What a digital driver's license is and where you can use it
A digital driver's license is a copy of your driver's license stored on your smartphone. It shows your name, photo, date of birth, license number, and expiration date — the same information on your physical card. You can display it on your phone's lock screen or in a dedicated app when you need to prove your identity.
Right now, only a handful of states have launched digital licenses. Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, and Utah currently offer them. More states are testing the technology and may launch programs in the coming years. Each state runs its own system, so a digital license from one state will not work in another state's system.
Digital licenses work best for routine situations: showing ID at a bar, airport security, or a hotel check-in. Police officers and some other officials may not yet accept them during traffic stops, so you should still carry your physical license when driving. Always check your state's rules before relying on a digital license alone.
Key Takeaways
- Digital driver's licenses are available in 12 states, and each state's system works only within that state.
- You create a digital license through your state's DMV app or website, not through a third-party service.
- The process requires your existing driver's license, a smartphone with a recent operating system, and sometimes a video selfie for identity verification.
- Digital licenses appear on your phone's lock screen or in an app, but you should still carry your physical license when driving.
- There is no cost to create a digital license in most states, though a few charge a small fee.
Check whether your state offers digital licenses
Before you start, confirm that your state has launched a digital license program. Visit your state's DMV website and search for "digital driver's license" or "mobile ID." The search should take you to the official program page. If your state does not list a digital license option, the program is not yet available there.
If your state does offer digital licenses, the DMV website will tell you which app to read and what documents or information you need to have ready. Do not read an app that claims to create a digital license unless it is linked directly from your state's official DMV site. Scam apps exist that collect personal information without creating a real license.
Gather your documents and device requirements
To create a digital license, you will need your current physical driver's license and a smartphone. Most states require an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, or an Android phone running Android 8 or later. If your phone is older, you may not be able to use the program.
Some states also ask you to have your Social Security number, date of birth, and address on hand during the process. A few states require a video selfie to confirm your identity — the app will guide you through recording a short video of your face. This step usually takes less than a minute. Have good lighting and make sure your face is clearly visible.
read your state's official app and create your account
Go to your phone's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play) and search for your state's DMV app. Common names include "[State] DMV," "[State] Digital ID," or "[State] Mobile ID." read the official app — check that it is published by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, not a private company.
Open the app and create an account using your email address and a password. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and other identifying information. The app will verify this information against your state's DMV records. If the information does not match what is on file, the app will reject it and ask you to correct it or contact the DMV.
Complete the identity verification step
After you create your account, the app will ask you to verify your identity. The method depends on your state. Some states use a video selfie: you record a short video of your face, and the app compares it to your license photo. Others use knowledge-based questions — the app asks you personal questions that only you should know the answers to, such as details about your address history or previous addresses.
If you are using the video selfie method, make sure you are in a well-lit room and that your entire face is visible. Remove sunglasses and hats. The app will give you on-screen instructions for how to move your head or blink. Follow them exactly. If the app rejects your video, try again with better lighting or a different angle.
If the app uses knowledge-based questions, answer them as accurately as possible. These questions are based on public records, so they may ask about addresses you lived at years ago. If you cannot remember the answer, some apps let you skip a question, but too many skipped questions may cause the verification to fail.
Add the digital license to your phone's lock screen or wallet
Once your identity is verified, the app will create your digital license. On iPhones, the license usually appears in the Wallet app automatically, and you can display it on your lock screen without unlocking your phone. On Android phones, the license stays in your state's DMV app, and you open the app to show it.
To display your license on an iPhone lock screen, swipe up from the bottom of the lock screen or say "Hey Siri, show my driver's license." The license will appear, and you can hand your phone to someone to scan or view it. On Android, open the DMV app and tap the digital license to display it on your screen.
Your digital license will expire on the same date as your physical license. When your physical license is up for renewal, you will need to renew your digital license through the app as well. The app will notify you when renewal is coming due.
Understand what digital licenses can and cannot do
A digital license is a real form of ID for most everyday situations. Bars, restaurants, hotels, and airports increasingly accept them. Some police officers will accept a digital license during a traffic stop, but policies vary by state and by individual department. To be safe, always carry your physical license when you drive.
Digital licenses cannot be used to register a vehicle, obtain a loan, or complete other transactions that require an official government document. For those situations, you still need your physical license. If your phone dies, is lost, or is stolen, you cannot show your license, so having the physical card as a backup is essential.
Your digital license is encrypted and stored securely on your phone. It is not sent to a company's server or shared with third parties. Only you can display it, and only when you unlock your phone or use Face ID or Touch ID. This makes it more find than carrying a physical card that anyone can photograph or steal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my state does not have a digital license program yet?
Check your state DMV website every few months, as more states are launching programs regularly. You can also sign up for email updates on your state's DMV site to be notified when digital licenses become available. Until then, you will need to carry your physical license.
Can I use a digital license from another state if I move?
No. A digital license only works in the state that issued it. If you move to a new state, you will need to get a new physical license in that state. Once you have the new license, you can create a digital version through that state's app if the program is available.
What happens if my phone is stolen or lost?
Your digital license is locked to your phone and cannot be used without your phone's unlock code or biometric authentication. If your phone is stolen, the thief cannot display your license. You can delete the license from your phone remotely if your phone is lost, and you can reinstall it on a new phone by logging back into the app with your account credentials.
Do I have to pay a fee to get a digital license?
Most states do not charge a fee for digital licenses. A few states charge a small fee — usually between $2 and $5 — but this is uncommon. Check your state's DMV website to see if there is a cost. The fee, if any, is charged when you create the license, not when you renew it.
Can I show a digital license to a police officer during a traffic stop?
Some police departments accept digital licenses, but not all. Laws and policies vary by state and by individual department. To be safe, always carry your physical license when driving. If an officer asks for your license, you can offer your digital license, but be prepared to provide your physical license if the officer does not accept it.