Digital driver's licenses are now available in some states, but not all

As of early 2025, only a handful of states have launched digital driver's license programs that work with Apple Wallet. Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Utah currently support adding your driver's license to Apple Wallet on an iPhone or Apple Watch. More states are testing or planning programs, but the list changes as new states complete their technical work with Apple and their own DMVs.

The digital license does not replace your physical card — you still carry the plastic one. Instead, it gives you a second way to show proof of identity or age when you need it. You control what information appears on the screen each time you present it, and the transaction leaves no record on your phone or with the business checking your ID.

Not every state that offers a digital license uses Apple Wallet. Some states have built their own apps instead, or they work only with Android devices through Google Wallet. If you live in a state with an Apple Wallet program, the process to add your license is straightforward, but the requirements and timing vary slightly by state.

Key Takeaways

  • Fifteen states currently support adding a driver's license to Apple Wallet, with more expected to launch programs in 2025 and beyond.
  • A digital license in Apple Wallet does not replace your physical card and requires you to verify your identity through your state's DMV system before adding it.
  • The digital license shows only the information you choose to share each time you present it, and no record of the transaction stays on your phone.
  • Availability depends on your state and your iPhone or Apple Watch model; older devices may not support the feature even if your state has launched it.

How to add your license to Apple Wallet in a participating state

The process begins in the Wallet app on your iPhone. Open Wallet, tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, and select "Driver's License or State ID." The app will ask you to choose your state. If your state supports the feature, you will be prompted to verify your identity — usually by taking a photo of your physical license and a selfie, then answering security questions based on your DMV record.

Your state's DMV system will check your information against what they have on file. This verification step is required every time you add a new device, so if you get a new iPhone or Apple Watch, you will need to go through the process again. Once verification is complete, your digital license appears in Wallet and is ready to use.

The entire process typically takes a few minutes, though some states may take longer to verify your identity if their systems are busy. You do not need to visit a DMV office or mail anything in — everything happens through the app.

Which states have launched Apple Wallet support and when

Arizona was the first state to launch a digital driver's license in Apple Wallet in October 2023. California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Utah have since added support. Each state rolled out the feature at different times, and some states are still expanding access to all residents.

Several other states have announced plans to launch digital license programs but have not yet made them available. These include Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The timeline for these launches varies — some may arrive within months, while others may take longer.

The rollout depends on each state's ability to update its DMV systems, coordinate with Apple, and test the technology. States that have already launched sometimes expand access gradually, starting with certain age groups or license types before opening it to all drivers.

Device requirements and compatibility

Your iPhone must run iOS 16 or later to support a digital driver's license in Apple Wallet. If you have an older iPhone that cannot update to iOS 16, you will not be able to add a license, even if your state has launched the feature. Similarly, Apple Watch models that support Wallet require watchOS 9 or later.

Not all iPhone or Apple Watch models can display a digital license. Generally, iPhone XS and newer models support the feature, as do Apple Watch Series 4 and newer. If you are unsure whether your device is compatible, check Apple's official support page or your device's settings to confirm your iOS or watchOS version.

If your device does not support digital licenses, you can still use your physical card. There is no penalty for not having a digital version, and businesses are not required to accept it — your plastic license remains valid everywhere.

What information shows on your digital license

Your digital driver's license in Apple Wallet displays your name, date of birth, license number, and expiration date by default. When you present it to someone — at a bar, airport, or police officer — you control what appears on the screen. You can choose to show only your age and name, or you can display the full license information.

The person checking your ID can see only what is on the screen at that moment. They cannot photograph it, save it, or access any other information from your phone. Once you put the phone away, no record of the transaction remains on your device or with the business.

Your digital license is encrypted and stored securely on your phone. It does not sync to iCloud or back up to your computer, so only you can access it on your device.

Where you can use your digital driver's license

Acceptance of digital licenses varies widely. Some airports, bars, and retail stores have trained staff to accept them, but many have not. Police officers in some states are authorized to check digital licenses during traffic stops, but this is not universal. Your state's DMV website will list which businesses and agencies in your area accept digital licenses.

The safest approach is to carry your physical license at all times and use the digital version as a backup or convenience. Many people find it useful for situations where they do not want to hand over their physical card — such as at a bar where the ID checker might hold it or at an airport where you want to minimize contact with your documents.

Acceptance is growing as more businesses and law enforcement agencies train their staff, but the feature is still relatively new. Do not assume every location will accept it, and always have your physical license with you.

Renewing or updating your digital license

Your digital license expires on the same date as your physical license. When your physical license is up for renewal, you will need to renew it through your state's normal process — either online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Once your new physical license arrives, you can update your digital license in Apple Wallet by going through the verification process again.

If your information changes — such as your address or name — you will need to update your physical license first through your state's DMV. After that change is processed in the DMV system, you can update your digital license by re-verifying your identity in the Wallet app.

Some states allow you to renew your digital license without renewing your physical one, but this is not common. Check your state's DMV website for specific renewal rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license if my phone dies or runs out of battery?

No. Your digital license is only accessible when your phone is powered on and unlocked. If your battery dies or your phone is off, you cannot display it. This is why carrying your physical license is still essential — it works in any situation, regardless of your phone's battery or power status.

Is my digital license find if my phone is stolen?

Your digital license is encrypted and requires your phone to be unlocked to access it. If your phone is stolen, the thief cannot access your license without unlocking your device. However, you should report your phone stolen to your carrier and Apple when ready. You can also remove the license from your account through Apple's Find My service.

Do I need to delete my digital license if I move to a different state?

If you move to a state that does not yet support digital licenses, you can keep your license in Wallet, but it will no longer be valid for that state. You will need to get a physical license from your new state's DMV. If you move to another state that does support digital licenses, you can add your new state's license to Wallet once you receive your new physical license.

Can I add my state ID card to Apple Wallet instead of my driver's license?

Yes. States that support digital licenses typically also support digital state ID cards through the same process. The steps are identical — open Wallet, select your state, verify your identity, and your ID appears in the app.

What happens if a business does not recognize my digital license?

straightforward show them your physical license instead. There is no requirement for any business to accept a digital license, and many staff members may not be trained to use them yet. Your plastic card is always the backup and is accepted everywhere.