What Adding Your License to Apple Wallet Means

Adding your driver's license to Apple Wallet lets you show your license from your iPhone or Apple Watch instead of carrying the physical card. When you're asked for ID — at a traffic stop, airport, or age-restricted purchase — you can unlock your phone and display the digital version on your screen. The police officer or attendant scans the barcode or reads the information directly from your device.

This feature is not the same as having a digital copy saved as a photo. Apple Wallet stores your license data in an encrypted format that only your device can unlock, and it works only in Canada right now. You still need to carry your physical license as a backup because not all places accept the digital version yet.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or newer to add your license to Apple Wallet; iPad and Apple Watch support is coming later in 2024.
  • Your province or territory must have launched the feature — currently available in British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan, with other provinces rolling out through 2024.
  • You will need your physical driver's license, a valid passport or passport card, and access to your provincial government account to verify your identity.
  • The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and happens entirely on your phone through the Wallet app and your province's online portal.

Which Provinces and Territories Support Digital Licenses

Digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet are rolling out across Canada on a province-by-province schedule. British Columbia was the first to launch in September 2023. Ontario followed in January 2024. Saskatchewan launched in spring 2024. Other provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec, and Nova Scotia have announced they will launch the feature, but the exact timing varies.

Check your province's official government website or the Service Ontario, DriveBC, or SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance) portals to see whether the feature is live in your area. If your province has not launched yet, you cannot add your license to Apple Wallet, even if you have a compatible phone.

Device and Software Requirements

Your iPhone must be an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max to add a driver's license to Apple Wallet. Earlier iPhone models, including the standard iPhone 15, do not support this feature. You also need to be running the latest version of iOS — check Settings > General > Software Update to make sure your phone is current.

Apple Watch support for digital licenses is planned for later in 2024, and iPad support is also coming. For now, the feature works only on compatible iPhones. If you have an older iPhone, you will need to upgrade to use this feature.

Documents and Information You Need Before Starting

Gather these items before you open the Wallet app. You will need your physical driver's license, a valid passport or passport card, and your provincial government account login (or the ability to create one). Some provinces may also ask for your Social Insurance Number or other identifying information during the verification step.

Have your phone charged and connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal. The process involves taking photos of your license and passport, so make sure you are in a well-lit space. You cannot complete the setup on a public or shared network — use your home Wi-Fi or your own mobile data.

Step-by-Step Process to Add Your License

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the plus sign (+) in the top right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the menu. Choose your province from the list. The app will walk you through taking a photo of the front of your license, then the back, and then a selfie. Keep your face centered and make sure the lighting is clear — the camera will guide you through each shot.

After you submit the photos, you will be directed to your province's online portal to verify your identity. Log in with your provincial government account (or create one if you do not have one). You will answer security questions and may be asked to upload a photo of your passport or passport card. This step confirms that you are the person on the license.

Once your identity is verified, return to the Wallet app. Your license will appear in your Wallet within a few minutes to a few hours, depending on how quickly your province processes the verification. You will receive a notification when it is ready to use.

How to Use Your Digital License Once It Is Added

When you need to show your license, open Wallet and tap your driver's license. Your phone will ask you to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. Once you unlock it, your license appears on the screen with all your information visible. The person checking your ID can read the details directly or scan the barcode at the bottom.

You can also add your license to your lock screen for faster access. In the Wallet app, press and hold your license card, then tap "Add to Lock Screen." After that, you can swipe to your lock screen and tap the license to show it without unlocking your phone — though you will still need to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID first.

Keep your physical license with you at all times. Not all police officers, border agents, or businesses accept the digital version yet, so you may be asked to produce the physical card as well.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If your photos are rejected, make sure your license and passport are well-lit, fully visible in the frame, and not blurry. Shadows across your face or the document can cause the camera to ask you to retake the photo. If you keep getting rejected, try again in a different room with better lighting.

If you cannot log into your provincial government account, use the "Forgot Password" option on your province's portal to reset it before you start the Wallet process. If the portal is down or slow, wait a few hours and try again — government systems sometimes experience maintenance windows.

If your license does not appear in Wallet after several hours, check your email for a message from your province saying the verification failed. If verification failed, you may need to resubmit your documents or contact your provincial Service Centre directly. If you see no message and no license appears after 24 hours, restart your iPhone and check again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license at a border crossing or airport?

Digital licenses are not yet accepted at Canadian borders or airports. You must carry your physical license for travel. The feature is designed for everyday use — traffic stops, age verification, and local ID checks — not for official travel documents.

What happens if my phone dies or I lose it?

Your license is stored securely on your device and encrypted. If your phone dies, you cannot show your digital license until you charge it. If you lose your phone, your license data is not accessible to anyone else because it requires Face ID or Touch ID to unlock. Report the loss to your phone carrier and your province's licensing authority.

Can I add my license if I have a learner's permit or G1?

This depends on your province. Some provinces allow learner's permits and graduated licenses to be added to Apple Wallet, while others only support full licenses. Check your province's government website or contact Service Ontario, DriveBC, or SGI to confirm whether your license type is supported.

Do I need to remove my physical license from my wallet?

No. Keep your physical license with you. The digital version is a convenience, not a replacement. Many places still do not accept digital IDs, and you may be asked to show the physical card as backup.

What if my province has not launched the feature yet?

You cannot add your license until your province makes the feature available. Check your province's official government website periodically for updates. When your province launches, you will be able to follow the same process described here.