How to Add Your Driver’s License or State ID to Apple Wallet

Carrying your physical driver’s license or state ID everywhere can be a hassle and risky if you tend to lose things. That’s where digital IDs come in. Apple lets you add a virtual version of your driver’s license or state ID to your Wallet app, so you can securely verify your identity at airports, apps, and more. 

In this guide, I’ll share why digital IDs are useful, what you need to begin, and how to add your driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet using your iPhone and Apple Watch. 

Why Use a Digital ID in Apple Wallet? 

Adding your driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet makes your everyday life easier and safer. Here are the main reasons why:  

• Convenience: With a digital ID, you don’t always have to carry your physical wallet. Whether you’re at the airport or using an app that needs age verification, your ID is just a tap away. 
• Faster Access: At TSA checkpoints that support digital IDs, simply hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the reader, no fumbling through your bag or wallet.  
• More Secure Than a Physical Card: A plastic ID can be lost, stolen, or copied. With Apple Wallet, your digital ID is encrypted and stored securely using the ISO 18013-5 standard.
• Privacy First: Only you can unlock it, using Face ID or your passcode. Also, Apple and your state’s DMV don’t track when or where you use your ID. 
• Avoid Risk of Identity Theft: When you show your physical ID, it exposes all your information. However, with Apple Wallet, you can share only the specific details requested, like your date of birth or ID photo. 
• Use Across Devices: You can access your driver’s license or state ID on your iPhone and Apple Watch without extra apps. 

Overall, a digital ID in Apple Wallet saves time, enhances privacy, and keeps you prepared for a world that’s going increasingly digital. 

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Requirements & Availability 

To add a digital ID to Apple Wallet, you’ll need a few things.

• Your device must be an iPhone 8 or later (or iPhone SE 2nd generation or newer) running iOS 15.4+.
• Face ID or Touch ID must be set up and enabled on your iPhone.
• For Apple Watch, it should be Series 4 or later with watchOS 8.4+.
• You’ll also need an Apple ID with two-factor authentication enabled 
• Your device’s region must be set to the United States.
• A stable internet connection during setup.
• A valid physical driver’s license or state ID card from a valid region.

Not all states support this feature yet, and availability depends on your location. Apple partners with state governments to roll it out, so see if your state is included before beginning.  

Which States Have Apple Wallet Driver’s License and ID  

As of 2025, the following U.S. states and territories support a digital driver’s license or state ID in Apple Wallet: 

• Arizona  
• Maryland  
• Colorado 
• Georgia 
• Ohio 
• California 
• Hawaii 
• Iowa 
• New Mexico 
• Montana 
• Puerto Rico 

Apple has also announced that several other regions, such as West Virginia, Connecticut, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Utah, Illinois, and more, may soon join the list.

Moreover, the U.K. government has also shown interest in launching a GOV.UK Wallet and App later in 2025. So, the citizens can store a virtual version of their driver’s license.

Note

Digital IDs are only valid in the issuing state for now, though they’re accepted at select TSA checkpoints nationwide.

How to Add Your Driver’s License or State ID to Apple Wallet 

Adding your ID to Apple Wallet is easy and takes just a few minutes. Note that you can link only one license or ID to your Apple Account. Here’s the process:

1. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the + sign in the top-right corner.
2. Scroll down and select Driver’s License and ID Cards.
3. Choose your state from the list of supported ones.
   
4. Decide if you want to add the ID to your iPhone only or also to a paired Apple Watch. You can add it to your Watch later if needed.
   
5. Scan the front and back of your physical ID card using your iPhone’s camera and tap Continue. Make sure it’s well-lit and flat on a dark surface for a clear scan.
   
6. Follow the on-screen prompts to verify your identity (more on this in the next section).
7. Once verified, your info is sent securely to your state’s issuing authority for approval. This can take a few minutes to a few hours.
   
8. When approved, your digital ID will appear in Wallet. You’ll get a notification, and it’s ready to use.
   

Similarly, you can add your student ID to your Wallet app, ensuring quick access to your campus.

Important

Your digital ID doesn’t replace your physical one; you still need to carry it by law in most places. But it’s a handy backup.

Verify Your Identity 

Verification is a key step to ensure the issuing authority smoothly approves your request for the digital ID. After scanning your physical license or ID card:

1. Tap Get Started, and your iPhone will ask you to take a Live Photo, selfie, or scan your face using Face ID.
2. Stand before a clean background like a white wall and ensure good lighting. Your face should be clearly visible.
3. Apple suggests taking off any sunglasses, masks, hats, or other obstructive accessories.
4. Now, hold your iPhone in front of you steadily
5. You’ll need to perform simple head movements, like turning left and right or smiling, to create a 3D map of your face.
6. Hold each movement until your phone vibrates, indicating success.
7. Finally, authenticate your data using your Face ID or Touch ID.

This data is encrypted and sent to Apple and your state for matching against your ID photo.

If everything checks out, the process continues. If not, you might receive a notification to provide additional information. Tap the alert and follow the instructions on the authority’s website.

Create Digital ID on Apple Watch 

If you already have your driver’s license or state ID on your iPhone, you can add it to your Apple Watch.

1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone and move to the My Watch tab.
2. Scroll down and select Wallet & Apple Pay.
3. Here, you will see your license or ID displayed in the Other Cards on Your Phone section.

Tap the Add button beside the card and follow the prompts.

Transfer Your Driver’s License to a New iPhone

Switching to a new iPhone? Transferring your data, including your digital ID, is easy during setup:

1. During the Setup Assistant on your new iPhone, when you reach the Quick Start or data transfer screen, select Transfer from your old iPhone.
2. Once the basics are done, tap Wallet in the list of items to transfer.
3. Select your driver’s license or state ID from the options.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions, which may include verifying your identity again with Face ID.
5. Finally, confirm your choice by tapping Continue.
6. Your ID will reappear in the Wallet on the new device. If you skip this step, you can add it manually afterwards, but you’ll need to go through the complete setup again.

If not using Quick Start, sign in using the same Apple ID on the new phone, go to Wallet, and add the ID again.

How to Use Your Digital ID in Apple Wallet 

After adding it, accessing your digital ID is easy and safe. It’s usable for verification at TSA security checkpoints, in mobile apps, or at merchants, bars, restaurants, and venues that accept it.

View ID Information 

To see your ID details:

1. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
2. Tap your driver’s license or state ID card.
3. You will see recent usage history for privacy purposes.
4. For more information, tap the (i) button and select Driver’s License Info or ID Info.
5. Authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID.
6. Scroll to view the details like your address, date of birth, height, eye color, etc.

Along with your personal information, Apple provides the contact details of your issuing authority. So, you may report any discrepancy.

Present Driver’s License In Person 

At participating airports’ TSA checkpoints, businesses, and venues:

1. Go to the Wallet app. 
2. Double-click the side button on your iPhone and authenticate your Face ID or Touch ID if required.
   
3. Tap the card deck at the bottom and select your ID from the cards. 
   
4. Hold your device near the identity reader.
   
5. Now, you will see the requested information (like name and photo).
   
6. To share it, double-click the side button again.
   
7. The reader verifies it wirelessly via NFC, no need to hand over your phone. It may click your picture for verification.
8. You will see a pop-up stating Done with a checkmark when successful.

If you want to use your Apple Watch, unlock your paired iPhone with biometrics. Then double-click the Watch side button at TSA and hold it up.

Note

Digital ID is accepted at over 30 airports nationwide as of 2025. So, look for the checkpoint signs to confirm its availability. Otherwise, you need to use your physical card.

Share Your ID with an App 

When an app needs ID verification (like for age checks to order alcohol or applying for a credit card): 

1. The app or app clip will prompt you to Verify with Apple Wallet or Continue with Apple Wallet. 
2. Tap to open Wallet and select your ID. 
3. Review the requested information, like your birthdate, picture, etc. It also shows why the app is requesting your details and how long it will store them. 
4. If you’re comfortable, double-click the side button of your iPhone and authenticate your biometrics. 
5. The app receives the info securely without seeing your full ID. 

Remove Your Driver’s License or State ID From Apple Wallet  

As I have mentioned earlier, you can only link one ID to your Apple Account. Therefore, if you’re about to move to another state or change your Apple ID, or in case your ID has expired, you must delete the current one before adding a new one. Here’s how: 

1. Open the Wallet app and tap your license or ID. 
2. Tap the info (i) button. 
3. Scroll down and tap Remove Driver’s License or Remove This ID. 
4. Confirm the action. Your state will be notified, and the ID will be deleted from your device and iCloud. 

Apple also recommends removing your digital IDs before giving away or selling your device. 

Troubleshoot Common Issues 

Sometimes things don’t go smoothly. Here are fixes for common problems: 

Issues	Solutions
Failed to add license or ID	Ensure you have not previously added the ID to another Apple Account. Remove it from there first.
State not supported	Double-check the list above. If unavailable, wait for your state to adopt it.
Can’t scan ID	Ensure good lighting and a contrasting background. Clean your camera lens and try again.
Verification fails	Make sure your face is well-lit and follow gestures exactly. If it persists, restart your iPhone and scan again.
Approval delayed	States can take time; check your email or DMV app for status. Try a stable Wi-Fi connection.
ID not showing on Watch	Add it via the Watch app on your iPhone under Wallet & Apple Pay.

General errors: Update to the latest iOS, reset network settings, or sign out/in of your Apple ID. If stuck, contact Apple Support or your state’s DMV. 

Upcoming Digital IDs in Apple Wallet 

With iOS 26, Apple is introducing U.S. passport-based digital IDs. This means U.S. passport holders can add a secure digital version to Wallet, useful for travel verification or additional identity proof. It will work similarly to state IDs, with biometric protection and selective sharing. 

Moreover, iOS 26 introduced several new features in the Wallet app to ensure a smooth travel experience.  

• Live boarding passes, airport maps, and luggage tracking via AirTags enhance the travel experience in the Wallet app.  
• Verify with Wallet expands beyond apps to websites (e.g., for age checks or identity verification). 

Digital IDs are the future!

Apple Wallet’s digital IDs provide a convenient, secure, and modern way to present your driver’s license or state ID. With just a few simple steps, you can ditch the physical card in many situations. As more states come on board and new features in iOS 26 approach, now is the perfect time to get started if your state supports it.

What do you think about this tech-savvy feature? Let me know in the comments below! 

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