How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

What You Need to Add Your License to Apple Wallet

You can add your driver's license or state ID to Apple Wallet on an iPhone or iPad running iOS 15.1 or later, or iPadOS 15.1 or later. Not every state offers this feature yet. Currently, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming allow digital licenses in Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add support over time, but the list changes — check Apple's official support page to confirm your state is included before you start.

You will need your physical driver's license or state ID card in hand, an iPhone or iPad with a working camera, and a valid Apple ID. The process uses your device's camera to photograph your license, and Apple's servers to verify it with your state's DMV. You do not need to visit a DMV office or request anything in advance from your state — the entire process happens through the Wallet app.

Key Takeaways

Only certain states currently support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet, so you must confirm your state is on the list before attempting to add your license.
You will photograph both sides of your physical license using your device's camera, and Apple verifies the information with your state's DMV automatically.
The verification process typically takes a few minutes to a few hours, and you will receive a notification when your digital license is ready to use.
Once added, you can present your digital license at TSA checkpoints, some police stops, and certain businesses by opening Wallet and tapping your license.
Your digital license is encrypted on your device and does not sync to iCloud, so losing your phone means you lose access until you add it to a replacement device.

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 confirm your state — select the state that issued your license.

Position your physical license in front of your device's camera. The app will guide you through photographing the front of your license first. Make sure the entire card is visible, the lighting is clear, and the text is readable. Tap "Continue" once the photo is captured. Repeat this process for the back of your license. After both photos are taken, the app will display what it read from your license — review this information carefully and correct any errors before proceeding.

Next, you will be asked to take a selfie. Position your face in the center of the frame and follow the on-screen prompts. The camera may ask you to blink or move your head slightly to confirm you are present. Once the selfie is captured, tap "Continue."

Apple will then send your information to your state's DMV for verification. This process usually takes a few minutes, but can take up to a few hours. You will receive a notification on your device when verification is complete. If verification fails, the app will explain why — common reasons include a blurry photo, mismatched information, or a license that is expired or not yet valid.

What Happens During Verification

Apple does not store your license information on its servers. Instead, your photos and the data extracted from them are sent to your state's DMV, which checks that the license number, name, date of birth, and other details match their records. If everything matches, the DMV approves the addition, and Apple receives confirmation. Your digital license is then created on your device only — it never lives in the cloud or on Apple's systems.

If verification fails, you will see an error message explaining the issue. Common reasons include a license that has expired, a license that is not yet valid (issued very recently), photos that are too blurry or poorly lit, or information that does not match the DMV's records exactly. If you believe the rejection was an error, you can try again by starting the process over. If your license has expired, you will need to renew it with your state's DMV before you can add it to Wallet.

Using Your Digital License

Once your digital license is verified and added to Wallet, you can present it at TSA checkpoints at participating airports, during certain police interactions, and at some businesses that request ID. To show your license, open Wallet, tap your driver's license, and hold your device up to the reader or to the person requesting ID. You do not need to unlock your phone or authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID to display your license — it appears when ready when you tap it in Wallet.

Your digital license includes the same information as your physical card: name, date of birth, license number, address, and photo. Some states allow you to hide your address when presenting your license — if your state supports this, you will see an option to toggle it on or off before you show your license to someone.

Security and Privacy Considerations

Your digital license is encrypted on your device and protected by the same security features as the rest of your iPhone or iPad. It does not back up to iCloud, which means it exists only on the device where you added it. If you lose your phone, your digital license is no longer accessible until you add it to a new device. If you upgrade to a new iPhone or iPad, you will need to add your license again — it does not transfer automatically.

When you present your digital license, the person or system reading it does not receive your full information. TSA readers, for example, only confirm that your identity matches your license and that the license is valid — they do not read or store your data. Police officers and other officials see the same information they would see on a physical card, displayed on your screen.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Your state is not listed: Not all states support digital licenses in Apple Wallet yet. If your state does not appear in the list when you try to add a license, you will need to carry your physical license. Check Apple's support page periodically — new states are added regularly.

Verification fails repeatedly: Make sure your license is not expired and that the photos are clear and well-lit. If your license was issued very recently, wait a few days before trying again — new licenses sometimes take time to appear in the DMV system. If the problem persists, contact your state's DMV to confirm your license information is correct in their records.

You cannot find the plus sign in Wallet: Make sure you are running iOS 15.1 or later (or iPadOS 15.1 or later). Older versions of iOS do not support digital licenses. Check your device's settings to confirm your software version and update if needed.

Your device camera is not working: Restart your iPhone or iPad and try again. If the camera still does not work, you may have a hardware issue — visit an Apple Store or contact Apple Support.

Keeping Your Physical License

Adding your license to Apple Wallet does not replace your physical license. You should continue to carry your physical driver's license or state ID at all times. Not every location accepts digital licenses yet, and some situations — such as crossing state lines or traveling internationally — may require your physical card. Your digital license is a convenience, not a substitute.

If your physical license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to request a replacement from your state's DMV through the normal process. Your digital license will remain on your device, but you should also obtain a new physical card as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if I have an out-of-state ID?

Only if your out-of-state ID is a driver's license or state ID card from one of the states that supports Apple Wallet. If your state is not on the list, you cannot add it. You can check the current list on Apple's website or in the Wallet app itself — if your state does not appear as an option, it is not yet supported.

What if my license is expired?

You cannot add an expired license to Apple Wallet. You will need to renew your license with your state's DMV first. Once your new license arrives and is activated in the DMV system, you can add it to Wallet.

Do I need to do anything at the DMV to add my license to Wallet?

No. The entire process happens through the Wallet app on your device. You do not need to visit a DMV office, request permission, or fill out any forms. Apple handles verification directly with your state's DMV system.

What happens if I get a new phone?

Your digital license does not transfer to a new device. You will need to add your license to the new phone or iPad by repeating the process in the Wallet app. You can do this as soon as you set up your new device.

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

Your digital license is displayed from the Wallet app without requiring Face ID or Touch ID, so technically someone with your unlocked phone could show it. However, the license displays your photo, so it would be obvious to anyone checking it that the person presenting it is not the license holder. For security, always keep your phone locked when not in use.

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.