The basic steps to add an ID to Apple Wallet

To add your driver's license or state ID to Apple Wallet, open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad, tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, and select "ID" from the menu. You'll be asked to choose which type of ID you want to add — driver's license or state ID — and which state issued it. The app will then guide you through taking photos of the front and back of your ID, plus a photo of your face. Apple uses these images to verify your identity, then encrypts and stores them on your device.

The entire process takes about five to ten minutes. You don't upload anything to Apple's servers during setup — the ID information stays on your phone. When you present your ID at a TSA checkpoint or to a police officer, they use a special reader that communicates directly with your device, and you control what information gets shared each time.

Not all states issue digital IDs yet. As of now, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah allow digital driver's licenses or IDs in Apple Wallet. More states are expected to add support over time. Check your state's DMV website to see if your state participates.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an iPhone or iPad running iOS 15.1 or later, a valid driver's license or state ID from a participating state, and a working camera to add an ID to Apple Wallet.
  • The setup process requires you to photograph both sides of your ID and take a selfie, which Apple uses to verify your identity before storing the ID on your device.
  • Your ID information is encrypted and stored only on your phone — it does not go to Apple's servers or any government database.
  • You can present your digital ID at TSA checkpoints and to police officers in participating states, and you choose what information to share each time.
  • Only certain states currently support digital IDs in Apple Wallet, so check your state's DMV website before you start the process.

What you need before you start

Your iPhone or iPad must run iOS 15.1 or later (or iPadOS 15.1 or later on a tablet). You can check your device's operating system by going to Settings, then General, then About, and looking at the version number. If your device is older and cannot update to this version, you cannot add an ID to Apple Wallet.

You need a valid, unexpired driver's license or state ID from one of the participating states listed above. The ID must be in good condition — not bent, torn, or water-damaged — because the camera needs to read all the text and security features clearly. You also need a working front-facing camera on your device to take the selfie that Apple requires during setup.

Make sure you have good lighting when you take photos. Natural light works best, but avoid direct sunlight or shadows across your ID. The photos need to be clear enough for Apple's system to read the text and verify that the ID is real.

Step-by-step walkthrough of the setup process

Start by opening the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad — it's usually on your home screen and looks like a gray wallet icon. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner of the screen. A menu will appear with several options; tap "ID" to begin adding a driver's license or state ID.

Next, you'll see a list of states. Scroll through and tap your state. The app will ask whether you want to add a driver's license or a state ID — choose whichever one you have. Read the information Apple provides about how your ID will be used, then tap "Continue."

The app will now ask you to photograph the front of your ID. Position your ID in the frame shown on the screen, make sure the entire card is visible and in focus, and tap the shutter button. The app will take the photo automatically when it detects the ID is in the right position. After the front photo is taken, you'll photograph the back of your ID the same way.

Once both photos are complete, the app will ask you to take a selfie. Follow the on-screen instructions to position your face in the frame and take the photo. Apple uses this image to verify that you are the person on the ID. After the selfie, you may be asked to perform a series of head movements — tilting or turning your head — so Apple can confirm the photo is of a real person and not a printed image.

After all photos are taken, Apple processes them to verify your identity and the authenticity of your ID. This can take a few minutes to a few hours. Once verification is complete, your ID appears in Apple Wallet and is ready to use.

How to use your digital ID at TSA checkpoints

When you arrive at a TSA security checkpoint at a participating airport, tell the officer you have a digital ID. Hold your iPhone or iPad with the screen facing the officer and unlock your device. The officer will use a special reader to scan your ID directly from your phone's screen — you don't need to hand over your device.

Before the scan happens, your phone will show you what information the reader is requesting. You review this on your screen and tap "Share" or "Allow" to send that information to the reader. You control what gets shared each time — the reader cannot access anything beyond what you approve. After the scan is complete, your phone returns to the normal lock screen.

Not all airports have TSA readers that accept digital IDs yet, so if an officer doesn't have a reader or isn't familiar with digital IDs, have your physical ID available as a backup. The digital ID is meant to work alongside your physical ID, not replace it entirely.

How to use your digital ID with police officers

If a police officer asks for your ID, you can show your digital ID from Apple Wallet instead of your physical license. Unlock your iPhone or iPad, open Wallet, and tap your ID. The officer will see your ID information on your screen. Some officers may have a mobile reader that can scan the digital ID directly, similar to how TSA does it at airports.

The rules for what officers can request and how they can use the information vary by state and by local law. If you're unsure whether to show your digital ID or physical ID, you can ask the officer which one they prefer. Having both available is the safest approach until digital IDs become more widely used by law enforcement.

Troubleshooting common problems

If your ID photos are rejected during setup, the most common reason is poor lighting or blurry images. Make sure you're in a well-lit area, hold your device steady, and wait for the app to focus before taking the photo. If text on your ID is hard to read in the photo, try adjusting your angle or moving to a different light source.

If Apple's verification process takes longer than a few hours, check your email for messages from Apple. Sometimes Apple needs you to retake photos or provide additional information. If you don't receive an email and verification seems stuck, try restarting your device and opening Wallet again.

If your state isn't listed when you open the ID menu, your state does not yet support digital IDs in Apple Wallet. Check your state's DMV website to see if support is coming soon, or contact the DMV directly to ask about their timeline for adding digital ID support.

If you lose your phone or it's stolen, your digital ID is encrypted and cannot be accessed without unlocking your device. You can remotely erase your device using Find My iPhone if needed. Your physical ID remains valid, and you can set up a digital ID on a new device once you get one.

Privacy and security of your digital ID

Your ID information is encrypted on your device using the same security technology that protects your payment cards in Apple Wallet. The data never leaves your phone unless you explicitly approve sharing it with a reader. Apple does not store your ID photos or information on its servers — everything stays on your device.

When a TSA reader or police officer's mobile reader scans your digital ID, they receive only the information you approve. You see exactly what data is being requested before you tap to share it. This is different from handing over a physical ID, where the person holding it can see everything on the card.

If you want to remove your digital ID from your device at any time, open Wallet, tap your ID, tap the three dots in the upper right corner, and select "Remove ID." The ID is when ready deleted from your phone and cannot be recovered unless you add it again by going through the full setup process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add multiple IDs to Apple Wallet?

Yes, you can add more than one ID if you have valid IDs from different states or if you have both a driver's license and a state ID. Each ID is stored separately in Wallet and can be presented independently. You select which ID to show when a reader or officer requests it.

What happens if my ID expires?

Your digital ID expires on the same date as your physical ID. When your ID is close to expiring, Apple will notify you through the Wallet app. You'll need to renew your physical ID through your state's DMV, then add the new ID to Apple Wallet by going through the setup process again with your new card.

Do I still need to carry my physical ID?

Yes, you should carry your physical ID as a backup. Not all businesses, officers, or locations accept digital IDs yet, and some readers may not be compatible with Apple Wallet. Having both ensures you can present ID anywhere.

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

No. Your phone must be unlocked to access your digital ID in Wallet, and the person presenting the ID must approve the share each time. Even if someone has your unlocked phone, they cannot share your ID without your permission on the screen.

What if I get a new phone?

You'll need to add your ID to Apple Wallet on your new device by going through the setup process again. You cannot transfer a digital ID from one phone to another — you must re-photograph your ID and take a new selfie on the new device.