Apple Adds Digital Driver’s License to Wallet: How to Set It Up and Where It Works

Apple now lets iPhone users keep a digital driver’s license inside the Wallet app, adding to the expanding roster of states that permit a government‑issued ID to be saved on a phone. Debuted with iOS 16, the tool enables a scanned version of the license to be stored and shown at eligible locations, providing a handy substitute for the paper card.

Creating the digital license begins by launching Wallet, tapping the add (+) button, and choosing “Driver’s License or State ID.” The app walks the user through capturing an image of the current card, filling in personal information, and finishing a verification step that might require a selfie, a brief video, or a stop at a local DMV kiosk. After clearance, the ID shows up as a card in Wallet and can be shown by double‑pressing the side button.

Currently, only a few states—Arizona, Georgia, Connecticut, Iowa and Maryland—support the capability, though more regions are slated to join. Every participating state imposes its own criteria and schedule, and the electronic ID must meet the same legal rules as the paper version. Prospective users should consult Apple’s support site or their state DMV’s page to verify if the service is available.

Real‑world applications for the digital driver’s license are beginning to appear. Within the supporting states, the credential can be read at certain police stops, age‑restricted establishments, and a limited number of airline gates that now accept Apple Wallet IDs. Yet the electronic form is not yet accepted everywhere; numerous merchants, particularly beyond the pilot regions, still demand a physical card. Apple recommends keeping the traditional ID on hand as a fallback until acceptance widens.

Analysts see the development as a step in the larger trend toward mobile credentialing, which may simplify verification and curb fraud. Privacy groups point out that Apple’s on‑device encryption combined with mandatory biometric login provides security advantages over conventional cards. Looking forward, Apple has signaled plans to broaden the digital ID suite to cover items like passports and health records, which could transform the way routine documents are kept and shown in the digital era.