How to Add Your Driver's License to Apple Wallet

What You Need to Add Your License to Apple Wallet

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, you can show it to TSA agents at airport security or to police during traffic stops without handing over the physical card. Not every state offers this yet, and the process differs slightly depending on which state issued your license.

Your phone must be running iOS 15.1 or later (for iPhone) or watchOS 8.1 or later (for Apple Watch). You'll also need to be in a state where the feature is available. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyoming support digital licenses in Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add support over time, but the rollout is gradual.

Key Takeaways

Digital licenses work only in states that have partnered with Apple, and you must have a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch running current software.
You start by opening the Wallet app, tapping the plus icon, and selecting "Driver's License or State ID" — the app will guide you through identity verification.
The verification process requires you to take photos of your physical license and a selfie, then answer security questions to confirm your identity.
Once approved, you can display your digital license at airport security or during police stops by opening Wallet and selecting the license.
Your physical license remains valid and required; the digital version is an additional option, not a replacement.

Step-by-Step Process to Add Your License

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. Scroll down and select "Driver's License or State ID." The app will confirm whether your state supports the feature. If it does, tap "Continue."

You'll be asked to take a photo of the front of your physical license and then the back. Hold the card flat, make sure the image is clear and well-lit, and follow the on-screen instructions. The app uses these images to read your license information automatically. Next, you'll take a selfie. Position your face in the center of the frame and follow any prompts to move your head or adjust the angle — the app is verifying that you're the person on the license.

After the photos, you'll answer security questions to verify your identity. These questions are based on information from your license and your credit history (if available in your state). Answer honestly and completely. Once you submit your answers, Apple sends your information to your state's motor vehicle agency for verification. This usually takes a few minutes, but can take up to 24 hours.

Identity Verification and Approval

Apple does not store your license information on its servers. Instead, it sends your photos and answers directly to your state's DMV or equivalent agency. That agency verifies the information and approves or denies the request. You'll receive a notification in the Wallet app once the state has made a decision.

If your request is denied, the app will tell you why — common reasons include a mismatch between the photo on your license and your selfie, incorrect answers to security questions, or an issue with the license itself (such as it being expired or suspended). If this happens, you can try again, but make sure your physical license is valid and your answers are accurate.

Once approved, your digital license appears in your Wallet app with a blue banner that says "Identity Verified." You can now use it at TSA checkpoints and during police stops in your state.

How to Use Your Digital License

At an airport, open your Wallet app when you reach the TSA checkpoint. Tap your digital license. The agent will scan the code on your screen or review the information displayed. You do not need to unlock your phone or use Face ID — the license is visible as soon as you open Wallet.

During a traffic stop, open Wallet and select your digital license. Hand your phone to the officer. The officer's device can scan the code to verify your information. Some states' systems are still rolling out the ability for police to accept digital licenses, so your state may not yet support this use. If the officer asks for your physical license, provide it — the digital version does not replace the physical card.

Your digital license works only in your home state and in other states that have partnered with Apple. If you travel to a state that does not support digital licenses, carry your physical license.

What Happens to Your Physical License

Adding your license to Apple Wallet does not change your physical license. It remains valid and you should carry it with you. The digital version is an additional option for convenience, not a replacement. You still need your physical license if your phone dies, is lost, or is not accepted by an officer or TSA agent.

If your physical license expires, is suspended, or is revoked, your digital license becomes invalid at the same time. You cannot renew your license through Apple Wallet — you must renew it through your state's DMV website or office. Once you renew your physical license, you can add the new one to Apple Wallet by repeating the process.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If the Wallet app says your state is not supported, your state has not yet partnered with Apple. Check Apple's support page or your state DMV website for updates on when the feature will be available. You can also check by opening Wallet, tapping the plus sign, and selecting "Driver's License or State ID" — the app will show you which states are currently supported.

If your verification is taking longer than 24 hours, contact your state's DMV directly. Provide them with the phone number or email you used to start the process. They can check the status of your request in their system.

If you see an error message during the photo step, make sure your license is not expired, bent, or damaged. Take the photos in good lighting and make sure your face is clearly visible in the selfie. If the problem continues, try again later — sometimes the state's verification system is temporarily unavailable.

If you lose your phone or get a new one, your digital license is tied to that device. You'll need to add your license to Apple Wallet again on your new phone. The process is the same, and your state will recognize that you've already been verified, so approval is usually faster the second time.

Security and Privacy Considerations

Your digital license is encrypted and stored only on your device. Apple cannot see your license information, and your state's DMV cannot access your phone. When you show your license to an officer or TSA agent, they see only the information that would appear on your physical license — nothing more.

If your phone is stolen, the thief cannot access your Wallet without unlocking your phone first. Your digital license is protected by the same security as your phone's lock screen. If you believe your phone has been compromised, contact your state's DMV to report it. You can also remove your license from Wallet by opening the app, pressing and holding the license, and selecting "Remove."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license in every state?

No. Your digital license works only in the state that issued it and in other states that have partnered with Apple. Currently, 18 states support digital licenses. If you travel to a state that does not support them, carry your physical license.

What if an officer or TSA agent does not accept my digital license?

Provide your physical license. The digital version is optional, and not all officers or agents may be trained to accept it yet. Your physical license is always valid and is the safest option if there is any doubt.

Do I need to delete my digital license if I move to a different state?

You should remove your old license from Wallet once you receive your new license from your new state. Add the new license to Wallet following the same process. You can have only one active digital license per device.

What if my phone dies while I am at the airport?

Carry your physical license. TSA will accept it. The digital license is a convenience option, not a replacement for your physical card.

Can I add my license to Apple Wallet if it is expired?

No. Your license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. Renew your physical license through your state's DMV first, then add the new one to Wallet.

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.