Adding an ID to Apple Wallet takes five minutes and stores a digital copy on your phone

Apple Wallet can hold a driver's license or state ID as a digital card. When you add it, your phone stores an encrypted copy that you can show at airports, police stops, or age verification — without handing over your physical card. The process differs slightly depending on whether your state supports digital IDs through Apple's system, but the basic steps are the same: open Wallet, tap the plus button, select ID, and follow the prompts to photograph and verify your identity.

Not every state offers this feature yet. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah support digital driver's licenses or IDs in Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add support over time. If your state is not on this list, you cannot add a real ID to Wallet — though you can still store other cards like boarding passes or event tickets.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Wallet app, tap the plus button, and select "Driver's License or State ID" to begin adding your ID.
  • You will photograph both sides of your physical ID and take a selfie so Apple can verify your identity.
  • Your state must support digital IDs in Apple Wallet — check your state's DMV website if you are unsure whether yours does.
  • The digital ID is encrypted on your phone and does not replace your physical card, which you should keep with you.
  • You can delete the digital ID from Wallet at any time, and it will not affect your physical card or state records.

Check whether your state supports digital IDs first

Before you start, confirm that your state offers this feature. Visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and search for "digital ID" or "Apple Wallet ID." The DMV page will tell you whether the program is active, whether you need to renew your physical ID first, and whether there are any age or residency requirements.

Some states require your physical ID to be current or expiring within a certain window — for example, some will not let you add an ID that expires in less than six months. A few states also limit the feature to residents only. If your state does not yet support digital IDs, you cannot add one, and no workaround exists. You can still use Wallet for other cards like boarding passes, event tickets, or transit passes.

Open Wallet and start the ID addition process

Unlock your iPhone and open the Wallet app — it is the one with a white wallet icon. Tap the plus button in the upper right corner. A menu will appear with options like "Credit or Debit Card," "Transit Card," and "Driver's License or State ID." Tap "Driver's License or State ID."

The app will ask you to select your state. Scroll through the list and tap your state. If your state does not appear, it does not yet support digital IDs in Apple Wallet, and you cannot proceed. If it does appear, tap it and continue to the next step.

Photograph your ID and take a selfie for verification

The app will ask you to photograph the front of your physical ID. Place your ID on a flat surface with good lighting and align it within the frame shown on your screen. Take the photo. The app will then ask you to photograph the back of your ID — do the same thing.

Next, the app will ask you to take a selfie. Position your face in the center of the frame, make sure your face is fully visible and well-lit, and take the photo. Do not wear sunglasses or a hat that shadows your face. Apple uses this photo to verify that you are the person on the ID. If the photo is blurry or your face is not clearly visible, the app will ask you to retake it.

Complete identity verification and agree to terms

After you submit your photos, Apple will verify your identity. This usually takes a few minutes, but can take up to 24 hours. You will see a message on screen telling you whether verification succeeded or failed. If it failed, the app will explain why — usually because the photos were unclear or did not match — and let you try again.

Once verification succeeds, the app will show you the terms of service and privacy information. Read through these, then tap "Agree" to confirm. Your digital ID will then appear in your Wallet. You can now use it at participating locations.

Use your digital ID at airports and other locations

To show your digital ID, open Wallet and tap your ID card. Your phone will ask you to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode — this is a security step to prevent someone else from viewing your ID if they pick up your phone. After you authenticate, your ID will display on screen. You can then hand your phone to a TSA agent, police officer, or other official to scan or view.

Not all locations accept digital IDs yet. TSA checkpoints at major U.S. airports support them, and some police departments and age-verification businesses do as well. If a location does not accept digital IDs, you can still use your physical card. Keep your physical ID with you at all times — the digital version is a convenience, not a replacement.

Manage and remove your digital ID if needed

Your digital ID lives on your phone and is encrypted — Apple cannot see it, and neither can anyone else without your authentication. If you want to remove it, open Wallet, tap and hold the ID card, and select "Remove." The digital ID will disappear from your phone when ready. This does not affect your physical card or any government records.

If you lose your phone or it is stolen, your digital ID is protected by your phone's security — Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode. The person who finds or steals your phone cannot view your ID without unlocking it first. If you are concerned about your phone's security, you can remove the digital ID from Wallet and add it again later once you have a new phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my state is not listed when I try to add an ID?

Your state does not yet support digital IDs in Apple Wallet. You can still use your physical ID, and you can check your state's DMV website periodically to see when the feature becomes available. No workaround exists to add an ID from an unsupported state.

Can I use my digital ID instead of my physical card?

Not yet. The digital ID is a convenience for situations where you can show your phone, but it does not replace your physical card. Keep your physical ID with you at all times. Some locations do not accept digital IDs, and you may need the physical card as backup.

What happens if my phone dies or I lose it?

Your digital ID is encrypted on your phone and cannot be accessed without your authentication. If you lose your phone, the ID is locked to that device. Once you get a new phone, you can add the ID again by repeating the process. Your physical card is unaffected.

Does adding an ID to Wallet cost money?

No. Adding a digital ID to Apple Wallet is free. Some states may charge a small fee to renew your physical ID if it is expiring soon, but that is separate from the digital ID process.

Can someone else view my digital ID if they have my phone?

No. Every time you open your digital ID in Wallet, your phone requires Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. Someone with your unlocked phone could theoretically access it, but they cannot view it without first unlocking your phone.