How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

What Apple Wallet does with your driver's license

Apple Wallet lets you store a digital copy of your driver's license or state ID 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 pulling out your physical card. The digital version is encrypted and stored securely on your device — Apple does not see your license information, and neither does anyone you show it to unless you choose to share specific details.

This is different from having your license on your phone as a photo or PDF. Apple Wallet's version is designed to work with official readers that verify your identity, similar to how your physical license works. You still carry your physical license; the Wallet version is an additional option.

Key Takeaways

You must have a valid, non-expired driver's license or state ID issued by a participating state before you can add it to Apple Wallet.
Only certain states currently support digital licenses in Apple Wallet — check your state's DMV website to see if yours is one of them.
The process involves taking photos of your license with your iPhone camera and verifying your identity through Apple's system.
Once added, you can present your digital license at TSA checkpoints and some other locations, but you should keep your physical license with you as a backup.

Which states allow digital licenses in Apple Wallet

Not every state has made its driver's licenses compatible with Apple Wallet yet. As of now, Arizona, Georgia, and Mississippi have launched digital ID support, with more states planning to add the feature over time. Each state rolls out the feature on its own schedule, so availability changes throughout the year.

Before you start the process, check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website or search "[your state] digital driver's license Apple Wallet" to confirm whether your state is currently participating. If your state is not yet listed, you will not be able to add your license to Wallet, even if you have an iPhone that supports the feature.

Device and software requirements

Your iPhone must be running iOS 15.1 or later to support digital driver's licenses in Wallet. If you have an older iPhone, you may need to update your operating system first. You can check your iOS version by opening Settings, tapping General, and selecting About.

You also need an iPhone with a Face ID camera — this includes iPhone X and newer models. If you have an older iPhone with Touch ID only, you cannot add a digital license to Wallet. Apple Watch support for digital IDs is coming but is not yet available in most states.

Steps to add your license to Apple Wallet

Start by opening the Wallet app on your iPhone and tapping 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 and then guide you through taking photos of the front and back of your physical license.

When you take the photos, make sure your license is well-lit, fully visible, and in focus. The camera will guide you to position your phone correctly. After you submit the photos, you will be asked to take a selfie and verify your identity. This step uses facial recognition to confirm that you are the person on the license. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the verification.

Once Apple verifies your identity, your license will appear in Wallet. The first time you present it to a reader (such as at TSA), you will need to authenticate using Face ID or your passcode. After that, you can present your license without unlocking your phone, though you may be asked to verify again depending on the reader's settings.

How to use your digital license

At TSA airport security checkpoints, you can hold your iPhone or Apple Watch up to the reader at the ID verification station. The agent will scan your digital license the same way they would scan a physical card. You do not need to unlock your phone or open Wallet — just hold it near the reader when prompted.

Some rental car companies and other businesses are beginning to accept digital IDs, but acceptance is still limited. Always bring your physical license as a backup, since not every location that accepts IDs yet supports the digital version. If a reader cannot scan your digital license, you can still show your physical card.

Keeping your digital license find and up to date

Your digital license is encrypted on your device and protected by your iPhone's security features. If you lose your phone or it is stolen, your license information is not automatically exposed. However, you should report the loss to your state's DMV just as you would with a physical license.

If your physical license expires or is renewed, you will need to add the new license to Wallet. The old digital version will no longer work. When you renew your license at the DMV, you can add the new one to Wallet using the same process described above.

What to do if your state does not support digital licenses yet

If your state has not launched digital license support, you cannot add your license to Apple Wallet at this time. Check back periodically on your state's DMV website or Apple's support page for updates, as more states are expected to add this feature throughout the year.

In the meantime, you can store photos of your license in Wallet or in your phone's Photos app for reference, though these are not official digital IDs and will not work with TSA readers or other official scanners. Your physical license remains the only valid form of ID until your state launches its digital version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my physical license once I add it to Apple Wallet?

No. You should always keep your physical license with you. The digital version is a convenience option, not a replacement. Many locations do not yet accept digital IDs, and your phone could run out of battery or be lost or damaged.

What happens if I upgrade to a new iPhone?

Your digital license will transfer to your new iPhone when you restore from your iCloud backup or set up your new phone with your Apple ID. You do not need to add it to Wallet again.

Can I show my digital license on someone else's iPhone?

No. Your digital license is tied to your specific iPhone and cannot be transferred or displayed on another device. Only you can present your license from your own phone.

Is my information safe when I show my digital license to someone?

Yes. When you present your digital license to an official reader, you control what information is shared. The reader only receives the data needed to verify your identity — not your full license details unless you choose to share them.

What if the TSA reader cannot scan my digital license?

Show your physical license instead. Not all TSA checkpoints have readers that support digital IDs yet, and some agents may not be familiar with the feature. Your physical license will always work as a backup.

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.