How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

What Adding Your License to Apple Wallet Does

Adding your driver's license to Apple Wallet lets you show your license from your iPhone or Apple Watch instead of carrying the physical card. You tap your device, authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID, and the license appears on screen — the TSA and some police departments can scan it just like a plastic card. This is useful if your license is damaged, lost, or straightforward worn out, because you can use the digital version while you wait for a replacement to arrive in the mail.

The digital license does not replace your physical one legally. You still need the actual card for some situations — like crossing state lines by car, or if an officer requests the physical card specifically. But for everyday use, a digital copy in your wallet is faster and keeps you from carrying something that can get damaged again.

Key Takeaways

You can add your driver's license to Apple Wallet on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 model, and view it on compatible Apple Watches.
The process requires your state to support digital licenses through Apple — currently about 20 states plus Washington, D.C., though more are being added.
You will need your physical license, a valid passport or state ID, and Face ID or Touch ID set up on your device.
The entire process takes about 10 minutes and happens inside the Wallet app; you do not need to visit a DMV office.
Once added, you can show your license by opening Wallet, tapping the license, and authenticating — no internet required.

Check If Your State Supports Digital Licenses

Not every state has made digital licenses available yet. As of now, about 20 states and Washington, D.C., support adding a driver's license to Apple Wallet. The list includes Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyoming.

If your state is not on this list, you cannot add your license through Apple Wallet right now. Check Apple's official support page or your state's DMV website to see if your state has announced plans to add this feature. Some states are rolling it out gradually, so even if your state is listed, you may need to wait a few weeks before the option appears in your Wallet app.

Gather What You Need Before You Start

Have these items ready before you open the Wallet app. You will need your physical driver's license, a valid passport or state ID card, and your iPhone or Apple Watch nearby. Your device must have Face ID or Touch ID turned on — the digital license uses these to verify your identity each time you show it.

You will also need to be connected to the internet during the setup process, though once the license is added, you can show it offline. Make sure your iPhone has enough storage space — a digital license takes very little room, but your phone should have at least a few hundred megabytes free.

Add Your License Through the Wallet App

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. The app will ask you to choose your state and confirm that you understand the terms — read through these, as they explain how your license data is stored and used.

Next, you will take a photo of the front of your physical license. Position it in the frame shown on screen, make sure the lighting is clear, and tap to capture. The app will then ask you to take a photo of the back. After both photos are uploaded, you will be asked to take a selfie — this is how Apple verifies that you are the person on the license.

The app will then ask you to verify your identity using a second document. You can use your passport or state ID card. Take photos of the front and back the same way you did for your license. Once all photos are submitted, Apple sends them to your state's DMV for verification.

Wait for Your State's DMV to Verify Your Information

After you submit your photos, your state's DMV reviews them to confirm your identity. This usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, though it can take up to 24 hours in some cases. You will see a status message in the Wallet app telling you whether verification is in progress or complete.

If the DMV cannot read your photos clearly or has questions, the app will ask you to resubmit. Make sure your photos are well-lit, in focus, and show the entire card with no glare. If you are having trouble getting approved, contact your state's DMV directly — they can sometimes help speed up the process or explain what went wrong.

Use Your Digital License

Once your license is verified and added to Wallet, you can show it to TSA agents at airport security or to police officers during traffic stops. Open the Wallet app, tap your license, and authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID. Your license will appear on screen and can be scanned just like a physical card.

You can also add your license to your Apple Watch if you have one. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone, tap your license, scroll down, and select "Add to Apple Watch." This lets you show your license from your wrist without pulling out your phone. The same Face ID or Touch ID requirement applies — on your watch, you will authenticate using your wrist detection or passcode.

What to Do If Verification Fails

If the DMV rejects your submission, the Wallet app will tell you why — usually because a photo was unclear, cut off, or the information did not match their records. Delete the license from Wallet and try again, making sure your photos are bright, in focus, and show the entire card.

If you keep getting rejected, contact your state's DMV directly. Explain that you are trying to add your license to Apple Wallet and ask if there is a problem with your account or records. Sometimes a mismatch in your name spelling or address can cause rejections — the DMV can help you fix this before you try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license if I do not have internet?

Yes. Once your license is added to Wallet, you can show it without an internet connection. The license is stored on your phone, and you only need Face ID or Touch ID to unlock it. This is useful if you are in an area with poor signal or your phone is in airplane mode.

What if a police officer asks for my physical license?

Some officers may request the physical card instead of the digital version. You should still carry your physical license with you, especially when driving. The digital license is a backup or convenience option, not a replacement for the actual card in all situations.

Can I add my license if my state is not listed?

Not right now. You can only add a license from a state that has partnered with Apple. Check your state's DMV website or Apple's support page to see if your state is planning to add this feature in the future. More states are being added regularly.

Will adding my license to Wallet affect my physical card?

No. Adding a digital copy does not change your physical license in any way. You can continue to use your physical card normally, and the digital version exists alongside it. If your physical card is damaged or lost, you still need to order a replacement from your DMV.

What happens if I lose my phone?

Your license is tied to your Apple ID and the specific device. If you lose your phone, you can remove the license from that device using Find My iPhone, and then add it again to a new phone once you get one. Your state's DMV records are not affected.

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.