How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

What You Need Before You Start

Not every state issues digital driver's licenses yet, and Apple Wallet only accepts them from states that have built the infrastructure to do so. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming allow digital licenses in Apple Wallet. This list changes as more states complete their systems, so check your state's DMV website first to confirm your state is on it.

You will need an iPhone or iPad running iOS 15.1 or later, or an Apple Watch running watchOS 8.1 or later. Your device must have Face ID or Touch ID enabled, because Apple uses biometric authentication to unlock your digital license. You also need an active internet connection during the setup process.

Your physical driver's license must be valid and not expired. You cannot add a suspended, revoked, or expired license to Apple Wallet. If your license is within six months of expiration, some states will not let you add it until you renew.

Key Takeaways

Only 20 states currently support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet, so check your state DMV website to confirm yours is one of them.
Your iPhone or iPad must run iOS 15.1 or later, and you must have Face ID or Touch ID set up on your device.
The process happens entirely within the Wallet app and takes about five to ten minutes once you start.
You will need to verify your identity by taking a photo of yourself and answering security questions, which your state DMV verifies.
Your physical license remains your legal document; the digital version is a convenience for certain transactions, not a replacement.

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 "Driver's License or State ID" from the menu. The app will ask you to choose your state from a list — only states that support digital licenses will appear as options.

Once you select your state, the app will walk you through identity verification. You will take a photo of the front of your driver's license, then a photo of the back. Hold the license flat and make sure all corners and text are visible and in focus. The camera will guide you through the angle and lighting.

Next, you will take a selfie. The app uses this photo to verify that you are the person on the license. Follow the on-screen prompts for positioning and lighting. Do not wear sunglasses or a hat that obscures your face.

After the photos, you will answer security questions about your license and personal information. These questions come from your state's DMV records — for example, "What is your eye color?" or "What is your address?" Answer accurately. If you get too many wrong, the process will stop and you will need to try again later.

Verification and Approval Timeline

After you submit your information, Apple sends it to your state DMV for verification. This usually takes 24 to 48 hours, though some states take longer. You will receive a notification in the Wallet app when verification is complete.

During verification, the DMV checks that your photos match your license photo, that your identity answers are correct, and that your license is valid and not suspended. If something does not match, the app will tell you verification failed and may ask you to resubmit photos or try again on another day.

Once approved, your digital license appears in your Wallet app. You can now show it to police officers, TSA agents at airport security, or other officials who accept digital IDs. The license will display your photo, name, license number, expiration date, and other information from your physical license.

How to Use Your Digital License

When you need to show your license, open the Wallet app and tap your driver's license. Your device will ask you to authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID. This step protects your information — someone who picks up your phone cannot straightforward open Wallet and see your license without your biometric approval.

After you authenticate, the front of your license displays on screen. The person checking your ID can see your photo, name, date of birth, license number, and expiration date. You control what information shows — you do not have to hand over your physical phone.

Not all businesses or officials accept digital licenses yet. Police officers, TSA agents, and some state agencies do. Rental car companies, bars, and other private businesses may not. Always carry your physical license as a backup. The digital version is a convenience, not a replacement.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Verification keeps failing: Make sure your photos are clear, well-lit, and show all required information. Blurry images or poor lighting cause rejections. Wait 24 hours and try again. If it fails multiple times, contact your state DMV directly — they can sometimes manually verify your identity.

Your state does not appear in the list: Your state does not yet support digital licenses in Apple Wallet. Check your state DMV website for updates on when this feature will launch. Some states have announced timelines; others have not.

Your license expired or is about to expire: Some states will not let you add an expired license or one expiring within six months. Renew your physical license first, then add the new one to Wallet.

You cannot authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID: Your device must have biometric authentication enabled. Go to Settings, then Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), and make sure it is turned on. If it is, try restarting your device and opening Wallet again.

What Happens to Your Physical License

Adding your license to Apple Wallet does not change your physical license. You still own it, it remains valid, and you should keep it with you. The digital version is stored only on your device and is encrypted by Apple.

If you lose your phone, your digital license is gone from that device, but your physical license is unaffected. If you get a new phone, you can add your license to Wallet on the new device by going through the verification process again.

If your physical license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you renew it through your state DMV the normal way. Once you have the new physical license, you can add it to Apple Wallet. Your old digital license will no longer work.

State-Specific Differences and Requirements

Each state that supports digital licenses has slightly different requirements and timelines. Arizona, for example, was the first state to launch the feature and has the most streamlined process. Some states require you to be a resident for a certain period before you can add your license. Others have age restrictions.

Check your specific state's DMV website before you start. Search "[Your State] DMV digital driver's license Apple Wallet" to find the official page. It will tell you whether your state supports the feature, what documents you need, and any state-specific steps.

A few states that support digital licenses have launched their own apps instead of using Apple Wallet. If your state has its own app, you may need to use that instead. The DMV website will clarify which option is available to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license at the airport?

Yes, TSA accepts digital driver's licenses at airport security in states that support them. Show your digital license on your phone when you reach the ID checkpoint. The agent will scan or view it the same way they would a physical license. Bring your physical license as a backup in case the agent is unfamiliar with digital IDs.

What if I get pulled over by police?

You can show your digital license on your phone, but many officers may not be familiar with it yet. It is safer to carry your physical license and show that instead. As digital licenses become more common, police departments are training officers to accept them, but this varies by state and jurisdiction.

Can someone else add my license to their phone?

No. The verification process requires your biometric data and answers to security questions only you would know. Someone else cannot add your license to their device without your personal information and your phone's Face ID or Touch ID.

What if my phone is stolen?

Your digital license is encrypted and locked behind Face ID or Touch ID, so a thief cannot access it without your biometric data. If your phone is stolen, your digital license is inaccessible to them. You can remove it from your Wallet remotely using Find My iPhone if you have that set up. Your physical license is unaffected.

Do I need to renew my digital license when I renew my physical one?

Yes. When you renew your physical license, you will need to add the new one to Apple Wallet. The old digital license will no longer work. Go through the verification process again with your new physical license.

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.