How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

What Apple Wallet Digital ID Actually Is

Apple Wallet digital ID is a digital copy of your driver's license or state ID that you can store on your iPhone or Apple Watch. It is not a replacement for your physical license — you still carry the card itself. The digital version lets you show your ID at certain locations without handing over your physical card, and TSA officers at participating airports can scan it directly from your phone.

As of now, only a limited number of states issue digital IDs through Apple Wallet. The states currently offering this feature are Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah. More states are expected to add the feature over time, but your state may not yet support it. You will need to check whether your state is on this list before you begin.

The digital ID is encrypted and stored securely on your device. You control when and how it is displayed — you do not hand your phone to anyone. Instead, you hold your phone or watch near a reader, or you unlock your phone and tap to show the ID on your screen.

Key Takeaways

Digital ID in Apple Wallet is available only in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah.
You must have an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or later model, or an Apple Watch Series 9 or later, to store a digital ID.
You add your digital ID through the Wallet app by scanning your physical driver's license with your phone's camera and completing identity verification.
Your physical license remains your primary form of ID — the digital version is a convenience option for certain transactions and TSA screening at participating airports.
The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish, but approval can take a few days as your state verifies your information.

Check Your Device and State may be able to access First

Before you start, confirm that your device meets Apple's hardware requirements. You need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or a newer iPhone model, or an Apple Watch Series 9 or later. If you have an older iPhone or watch, you cannot add a digital ID to Apple Wallet, even if your state supports the feature.

Next, verify that your state offers digital ID through Apple Wallet. Visit Apple's official support page or check your state's DMV website to see if digital ID is available where you live. If your state is not yet on the list, you will not be able to add your license to Wallet at this time, and you should check back periodically as more states roll out the feature.

You also need to have a valid, unexpired driver's license or state ID issued by your state. You cannot add a learner's permit, commercial driver's license, or ID from another state to Apple Wallet at this time.

Open Wallet and Start the Digital ID Setup

On your iPhone, open the Wallet app — this is the built-in app with a white wallet icon. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner to add a new item. You will see a list of options; look for and tap "Driver's License or State ID".

The app will ask you to choose which state issued your ID. Select your state from the dropdown menu. Read the information screen that explains how the digital ID works and what it can be used for, then tap "Continue".

You will be asked to grant the Wallet app permission to access your phone's camera. Tap "Allow" so the app can scan your physical license. Make sure you are in a well-lit area and have your physical driver's license or state ID card in front of you.

Scan Your Physical License and Verify Your Identity

Hold your phone steady and position your physical license in front of the camera. The app will guide you to scan the front of your card first, then the back. Keep the card flat and centered in the frame until the scan completes. The app will confirm when it has captured both sides successfully.

After scanning, the app will display the information it read from your license — your name, date of birth, address, and license number. Review this information carefully and correct any errors before moving forward. Tap "Continue" when the details are accurate.

Next, you will complete an identity verification process. This typically involves taking a selfie and, in some cases, answering security questions or providing additional information. Follow the on-screen prompts exactly. The verification step confirms that you are the person on the license and prevents fraud. This process may take a few minutes.

Wait for State Verification and Approval

After you submit your information, your state's DMV will verify your identity and the details on your license. This verification usually takes a few hours to a few days. During this time, your digital ID will show a "Pending" status in your Wallet app.

You will receive a notification on your iPhone when your digital ID is approved and ready to use. Some states may ask you to complete additional steps or provide more information before approval. If your state needs more from you, you will see a message in the Wallet app explaining what to do next.

If verification is denied or delayed, check your email for a message from your state's DMV. Common reasons for denial include mismatched information between your phone and your license, an expired license, or an issue with the identity verification step. If this happens, contact your state's DMV directly to resolve the problem.

Use Your Digital ID at TSA and Participating Locations

Once your digital ID is approved, you can use it at TSA checkpoints at participating airports. When you reach the ID scanner at security, hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the reader. The TSA officer will scan your digital ID directly from your device — you do not hand over your phone. Your physical license stays in your wallet.

Digital ID in Apple Wallet can also be used at certain retail locations and businesses that have compatible ID readers, though this varies by state and business. Check with individual retailers to see whether they accept digital ID. Your physical license remains the standard form of ID for most transactions, including traffic stops, age verification at stores, and any situation where a business is not set up to scan digital IDs.

You can view your digital ID anytime by opening the Wallet app and tapping your ID card. If you need to remove your digital ID from Wallet, open the app, tap and hold the ID card, and select "Remove". This does not affect your physical license.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Your scan is rejected or unclear: Make sure you are in good lighting, the license is flat and centered in the frame, and both the front and back are fully visible. Glare from the card's surface can cause scanning to fail — try adjusting your angle or moving to a different light source.

Identity verification fails: The selfie or security questions may not match the information on your license. Make sure your appearance matches your license photo reasonably well, and answer security questions exactly as they appear in your DMV records. If you have recently changed your name or address, your DMV records may not be updated yet — contact your state's DMV to confirm your information is current before trying again.

Your digital ID stays in "Pending" status for more than a week: Contact your state's DMV directly. Verification delays can happen, and the DMV can tell you whether your process is still being processed or whether additional information is needed.

Your device does not show the option to add a digital ID: Confirm that you have an iPhone 15 Pro or later (or Apple Watch Series 9 or later), that your iOS or watchOS is fully updated, and that your state supports digital ID. If all three are true, restart your device and try again. If the option still does not appear, contact Apple Support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need to carry my physical driver's license?

Yes. Your physical license is still your primary form of ID. The digital version in Apple Wallet is a convenience option for TSA screening and certain businesses, but many places still require or prefer the physical card. Always carry both.

What happens if my phone dies or I lose it?

Your digital ID is encrypted and tied to your device. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remove the digital ID remotely through iCloud.com or by contacting Apple Support. Your physical license is unaffected. If you get a new iPhone, you can add your digital ID again by repeating the setup process.

Can I add a digital ID for someone else, like my child?

No. Each person must add their own digital ID to their own Apple device using their own identity verification. A parent or guardian cannot add a minor's ID to their own phone.

Is my digital ID valid in other states?

Your digital ID is issued by your home state and is valid in that state and at TSA checkpoints nationwide. It is not a national ID. If you move to another state, you will need to get a new physical license and, if that state supports digital ID, you can add the new license to Apple Wallet.

What if my license information changes after I add it to Wallet?

If you renew your license, change your address, or update any information at your state's DMV, you will need to remove the old digital ID from Wallet and add your new license. The digital ID reflects the information on your physical license at the time you scanned it.

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.