What Apple Wallet Does With Your Driver's License

Apple Wallet lets you store a digital copy of your driver's license on your iPhone or Apple Watch. When you add your license to Wallet, you can show it to TSA agents at airport security, rental car companies, and some police officers without handing over your physical card. The digital version stays encrypted on your device — Apple cannot see it, and neither can the businesses you show it to.

Not every state issues digital licenses yet. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah allow digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet. More states are in the process of rolling out the feature. Your physical license remains valid and required in all situations — the digital version is an additional option, not a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • You can only add a digital driver's license to Apple Wallet if your state has launched the feature, and you must have an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or compatible Apple Watch.
  • The process requires you to verify your identity through a video selfie and answer security questions about your license information.
  • You can show your digital license at TSA checkpoints and to rental car companies, but police officers and some other officials may not yet accept it.
  • Your physical license is still required for all legal purposes and remains your primary form of ID.

Check Whether Your State Supports Digital Licenses

Before you start, confirm that your state has launched digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet. Visit Apple's official support page or open the Wallet app on your iPhone and look for the option to add an ID. If you do not see the option to add a driver's license, your state has not yet rolled out the feature.

If your state is not yet listed, you can still use your physical license everywhere. Check back periodically — states continue to add digital license support throughout the year. You do not need to do anything now; when your state launches the feature, the option will appear in your Wallet app automatically.

Verify Your Device Meets the Requirements

Apple Wallet driver's licenses work only on specific devices. You need an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max to add and display a digital license. If you have an older iPhone model, you cannot use this feature yet, even if your state supports it.

If you own an Apple Watch, you can view your license on the watch after adding it to your iPhone, but you cannot add it directly to the watch. The watch must be paired with a compatible iPhone. Older Apple Watch models do not support digital IDs.

Add Your License Through the Wallet App

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max. Tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, then select "Driver's License or State ID." The app will ask you to choose your state. Select the state that issued your license.

Next, you will take a photo of the front of your physical license and then the back. Hold the card flat and make sure the entire card is visible in the frame. The app will read the information from your card automatically. Do not worry if it misses something — you can edit the details before you finish.

Complete the Identity Verification Process

After you upload your license photos, Apple requires you to verify your identity. You will be asked to take a video selfie — a short video of your face as you look at the camera and turn your head slightly. This is not a photo; it is a brief video that confirms you are the person on the license. Make sure you are in good lighting and your face is clearly visible.

You will also answer security questions about your license information — questions like your address, date of birth, or license number. These questions use information from your license to confirm you are the cardholder. Answer them accurately. If you get answers wrong, you can try again, but too many failed attempts may lock you out temporarily.

Review and Confirm Your Digital License

Once verification is complete, review the information displayed in your Wallet. Check that your name, license number, expiration date, and other details match your physical license. If anything is wrong, tap "Edit" and correct it before you finish.

When everything looks correct, tap "Done" or "Add" to complete the process. Your digital license is now stored in your Wallet. You can view it anytime by opening Wallet and tapping your license. The license will display your photo, name, and key information, but not your full address or Social Security number.

Show Your Digital License at TSA and Rental Car Counters

At airport security, tell the TSA agent you have a digital license in your Wallet. Open the Wallet app and tap your license. The agent will scan a code on the screen or review the information displayed. You do not need to unlock your phone or provide your passcode — the license displays without requiring authentication.

At rental car companies, the process is similar. Open Wallet, tap your license, and show the screen to the agent. Not all rental car locations accept digital licenses yet, so call ahead or ask when you arrive. If they cannot accept the digital version, show your physical license instead.

Police officers and other law enforcement may not yet accept digital licenses in all states. If stopped, have your physical license ready. As more states expand digital ID support, police acceptance will likely increase, but for now, your physical card remains the safest option for traffic stops and other law enforcement interactions.

Keep Your Physical License and Understand the Limits

Your physical driver's license is still required for all legal and official purposes. The digital version is a convenience option for specific situations — primarily airport security and some retail or business transactions. You cannot use the digital license alone to satisfy legal ID requirements for voting, banking, or government services.

If your phone is lost, stolen, or runs out of battery, you will not be able to show your digital license. Always carry your physical license as your primary form of ID. The digital version is a backup option, not a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license if my phone is locked or has no battery?

No. Your phone must be powered on and unlocked to display your digital license. If your battery dies or your phone is locked, you cannot show the license. Always carry your physical license as your primary ID.

What happens if I renew my physical license?

When you renew your physical license, you will need to update your digital license in Wallet. Remove the old license and add the new one using the same process. You cannot straightforward update the existing entry — you must add it as a new license.

Can I share my digital license with someone else?

No. Your digital license is tied to your device and your Apple ID. Only you can view it on your phone. You cannot send it to another person or display it from someone else's device.

Is my digital license as find as my physical license?

Your digital license is encrypted and stored securely on your device. Apple cannot access it. However, if someone gains access to your unlocked phone, they could view your license. Your physical license has the same risk if someone steals your wallet. Both require you to keep your device or card find.

What if my state launches digital licenses after I renew my physical license?

You can add your current physical license to Wallet as soon as your state launches the feature. You do not need to wait for your next renewal. The digital version will match your current physical license.