How to Add Your Driver's License or ID to Apple Wallet

Adding a license or ID to Apple Wallet requires an iPhone 15 Pro or later, and the process differs by state

Apple Wallet can store your driver's license or state ID, but not every state offers this yet and not every iPhone can do it. You need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or iPhone 16 model. The feature launched in Arizona and Georgia in 2023, and has since expanded to include Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. More states are expected to add support over time, but the list changes — check your state's DMV website to confirm whether your state participates.

When you add your ID to Wallet, Apple stores an encrypted copy on your phone. You don't send the document to Apple or to any third party. The state DMV verifies your identity during setup, and you can delete the ID from your phone at any time. At airports and some other locations, you can show your ID directly from your locked phone without unlocking it — you just hold your phone near the reader and use Face ID or Touch ID to confirm.

Key Takeaways

You need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 model; older iPhones cannot store IDs in Wallet.
Your state must participate in the program — check your state DMV website to see if your state is included.
The setup process requires you to take a photo of your license or ID and a selfie, then verify your identity with the DMV.
Once added, you can show your ID from your locked phone at participating airports and venues without unlocking your device.
You can add multiple IDs (such as a driver's license and a state ID card) to the same Wallet.

Check whether your state participates and your phone is compatible

Before you start, confirm two things: your iPhone model and your state's participation. Open the Wallet app on your phone and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. If you see an option to add a driver's license or ID, your phone supports the feature. If you don't see that option, your iPhone is too old or your state hasn't joined the program yet.

You can also visit your state's DMV website directly and search for "digital ID" or "Apple Wallet." Most state DMV sites have a page explaining whether they participate and which iPhone models work. If your state doesn't participate yet, you can check back periodically — the list of participating states grows regularly.

Gather what you need before you start the setup

Have your physical driver's license or state ID card in front of you. You'll need to photograph both the front and back during setup. Make sure the lighting is good and the card is fully visible in the frame — blurry or cut-off photos will cause the process to fail and you'll have to start over.

You'll also need to take a selfie during the process. The DMV uses this to verify that you're the person on the ID. Sit in good lighting, face the camera directly, and follow any on-screen instructions about head position or expression. The system may ask you to blink or move your head slightly to confirm you're a real person.

Open Wallet and start adding your ID

Open the Wallet app 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 between adding a driver's license or a state ID card — pick whichever document you're adding first.

Read the information screen about how your data will be used. Apple explains that your ID information stays encrypted on your phone and that the state DMV will verify your identity. Tap "Continue" to move forward.

Photograph your ID and take a selfie

The app will guide you through taking photos. First, you'll photograph the front of your ID. Position your card in the frame as shown on screen, and tap the camera button when the image is clear. The app will check that it captured all four corners and that the text is readable. If the photo is blurry or incomplete, you'll be asked to retake it.

Next, photograph the back of your ID using the same process. Then the app will ask you to take a selfie. Follow the on-screen prompts — you may be asked to move your head, blink, or look in a specific direction. This step verifies that you're the person on the ID. Once the selfie is captured, tap "Continue."

Complete identity verification with your state DMV

The app will connect to your state's DMV system to verify your identity. You'll be asked to answer security questions based on your DMV records — these might include questions about your address history, vehicle registration, or previous license applications. Answer honestly and as accurately as you can. If you get an answer wrong, the system will usually let you try again.

Verification typically takes a few minutes, but can take longer if the DMV system is busy. Once the DMV confirms your identity, your ID will be added to Wallet. You'll see it listed in the app with your name and ID number. The ID will show an "Unverified" status for a short time while the state processes it in the background — this is normal and doesn't affect your ability to use it.

Use your ID at airports and participating venues

Once your ID is in Wallet, you can show it at participating airports and other locations. At airport security, tell the TSA officer you have a digital ID and hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the reader. Your phone doesn't need to be unlocked, but you will need to use Face ID or Touch ID to authorize the transaction. The reader will scan your ID and you'll move through security as usual.

Not all airports accept digital IDs yet, but major hubs including Phoenix Sky Harbor, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, Denver, and others have readers installed. Check the TSA website or call your airport ahead of time if you're unsure whether they accept Apple Wallet IDs. You can always carry your physical ID as a backup.

Add additional IDs or manage your Wallet

You can add more than one ID to Wallet — for example, a driver's license and a state ID card, or IDs from multiple states if you hold licenses in more than one place. To add another ID, open Wallet, tap the plus sign, and repeat the process. Each ID goes through its own verification with the DMV.

To view or delete an ID, open Wallet and tap the ID card. You can see all the information stored on it. If you want to remove it, tap the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Remove." The ID will be deleted from your phone immediately, though the state DMV will still have a record that you added it at some point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my ID is expired or about to expire?

You can add an expired ID to Wallet, but some venues may not accept it. If your ID expires while it's in Wallet, you'll need to renew it with your state DMV and then add the new ID to Wallet. The old ID will remain in your Wallet until you delete it, but venues will likely reject it.

Can I use my digital ID if my phone dies or I forget it?

No. Your digital ID only works if your phone is with you and has battery. Always carry your physical ID as a backup. If your phone is lost or stolen, contact your state DMV to report it — they can flag your digital ID as compromised, though the encrypted copy on your phone cannot be accessed by anyone else.

Is my ID information safe in Apple Wallet?

Apple encrypts your ID information on your phone and does not store it on Apple's servers. When you show your ID at a reader, the venue sees only the information it needs — typically your name, photo, and ID number. You authorize each use with Face ID or Touch ID, so someone who steals your phone cannot use your ID without your biometric approval.

What if the DMV verification fails?

If the DMV cannot verify your identity, you'll see an error message explaining why. Common reasons include mismatched information between your phone and DMV records, or photos that are too blurry to read. You can try the process again, but if it fails repeatedly, contact your state DMV directly — they can help troubleshoot the issue.

Can I add my ID to Apple Watch?

Yes, if you have an Apple Watch Series 9 or later, or an Apple Watch Ultra. The process is the same — open Wallet on your watch, tap the plus sign, and add your ID. Your watch must be paired with your iPhone, and you'll still use your iPhone to take the photos and complete verification. Once added, you can show your ID from your watch at participating venues.

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.