You might not know this, but you can use Apple Wallet to store your driver's license right on your iPhone. It speeds up airport security, adds an extra layer of protection with Face ID or Touch ID, and lets you verify your age or identity quickly without handing over your physical card.
Apple first announced support for mobile driver's licenses and state identification cards in Apple Wallet in 2021, with Arizona leading the way as the first state to support the feature in 2022. Since then, Apple has officially stated that it is working with several other states and territories to bring mobile IDs to residents, including Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Utah, West Virginia, and Puerto Rico.
While the rollout has been slow (seven of the announced partner states have yet to materialize anything), nine states and one US territory currently support Apple Wallet IDs, and at least 21 other states, districts, and territories are exploring or working toward Apple Wallet implementation.
Below is the complete list of supported states and territories. You may also see the terms digital, virtual, or electronic used to describe mobile driver’s licenses and state identification cards; we use the terms interchangeably in this guide.
Jump to a section
The benefits of mobile driver's licenses and IDs
Mobile driver's licenses (mDLs) and mobile IDs (mIDs) offer a variety of benefits, though their functionality varies by state. They provide greater convenience, enhanced security, and a more seamless way to verify identity. Here are some key advantages:
Faster airport security: At select airport checkpoints, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can scan digital IDs stored in Apple Wallet from 10 issuing states. The TSA can also scan digital IDs from five states that issue them via their own wallet apps, including Louisiana, New York, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia. This allows for quicker verification at participating locations but is not yet universal.
Accepted by law enforcement in some states: Depending on local regulations, certain states permit or require police officers to accept an mDL or mID when a physical card cannot be presented. However, officers may sometimes request a physical ID as a backup.
Useful in various transactions: Depending on where you live, mDLs and mIDs may be accepted by notary publics, used car dealerships, and retail stores. However, businesses are not yet widely required to accept them.
Age-restricted purchases: Some retailers allow mDLs and mIDs to buy alcohol, tobacco, or other restricted products, including at self-checkouts. Acceptance varies by store and state regulations.
Applying for government benefits: Some government agencies in select states may allow digital IDs when applying for services like unemployment benefits or housing assistance.
Potential future uses: While not yet widespread, mDLs and mIDs could eventually be used for renting vehicles, hotel check-ins, and even voting in some states. However, adoption depends on future legislation and infrastructure.
Enhanced security: Unlike physical IDs, mDLs and mIDs require Face ID or Touch ID authentication, reducing the risk of theft or fraud.
Limited data exposure: You can verify your age or identity without revealing unnecessary personal details, such as your home address.
Less risk of loss or damage: No more worrying about bending, cracking, or losing your ID — it's always accessible on your smartphone.
As adoption grows, digital IDs could become even more widely accepted, reducing the need for physical wallets and offering a more secure, convenient way to verify identity.
List of states with mDLs in Apple Wallet
Since Arizona's enrollment, only eight other states have allowed you to add mobile driver's licenses or state identification cards to Apple Wallet. Those are California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, New Mexico, and Ohio. One US territory — Puerto Rico — also supports Apple Wallet IDs.
Arizona [AZ] — Available in Apple Wallet since March 23, 2022. Also available for Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet.
California [CA] — Available in Apple Wallet since Sept. 19, 2024, as part of California's mDL pilot program. Also available for Google Wallet and via the CA DMV Wallet app.
Colorado [CO] — Available in Apple Wallet since Nov. 9, 2022. Also available for Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet.
Georgia [GA] — Available in Apple Wallet since May 18, 2023. Also available for Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet.
Hawaii [HI] — Available in Apple Wallet since Aug. 28, 2024.
Iowa [IA] — Available in Apple Wallet since Oct. 23, 2024. Also available for Samsung Wallet and via the Iowa Mobile ID app.
Maryland [MD] — Available in Apple Wallet since May 25, 2022. Also available for Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet.
New Mexico [NM] — Available in Apple Wallet since Dec. 5, 2024. Also available for Google Wallet.
Ohio [OH] — Available in Apple Wallet since Aug. 1, 2024.
Puerto Rico [PR] — Available in Apple Wallet since Dec. 12, 2024.
List of states with mDLs coming soon to Apple Wallet
Puerto Rico driver's licenses and state IDs were the most recent addition to Apple Wallet. Several other states have announced plans to support mDLs and mIDs in Apple Wallet in the near future. For example, Montana, Virginia, and West Virginia have all committed to bringing mDLs to Apple Wallet, as confirmed by Apple or state officials. However, no specific timeline was provided for some of them.
Virginia [VA] — In 2017, HB 2229 was signed into law, authorizing — but not requiring — the DMV to issue electronic credentials to persons with valid physical credentials. In 2020, the DMV stated that it had not yet implemented electronic credentials due to budget concerns and ongoing industry studies. By 2023, Virginia's DMV director of communications said that Virginia's mID app would launch soon, and it first appeared in the App Store on April 1, 2024. As of February 2025, it's still listed as a test program. Apple Wallet status: According to its mID FAQ, Virginia is working with Apple to support Virginia driver's licenses and ID cards in Apple Wallet "in the near future."
Montana [MT] — In 2023, HB 519.1 was signed into law, stating that mDLs will be acceptable alternatives to physical driver's licenses starting Sept. 1, 2025. Apple Wallet status: Listed as an upcoming participating state since Sept. 19, 2024. It's anticipated that Montana will integrate mDLs into Apple Wallet by or shortly after the September 2025 deadline.
West Virginia [WV] — West Virginia has developed its own Mobile ID app, which allows residents to store their mDLs on their phones. The app launched in December 2024 and has since expanded to integrate with Samsung Wallet. Apple Wallet status: Listed as an upcoming participating state since Sept. 19, 2024. Integration with Apple Wallet is expected shortly.
Additionally, in a press release from Sept. 19, 2024, Apple announced that Japan had signed on to bring its My Number Card to Apple Wallet, marking the first international ID to support Apple Wallet. It may finally show up in iOS 18.4, currently in beta.
List of all other states and their mDL progress
As of August 2024, at least 18 other states, districts, and territories have shown interest in using Apple Wallet as their primary or secondary means of issuing and storing virtual driver's licenses and IDs on mobile devices.
Others have shown no interest in using Apple Wallet for mDLs but still support digital identification options, some of which already have them via standalone apps or other wallet providers. Some states, districts, and territories have shown no interest in mDL programs that we are aware of.
States
Alabama [AL] — Previously issued mDLs as passes in Apple Wallet but no longer does. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
Alaska [AK] — In July 2023, the DMV sought information from qualified vendors who provide mDL systems. In September 2023, the DMV asked for proposals to develop a new driver's license and identification card system for the state, which would also be capable of issuing and maintaining mDLs. It sounds like the state wants to start with a standalone app. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
Arkansas [AR] — Will send you a digitized copy of your driver's license for $10. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
Connecticut [CT] — Exploring mDLs but no recent progress updates. Apple Wallet status: Listed as an upcoming participating state since 2021.
Delaware [DE] — Supports mDLs via the Delaware Mobile ID app. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
Florida [FL] — Previously issued mDLs via the Florida Smart ID app but removed the app to look for new vendors to partner with. A new app is expected in early 2025. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
Idaho [ID] — In January 2024, Rep. Stephanie Mickelsen, in collaboration with the Transportation Department, was drafting a bill regarding mDLs that she hoped to introduce during the 2024 legislative session. The bill has yet to be introduced. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
Illinois [IL] — In August 2024, HB 4592 was signed into law by the governor. The secretary of state's office must implement a digital ID system. Illinoisans can begin carrying digital ID cards as early as Jan. 1, 2025. Apple Wallet status: Being considered.
Indiana [IN] — In 2019, HB 1506 was signed into law by the governor. The BMV initially said mDLs would be available by mid-2019. As of January 2024, the BMV is still trying to identify the best solution. Apple Wallet status: Being considered.
Kansas [KS] — In February 2024, HB 2762 was introduced, hoping to kickstart digital driver's licenses and ID cards. The bill died in committee in April. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
Kentucky [KY] — Nothing concrete has really happened on the subject in Kentucky since a proposed bill in 2015 asked for a feasibility study. Apple Wallet status: Listed as an upcoming participating state since 2021.
Louisiana [LA] — Supports mDLs via the LA Wallet app. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
Maine [ME] — The 2024–2028 Strategic Plan by the BMV acknowledges that it will "eventually need to offer" an mDL) option. In 2017, LD 1577 sought to allow mDLs in electronic form, but the bill didn't go anywhere. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
Massachusetts [MA] — No known mDL interest. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
Michigan [MI] — In 2023, SB 459–461 sought to create an mDL program, requiring the secretary of state's office to issue digital driver's licenses and state IDs. The bill is currently assigned to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
Minnesota [MN] — In March 2024, HF 4900 and SF 5212 sought to establish electronic driver's licenses in the state. The bills still need to be reviewed and voted on. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
Mississippi [MS] — Supports mDLs via the Mississippi Mobile ID app. Apple Wallet status: Listed as an upcoming participating state since 2022.
Missouri [MO] — Previously issued mDLs via the Missouri Mobile ID app but removed the service to look at new services and regulations. Apple Wallet status: Being considered.
Nebraska [NE] — No known mDL interest.Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
Nevada [NV] — In 2021, SB 204 was signed into law by the governor, authorizing the DMV to issue a card, certificate, or license in electronic form. At the time, DMV officials said digital driver's licenses could become a reality in two to four years. However, there have been no updates on mDLs since. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
New Hampshire [NH] — In 2023, the DMV sought to replace aspects of its driver's licensing system — the proposal request asked for separate mDL cost details if available. There have been no updates on mDLs since. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
New Jersey [NJ] — Proposed bills in 2021 on the subject stalled, but updated efforts in 2024 bring it back up, requiring the MVC to develop an mDL service. Apple Wallet status: Being considered.
New York [NY] — Supports mDLs via the New York Mobile ID app since mid-2024. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
North Carolina [NC] — In July 2024, HB 199 was signed into law by the governor, authorizing mDLs. It allows residents to get a digital license starting as early as July 2025. Apple Wallet status: Being considered.
North Dakota [ND] — In 2021, HB 1072 was signed into law by the governor, authorizing mDLs. ND has not implemented anything yet, but as of May 2023, the Driver's License Division said its "best starting point is to partner with Apple and Google." There are plans to launch mDLs in 2025. Apple Wallet status: Being considered.
Oklahoma [OK] — Previously issued mDLs via the now-decommissioned OK Mobile ID app after a DOJ investigation found that it violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Apple Wallet status: Listed as an upcoming participating state since 2021.
Oregon [OR] — No known mDL interest. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
Pennsylvania [PA] — Introduced in May 2023, HB 1247 calls for the BMV to issue mDLs and allow residents to show virtual IDs on mobile devices. While it hasn't been passed yet, discussions continued at the last House Transportation Committee meeting in March 2024. Unsurprisingly, the company behind the Mobile ID platform that other states use suggested that PA build its own app before considering Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. No decisions have been made on that front. Apple Wallet status: Being considered.
Rhode Island [RI] — In December 2023, the DMV's assistant administrator said the mDLs were on its radar but also implied it was waiting for more services to accept mDLs for identification. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
South Carolina [SC] — According to the DMV, a 2022 mDL study was underway in the state. In late 2022, the DMV further said it was exploring mDL service providers, including Apple Wallet. Since then, there haven't been any clear updates on the study's progress. Apple Wallet status: Being considered.
South Dakota [SD] — No known mDL interest. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
Tennessee [TN] — In early 2024, SB 2661 and HB 2792 sought to require the Department of Safety to create and implement "a secure digital license system for the issuance of digital driver licenses and photo identification licenses upon request." While it appears to have stalled, it may be because the Department of Safety was already looking into creating mDLs. As of March 2024, they are finalizing the program, with details coming soon. Apple Wallet status: Being considered.
Texas [TX] — In May 2023, HB 71 sought to establish a program to issue digital identification no later than Feb. 1, 2025. The bill is currently assigned to the Senate Transportation Committee. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
Utah [UT] — Supports mDLs via the GET Mobile ID app. Apple Wallet status: Listed as an upcoming participating state since 2021.
Vermont [VT] — In June 2023, S.99 was signed into law by the governor, allowing residents to store driver's licenses, learner's permits, and state ID cards on mobile phones. No updates are available. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
Washington [WA] — In 2023, HB 5105 was introduced to authorize digital driver's licenses on mobile phones, but it's still assigned to the Senate. However, a workgroup was funded in 2023 to seek information from law enforcement, privacy groups, and other states. The report is due by Dec. 1, 2024. Sen. Mark Mullet hopes to pass an mDL bill sometime in 2025. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
Wisconsin [WI] — No known mDL interest. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
Wyoming [WY] — In March 2020, HB 0005 was signed into law by the governor, paving the way for mDLs. However, the state needs to modernize its driver services system technology, so mDLs may come sometime in 2025 or 2026. Apple Wallet status: Being considered.
Federal districts
District of Columbia [D.C.] — In February 2022, D.C. Law 24-72 became effective, giving the DMV the authority to issue mDLs and residents the option of using mDLs instead of physical IDs. The last known update states that the DMV is still developing the feature. Apple Wallet status: Being considered.
US territories
American Samoa [AS] — No known mDL interest. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
Guam [GU] — No known mDL interest. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
Northern Mariana Islands [MP] — No known mDL interest. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
U.S. Virgin Islands [VI] — No known mDL interest. Apple Wallet status: Unknown.
Adding your mobile driver's license to Apple Wallet
The process for adding your mobile driver's license or state ID to Apple Wallet is relatively easy. It requires an iPhone 8 or newer with iOS 16.5 or later. If you have an Apple Watch, you'll need Series 4 or newer with WatchOS 9.5 or later. However, if you live in California, you'll need an iPhone XS or newer with iOS 17.5 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 4 or newer with at least watchOS 10.
First, either go to Settings » Wallet & Apple Pay » Add Card or tap the plus (+) button at the top of the Wallet app on your iPhone.
Select "Driver's License or State ID" from the list of options, then tap on your state's name. If your state is not listed, it's not yet compatible with Apple Wallet.
After you select your state, it will let you know that:
Your identity information and additional verification information you submit when adding an ID will be used by Apple and your state issuing authority to prevent fraud. See how your data is managed...
Tap the "Continue" button to scan your driver's license or state ID.
However, when a state is new to Apple Wallet, you may see the following instead. If so, tap "Notify Me," and you'll receive a notification when you can add yours.
Thank you for your interest in adding your driver's license to Wallet. Due to high volume, the service is currently busy. Do you want to be notified when it becomes available?
Scan the front of your card using the movement indicators provided to help you position it correctly in the frame, then hit "Continue" or "Scan Again." Repeat this process for the back of your ID card. If Wallet believes the scan to be incorrect, you'll see a dialog letting you know the ID was not captured with options to "Rescan" or "Continue Anyway."
Once you hit "Continue" after scanning the card's rear, Wallet will submit the data to an identity verification service used by your state's bureau of motor vehicles (BMV), department of driver services (DDS), department of motor vehicles (DMV), motor vehicle administration (MVA), or motor vehicle division (MVD) — or another government agency that administers motor vehicle registration and driver licensing — to confirm your identity. Apple will not see this information.
If you change your mind, you can hit "Cancel" at any time during the scanning process to back out of adding your ID to Apple Wallet.
Don't Miss: How to Add Unsupported Cards and Passes to Apple Wallet for Quick, Easy Access on Your iPhone
Cover photo and screenshots by Gadget Hacks.
Comments
Be the first, drop a comment!