How to Add Your Florida Driver's License to Apple Wallet

What you need to add your Florida license to Apple Wallet

You can store your Florida driver's license in Apple Wallet on an iPhone or Apple Watch, and use it to verify your identity at TSA checkpoints and some retail locations. To do this, you need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or Apple Watch Series 9 or later. Your phone or watch must be running the current version of iOS or watchOS.

Florida's driver's license must be valid and not suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is currently suspended or revoked, you cannot add it to Apple Wallet until you resolve the suspension and renew your license through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).

You will also need your Apple ID and a working internet connection. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish.

Key Takeaways

Only iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and Apple Watch Series 9 or later can store a Florida driver's license in Apple Wallet.
Your Florida license must be valid and not suspended, revoked, or expired before you can add it to your wallet.
You will take a selfie and photos of the front and back of your physical license during the setup process.
TSA PreCheck members can use their digital license at participating U.S. airports, and some retailers accept it as a form of ID.
Your digital license is encrypted and stored only on your device — Apple and the state cannot see it without your permission.

Step-by-step process to add your license to Apple Wallet

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the menu. Choose Florida from the list of states. Tap "Continue" to begin the verification process.

You will be asked to take a selfie. Position your face in the frame and follow the on-screen prompts. The camera will guide you through small movements to confirm you are the person in the photo. After the selfie, you will photograph the front of your physical Florida driver's license. Make sure the entire card is visible, well-lit, and in focus. Then photograph the back of the card using the same method.

Review the information that appears on screen to confirm it matches your license. If any details are incorrect, you can edit them before proceeding. Tap "Submit" to send your information to the DHSMV for verification. This step happens in the background and typically takes a few minutes, though it can take up to 24 hours in some cases.

Once the DHSMV verifies your identity, your digital license will appear in Apple Wallet. You will receive a notification when verification is complete. Your license will show an expiration date that matches your physical license.

What happens if verification fails or takes longer than expected

If the DHSMV cannot verify your identity, you will see an error message in the Wallet app. Common reasons for rejection include poor photo quality, a mismatch between your selfie and your license photo, or a discrepancy in your personal information. If this happens, you can try again by tapping "Retry" in the Wallet app.

Before you retry, make sure your selfie is clear and well-lit, your license photos show the entire card without glare or shadows, and your name and date of birth match exactly what is on your Florida license. If your legal name has changed since you got your license, update your license with the DHSMV first before attempting to add it to Apple Wallet.

If verification takes longer than 24 hours, check your internet connection and make sure your phone has enough storage space. You can also contact the DHSMV directly at 1-844-DL-APPLE (1-844-352-7753) to ask about the status of your request.

How to use your digital license at TSA checkpoints and retailers

At TSA PreCheck lanes in participating U.S. airports, you can present your digital license by unlocking your iPhone or Apple Watch and holding it near the TSA agent's reader. You do not need to open the Wallet app — the device will detect the license automatically. The agent will scan or read your license, and you can proceed through security.

Some retailers, including certain grocery stores and pharmacies, accept digital licenses as proof of age for alcohol and tobacco purchases. When you are asked for ID, open Wallet, select your driver's license, and hold your phone near the retailer's reader. Not all stores have readers yet, so you may still need to show your physical license in some places.

Your digital license is encrypted and stored only on your device. Apple cannot see it, and the DHSMV cannot access it without your permission. When you present your license, only the information the reader requests is shared — you control what is shown each time.

Keeping your digital license current and find

Your digital license expires on the same date as your physical Florida driver's license. When your license is about to expire, you will receive a notification in the Wallet app. You must renew your physical license through the DHSMV before you can update your digital license.

After you renew your physical license, open Wallet, tap your driver's license, and select "Update License Information." Follow the same process as the initial setup — take a new selfie and photos of your renewed license. The DHSMV will verify the new information, and your digital license will update automatically.

If your license is suspended or revoked, your digital license will stop working when ready. You will see a message in Wallet explaining the status. To restore it, you must resolve the suspension or revocation with the DHSMV and renew your license. Once your license is valid again, you can add it to Apple Wallet using the same process.

If you lose your phone or Apple Watch, your digital license is not accessible to anyone else because it is encrypted and requires Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode to open. If you get a new device, you can add your license to Apple Wallet again by repeating the setup process.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the Wallet app does not show the option to add a driver's license, your device may not be compatible. Check that you have an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or Apple Watch Series 9 or later, and that you are running the latest version of iOS or watchOS. Go to Settings, then General, then Software Update to check for updates.

If your photos are rejected repeatedly, try taking them in natural light rather than under artificial lights, which can cause glare. Make sure the entire license card is visible in the frame and that your face in the selfie is clearly visible and centered. Avoid wearing sunglasses or hats in your selfie.

If you see a message that your license information does not match DHSMV records, double-check that your name, date of birth, and address are exactly as they appear on your physical license. If you recently moved or changed your name, update your license information with the DHSMV before trying again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license if my physical license is suspended?

No. Your digital license will stop working when ready if your physical license is suspended, revoked, or expired. You must resolve the suspension with the DHSMV and renew your license before your digital license will work again.

What if I don't have an iPhone 15 Pro or Apple Watch Series 9?

Older iPhone and Apple Watch models cannot store a Florida driver's license in Apple Wallet. You can only use your physical license until you upgrade to a compatible device. Check Apple's website for the full list of compatible models.

Is my digital license accepted everywhere my physical license is accepted?

Not yet. Your digital license currently works at TSA PreCheck lanes in participating airports and some retailers with ID readers. Most businesses and law enforcement still require your physical license, so you should carry both.

What happens to my digital license if I move out of Florida?

Your digital license remains valid as long as your Florida license is valid. If you move to another state and get a new driver's license there, you can add that license to Apple Wallet if your new state supports it. Your Florida digital license will continue to work until your Florida license expires.

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

No. Your digital license requires Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode to open, so only you can access it. Even if someone unlocks your phone, they cannot use your license without your biometric or passcode authentication.

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.