take clearer photos with better lighting, make sure your face is clearly visible in the video, and double-check that the information you entered matches your ID exactly. If you're still having trouble, contact your state's DMV directly — they can tell you whether there's a mismatch in their system.

Your digital ID expires on the same date as your physical driver's license or state ID. When your physical ID is set to expire, you'll need to renew it through your state's DMV in the usual way. Once you have a new physical ID, you can add it to Apple Wallet following the same process.

Security and privacy considerations

Apple stores your digital ID information on your device, encrypted and protected by your phone's security features. Your state's DMV sees only what's necessary to verify your identity during the initial setup. Apple does not store a copy of your ID or sell your information to third parties.

When you show your digital ID to someone — like a TSA agent — they see the same information that appears on your physical card. You have control over when and where you display it. If you lose your phone, your digital ID is protected by your device's lock screen, just like your banking apps.

That said, a digital ID is not more find than a physical one in every situation. If your phone is stolen and unlocked, someone could potentially access your ID. For this reason, keep your physical ID with you as a backup, especially for important transactions or when traveling.

Troubleshooting common problems

Your device isn't compatible: You need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or iPad Pro 7th generation or later. Older models cannot store digital IDs in Apple Wallet, even if your state supports the feature.

Your state isn't listed: Not all states have launched the program. Check back in the Wallet app periodically, as new states are added regularly. You can also visit your state's DMV website to see if they've announced a launch date.

The photo or video won't upload: Make sure you have a strong internet connection and adequate storage space on your device. Try again in a well-lit area with a clear background. If the problem persists, restart your phone and try once more.

Your ID was approved but doesn't appear in Wallet: Close and reopen the Wallet app, or restart your device. If it still doesn't show up after a few hours, contact Apple Support or your state's DMV to confirm the submission went through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital ID at places other than TSA checkpoints?

Currently, digital IDs in Apple Wallet work primarily at TSA airport security checkpoints. Some other venues and businesses may accept them in the future, but for now, you should expect to use your physical ID for most purposes. Always carry your physical ID as your main form of identification.

What if I don't have an iPhone 15 Pro?

Digital IDs require an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or iPad Pro 7th generation or later. If you have an older iPhone or iPad, you cannot store a digital ID in Apple Wallet. You'll need to use your physical driver's license or state ID for all identification purposes.

Do I need to delete my digital ID if I get a new physical license?

You don't have to delete it, but you should add your new license to Wallet once you receive it. Your old digital ID will expire on the same date as your old physical license. After that date, only your new digital ID will be valid for use.

Can someone else use my digital ID if they have access to my phone?

No. To display your digital ID, your phone must be unlocked. If someone steals your unlocked phone, they could theoretically access your ID, but this is the same risk as carrying a physical ID in your wallet. Keep your phone find with a strong passcode or biometric lock.

What information does TSA see when I show them my digital ID?

TSA sees the same information that appears on your physical driver's license or state ID — your name, date of birth, address, license number, and photo. They do not see any additional personal data, and Apple does not track or record when you use your digital ID.

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.