How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

Yes, you can add your driver's license to Apple Wallet on supported devices

Apple Wallet now holds your driver's license or state ID as a digital copy on your iPhone or Apple Watch. You do not need a physical card to show it — the digital version works at TSA checkpoints, some police traffic stops, and certain retail locations that accept mobile IDs. However, not every state offers this yet, and the process requires a compatible device and your state's participation in Apple's digital ID program.

If you have lost or damaged your physical license and need a replacement from your state DMV, adding it to Apple Wallet is a separate step that happens after you receive the replacement card or after your state issues you a digital ID. The wallet feature does not replace the official replacement process — it supplements it.

Key Takeaways

Only certain states currently support digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet, and you must check your state's DMV website to confirm availability.
You need an iPhone XS or later, or Apple Watch Series 4 or later, and iOS 15.1 or watchOS 8.1 or higher to use this feature.
The process requires you to verify your identity through your state's system, which may involve a video call or document upload.
A digital ID in Apple Wallet is not yet accepted everywhere a physical license is — always carry your physical replacement card until your state confirms full acceptance.

Which states currently offer digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet

As of now, Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Utah have launched or are rolling out digital driver's license support through Apple Wallet. Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington have announced plans to add the feature but have not yet made it available. Your state may be in either group, so check your state DMV's official website for the current status.

States that have already launched the feature are still expanding it — some began with a limited rollout to certain age groups or counties before making it available statewide. If your state is listed as available, visit the DMV website to see whether the feature is open to all residents or still in a pilot phase.

Device and software requirements for adding your license to Apple Wallet

Your iPhone must be an XS model or newer (XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or later). If you want to add your ID to an Apple Watch, you need a Series 4 or later. Your device must also run iOS 15.1 or higher on iPhone, or watchOS 8.1 or higher on Apple Watch. Check your device settings to confirm your current software version before you begin.

You will also need a valid form of identification to verify your identity during the setup process — typically your current driver's license, passport, or state ID. If your license was lost or stolen, you may need to use a passport or other government-issued ID instead. Some states also require a recent selfie taken during the setup process to confirm your identity matches the ID you are submitting.

How to add your driver's license to Apple Wallet step by step

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the menu. Choose your state from the list. The app will guide you through identity verification, which typically involves taking a photo of your ID and a selfie, then answering security questions or completing a video call with your state's verification system.

Once your identity is confirmed, your state's DMV system will send your digital ID information to Apple Wallet. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on your state's processing speed. You will receive a notification when your digital ID is ready to use. Until then, your physical replacement license remains your official proof of identity.

To add the same ID to an Apple Watch, open the Wallet app on your iPhone, scroll to your digital driver's license, tap it, then tap "Add to Apple Watch." Your watch will sync with your iPhone and display the ID. You can show your digital ID on either device — the watch version is often more convenient for quick checks at gas stations or retail locations.

Where your digital driver's license is currently accepted

TSA accepts digital driver's licenses at airport security checkpoints in states that have launched the feature. Some police officers in participating states have begun accepting digital IDs during traffic stops, though this is still being rolled out and not all officers may be trained to use it yet. Certain retailers and service providers are also beginning to accept mobile IDs for age verification and identity checks.

Acceptance is still limited and growing. Many businesses, government offices, and law enforcement agencies do not yet accept digital IDs, so you must keep your physical replacement license with you at all times. Do not discard your physical card or assume the digital version will work everywhere — check with the specific location or officer before relying on it. Your state DMV website will list which agencies and businesses currently accept digital IDs in your area.

What to do if your digital ID is lost or your device is stolen

If your iPhone or Apple Watch is stolen or lost, your digital ID is not accessible to the thief because it is protected by your device's Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode. To remove your digital ID from a lost device, sign into iCloud.com on another device, go to Find My, select the lost device, and choose "Erase This Device." This will wipe your digital ID along with all other data on that device.

Once your device is erased or you get a new one, you can re-add your digital ID to Apple Wallet by following the same process as the first time. Your state's system will recognize that you already have a digital ID on file, so the verification process may be faster. If you have questions about removing or re-adding your digital ID, contact your state DMV directly — they can confirm the status of your digital ID and help you troubleshoot.

Digital ID versus your physical replacement license

Your physical replacement license and your digital ID are two separate things. When you report your license lost or stolen to your state DMV, you order a physical replacement card, which arrives by mail in 7 to 14 days (timing varies by state). The digital ID is a separate feature you add to Apple Wallet after your state has made the feature available — it does not come automatically with your replacement card.

You should have both. The physical card is still the official, universally accepted form of ID. The digital version is a convenience that works in an expanding but still limited set of places. Until your state confirms that digital IDs are accepted everywhere a physical license is accepted, treat the digital version as a supplement, not a replacement. If you lose your phone before your physical replacement arrives, you will have no form of ID until the card reaches you by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital driver's license if my physical license is still in the mail?

Yes, once your digital ID is added to Apple Wallet, you can use it at TSA checkpoints and other locations that accept it, even if your physical replacement has not arrived yet. However, you should still carry another form of ID (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) in case the location does not accept digital IDs or your device malfunctions.

What happens if I move to a different state?

Your digital ID from your previous state will remain in Apple Wallet, but it will no longer be valid once you establish residency in your new state. You will need to get a new physical driver's license from your new state's DMV and then add that new license to Apple Wallet if your new state supports the feature. Contact your new state's DMV for the timeline and process.

Can I show my digital ID on someone else's phone?

No. Your digital ID is tied to your device and protected by your biometric or passcode security. You cannot transfer it to another phone or show it from someone else's device. You must have your own iPhone or Apple Watch with the digital ID already added to display it.

Is my digital ID as find as my physical license?

Your digital ID is encrypted and protected by your device's security features (Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode), which makes it harder to counterfeit or steal than a physical card. However, it is still a new technology, and not all businesses or agencies have systems in place to verify it yet. Always keep your physical license as your primary form of ID until digital acceptance becomes universal in your state.

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.