Digital driver's licenses are now available in a growing number of states, but not all of them yet

As of early 2025, you can add your driver's license to Apple Wallet in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. More states are rolling out this feature regularly, so the list continues to expand.

Adding your license to Apple Wallet does not replace your physical card — you still need to carry the plastic version. The digital version works at TSA checkpoints at participating airports and for some in-person age verification at retailers. The process takes about 10 minutes and happens entirely on your iPhone or iPad.

Not all states have launched this feature yet, and some have announced plans but have not yet made it available. If your state is not on the list, you can check your state's DMV website or contact them directly to find out when the feature might arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Wallet digital licenses work at TSA checkpoints and some retail locations, but you must still carry your physical driver's license.
  • The feature is available in 23 states as of early 2025, with more states adding it throughout the year.
  • Adding your license to Apple Wallet takes about 10 minutes and requires your iPhone or iPad to be running a recent version of iOS or iPadOS.
  • Your state DMV website will tell you whether the feature is available in your state and when it might launch if it is not yet live.

How to add your license to Apple Wallet if your state offers it

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the menu. You will be asked to scan the front and back of your physical license, then take a selfie. Apple uses facial recognition to verify that the photo matches your face.

After you submit your information, your state's DMV verifies your identity. This verification usually takes a few minutes, but can take up to 24 hours. Once approved, your digital license appears in Wallet and you can start using it at TSA checkpoints and participating retailers.

You will need an iPhone 12 or newer (or iPad Pro 4th generation or newer) to store a digital license. The device must be running iOS 16 or later. If you have an older device, you cannot add a license to Wallet even if your state offers the feature.

Where you can use your digital driver's license right now

TSA checkpoints are the most common place to use your digital license. At participating airports, you can hold your iPhone or iPad up to the TSA reader just as you would your physical card. The reader scans the digital license and verifies your identity. This works at major airports in states that have launched the feature.

Some retail locations also accept digital licenses for age verification when you buy alcohol or tobacco. Retailers are adopting this slowly, so availability varies by store and region. Not every store in a state that offers digital licenses will accept them yet.

You cannot use a digital license for traffic stops, vehicle registration, or insurance purposes. Police officers and insurance companies still require your physical card. Digital licenses are also not accepted at banks, government offices, or other institutions that traditionally require a physical ID.

What happens if you lose your phone or it runs out of battery

If your iPhone dies or you leave it at home, you need your physical driver's license. TSA will not accept a digital license if your device is not with you or is powered off. This is why you must continue to carry your plastic card at all times.

If your phone is stolen, you can remove your digital license from Wallet when ready through iCloud.com or by signing into your Apple account on another device. Removing the license remotely prevents someone else from using it. You can add the license back to a new phone once you have replaced your device.

States that have announced digital licenses but have not launched yet

Several states have publicly committed to offering digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet but have not yet made the feature available. These include Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

The timeline for launch varies by state. Some states are in final testing phases and may launch within months, while others are still in early planning stages. Your state DMV website will announce the launch date once it is confirmed.

Why some states have not launched digital licenses yet

Building a digital license system requires states to update their DMV technology, work with Apple on security standards, and pass new legislation. Some states have older computer systems that make the upgrade expensive or time-consuming. Others are waiting to see how the feature works in early-adopter states before committing resources.

Security and privacy are also major considerations. States must may support that the digital license cannot be forged or hacked, and that your personal information stays protected. This verification process takes time, which is why rollout has been gradual rather than nationwide all at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need my physical driver's license if I add it to Apple Wallet?

Yes. Your physical license is still required for traffic stops, vehicle registration, insurance purposes, and most government offices. The digital version is a supplement, not a replacement. You must carry both.

Can I use a digital license at a police traffic stop?

No. Police officers cannot read digital licenses from Apple Wallet. You must provide your physical card during any traffic stop or law enforcement interaction.

What if my state is not on the list yet?

Check your state DMV's official website for announcements about when digital licenses will launch. You can also contact your DMV directly by phone or email to ask about the timeline. More states are adding this feature throughout 2025.

Is my personal information safe if I add my license to Apple Wallet?

Apple encrypts your license information and stores it securely on your device. Your data does not go to Apple's servers. When you present your license at TSA or a retailer, only the information needed for that transaction is shared, similar to how your physical card works.

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. Your state's DMV will reject your request during the verification step if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired. You must have a valid, active license to add it to Wallet.