How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

What You Need Before You Start

Adding your driver's license to Apple Wallet requires an iPhone or iPad running iOS 15.1 or later, or iPadOS 15.1 or later. You also need a compatible device — not all phones support this feature yet. Apple began rolling out digital ID support in 2021, starting with Arizona and Delaware, and has since expanded to additional states. Check Apple's official list to confirm your state participates before you begin.

Your physical driver's license must be valid and not expired. You cannot add a suspended, revoked, or expired license to Wallet. If your license is within 90 days of expiration, you may still add it, but you will need to renew your physical license through your state DMV before the digital version becomes unusable.

You will also need your phone's passcode or Face ID/Touch ID set up, since Wallet uses these to protect your digital ID. If you have not configured biometric security on your device, do that first.

Key Takeaways

Only certain states currently support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet — check Apple's list to see if yours is one of them.
Your physical license must be valid and not expired; licenses expiring within 90 days can be added but will expire in Wallet on the same date as your physical card.
The process involves opening Wallet, selecting the plus icon, choosing ID, and following on-screen prompts to photograph and verify your license.
Apple verifies your identity using the information on your license and may ask follow-up questions; this verification step typically takes a few minutes.
Once added, you can present your digital license at TSA checkpoints and to law enforcement in participating states, though you must still carry your physical license as a backup.

Step-by-Step Process to Add Your License

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. Select ID from the menu that appears. Choose Driver's License or State ID depending on which document you hold.

You will be asked to photograph the front and back of your license. Position your license in the frame shown on screen and take a clear photo of each side. Make sure the entire license is visible, the lighting is even, and there are no glares or shadows covering any text or numbers. If the photo is blurry or incomplete, Wallet will ask you to retake it.

After photographing both sides, you will be prompted to take a selfie. This is used to verify that you are the person on the license. Follow the on-screen instructions — you may be asked to move your head or change your expression slightly. The camera will guide you through this process.

Once photos are submitted, Apple's system will verify your identity. This typically takes a few minutes, though it can take longer during peak times. You may receive follow-up questions to confirm information on your license. Answer these questions accurately and completely. Do not close the app or navigate away during verification.

What Happens After Verification

Once Apple confirms your identity, your digital license appears in Wallet. You can now use it at TSA checkpoints in participating airports and present it to law enforcement in states that support digital ID. The digital license displays the same information as your physical card — your name, date of birth, license number, and expiration date.

Your digital license is encrypted and stored securely on your device. It does not sync across multiple devices — if you have both an iPhone and an iPad, you must add your license separately to each one. If you get a new phone, you will need to add your license to Wallet again on the new device.

You can view your digital license at any time by opening Wallet and tapping your ID. To present it to an officer or TSA agent, open Wallet, select your license, and hold your phone up for them to scan or view. You do not need to unlock your phone or use Face ID — the license displays without requiring authentication in these situations.

States That Currently Support Digital Driver's Licenses

As of early 2024, the following states allow digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet: Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah. This list continues to expand, so check Apple's Wallet support page for the most current information before attempting to add your license.

If your state is not yet on this list, you cannot add your license to Wallet. Your state's DMV may be working toward digital ID support, but there is no set timeline for when it will be available. Contact your state DMV directly if you want to know whether digital licensing is planned.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Your device is not compatible. Digital ID in Wallet requires iOS 15.1 or later on iPhone or iPadOS 15.1 or later on iPad. Check your device's current operating system by going to Settings > General > About. If your device is older and cannot run these versions, you cannot use this feature.

Your license photo is rejected. This usually means the image is blurry, partially cut off, or has glare. Retake the photo in good lighting, hold your license flat, and make sure the entire card fits in the frame. Avoid shadows and reflections on the license surface.

Verification is taking longer than expected. Apple's verification system can take several minutes to several hours depending on server load. If verification has not completed after 24 hours, try opening Wallet again or restart your device. If the issue persists, contact Apple Support.

You cannot find the ID option in Wallet. This means your state does not yet support digital driver's licenses. Only the states listed above currently offer this feature. You must wait until your state joins the program.

Using Your Digital License at TSA and With Police

At TSA checkpoints, you can present your digital license by opening Wallet and displaying it on your phone screen. The TSA agent will scan the barcode or read the information displayed. You still need to carry your physical license as a backup in case your phone dies, malfunctions, or the TSA agent prefers the physical card.

When presenting your digital license to law enforcement, open Wallet and show the license on your screen. The officer can view the information and scan the barcode if their equipment supports it. Again, keep your physical license with you — not all officers or agencies have equipment to read digital IDs, and you may be asked to produce the physical card.

Your digital license has the same legal standing as your physical license in states that support it. However, because digital ID support is still rolling out, situations may arise where an officer or agent is unfamiliar with the feature. Having your physical license available prevents delays or confusion.

Keeping Your Digital License Current

When you renew your physical driver's license through your state DMV, you must also update your digital license in Wallet. Apple does not automatically sync your renewal — you will need to remove the old license from Wallet and add the new one following the same process described above.

If your license expires while it is in Wallet, the digital version expires on the same date. You cannot use an expired digital license, just as you cannot use an expired physical license. Renew your physical license through your state DMV, then add the new license to Wallet.

If you lose your phone or it is stolen, your digital license is not accessible to anyone else because Wallet requires Face ID or Touch ID to open. However, you should still report the loss to your state DMV if you are concerned about identity theft. Your physical license remains valid and usable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license instead of my physical license?

Not yet. You must carry your physical license at all times. Digital licenses in Apple Wallet are currently accepted only at TSA checkpoints and by law enforcement in participating states. Many other situations — like renewing your vehicle registration, proving your age to a retailer, or crossing state lines — still require your physical card.

What if my phone dies while I am at the airport?

Present your physical license instead. TSA will accept it. This is why you must always carry your physical license as a backup, even if you have added it to Wallet.

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if it expires in three months?

Yes, you can add it. However, your digital license will expire on the same date as your physical license. Once it expires, you cannot use it in Wallet. You will need to renew your physical license through your state DMV and then add the new license to Wallet.

Do I need to remove my old license from Wallet when I renew?

You should remove the expired license to avoid confusion. Open Wallet, press and hold the old license, and select Delete. Then add your new renewed license following the same steps as the initial setup.

What information does Apple store about my license?

Apple stores your license information encrypted on your device. The company does not send your license data to its servers or share it with third parties. When you present your license to TSA or law enforcement, only the information visible on the license is shared — nothing additional is transmitted.

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.