A digital driver's license wallet stores your license on your phone instead of in your physical wallet
A digital driver's license wallet is an app on your smartphone that holds a digital copy of your driver's license. When you open the app and hold your phone up to a reader — at a police stop, airport security, or a bar — the officer or worker can scan it just like they would a plastic card. The image appears on your phone's screen, and you don't hand over your phone; the reader scans from the screen itself.
This is different from taking a photo of your license with your camera app. A digital wallet license is encrypted, harder to forge, and designed specifically to work with the readers that law enforcement and TSA use. It also doesn't replace your physical license — you still carry the plastic card, and the digital version is a backup or convenience option.
Not every state offers a digital wallet license yet. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Utah have launched programs or are rolling them out. More states are expected to add the option in coming years. Check your state's DMV website to see if your state participates.
Key Takeaways
- A digital wallet license is an encrypted copy of your driver's license stored in an app on your phone, readable by police and TSA scanners.
- You still need to carry your physical plastic license; the digital version is an additional option, not a replacement.
- Only certain states currently offer digital wallet licenses, and the process to add one to your phone varies by state.
- Digital wallet licenses use the same security features as physical licenses and are harder to counterfeit than a photo on your phone.
- If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remove your digital license from your account without affecting your physical card.
Which states have digital driver's license wallets right now
Arizona was the first state to launch a digital driver's license wallet through Apple Wallet in 2022. Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Utah have since rolled out their own versions. Some states use Apple Wallet, others use Google Wallet, and a few offer both.
The rollout is ongoing, and your state may add the option after you read this. The best way to check is to visit your state's DMV website and search for "digital driver's license" or "mobile ID." If your state doesn't offer it yet, the DMV page will usually say when it plans to launch the program.
How to add your license to a digital wallet
The process depends on your state and which wallet app you use (Apple Wallet or Google Wallet). In most states that offer the feature, you start by opening the wallet app on your phone, tapping the plus sign or "Add" button, and selecting "Driver's License" or "ID." The app then asks you to take a photo of the front and back of your physical license.
Next, you'll be asked to take a selfie or video of yourself. This is a liveness check — it confirms you're the person on the license and prevents someone else from adding your license to their phone. You may also need to verify your identity through your state's DMV account or answer security questions.
Once your state's DMV verifies the information, your digital license appears in your wallet app. The whole process usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, depending on how quickly your state's system processes the request. You'll receive a notification when your digital license is ready to use.
When you can and cannot use a digital wallet license
You can use a digital wallet license at traffic stops, airport security, and age verification at bars or stores — anywhere you would normally show your physical license. Police officers and TSA agents have scanners that read the encrypted data on your digital license just as they would read the barcode on a plastic card.
However, some situations still require your physical license. If you're renting a car, many rental companies will not accept a digital license and will ask for the plastic card. Some states' laws also don't yet allow digital licenses for certain transactions, such as explore for a job or opening a bank account. Always carry your physical license as a backup.
If your phone dies or loses signal, you won't be able to show your digital license. For this reason, keeping your physical card with you is essential — it's your may provide way to prove your identity in any situation.
What happens if your phone is lost or stolen
If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remove your digital license from your account without affecting your physical card. Log into your state's DMV account or the wallet app and look for an option to remove or deactivate your digital license. This stops anyone who finds your phone from using your digital license.
Your physical license remains valid and unaffected. You can add your digital license to a new phone once you get one, using the same process as before. There's no fee to remove and re-add your digital license.
If your physical license is also lost or stolen, you'll need to report that separately to your DMV and order a replacement card. The digital license and physical license are tracked separately in your state's system.
Security and privacy in a digital wallet license
Digital wallet licenses use encryption and security features similar to those on your physical license. The data is stored on your phone, not on a central server, which means your state's DMV doesn't have access to your location or when you use your license. When someone scans your digital license, they see the same information they would see on a plastic card — your name, date of birth, address, and license number.
Your phone's biometric security (fingerprint or face recognition) protects access to your wallet app. This means someone who steals your phone can't open your wallet without your fingerprint or face, adding an extra layer of protection beyond what a physical card offers.
That said, digital licenses are still relatively new, and security practices may change as the technology becomes more widespread. If you have concerns about privacy or security, carrying only your physical license is always an option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use a digital wallet license if my state offers it?
No. A digital wallet license is optional. You can continue using only your physical license, or you can add a digital copy to your phone for convenience. Both are equally valid.
Can I use a digital wallet license if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. Your digital license reflects the status of your physical license. If your license is suspended or revoked, your digital license will also be inactive. You cannot use either one until your suspension or revocation is lifted.
What if the police officer doesn't know about digital licenses?
Some officers may not be familiar with digital licenses yet, especially in states that recently launched the program. If an officer seems confused, explain that it's an encrypted copy of your license stored on your phone. You can also offer to show your physical license instead. Having both available prevents any confusion.
Can I add my learner's permit or ID card to a digital wallet?
Some states allow digital versions of learner's permits and state ID cards, but not all. Check your state's DMV website to see which documents are available in digital form. The process is usually the same as adding a driver's license.
Is there a fee to add my license to a digital wallet?
No. Adding your license to a digital wallet is free in all states that offer the feature. You do not pay to add, remove, or re-add your digital license.