digital identifier This is not a new concept, although it took a long time for it to gain any traction. However, Apple has made progress by allowing iPhone users can add their driver's license to Apple Wallet, which can be used at TSA checkpoints at airports in some states.
This is a convenient upgrade if you live in one of the supported states and have a compatible iPhone. I tested this feature in California and the installation process was surprisingly easy. Just keep in mind that you'll need an iPhone 8 or later with the correct version of iOS, and depending on your state's rollout, some users may experience issues. However, this is a small technological shift that can make your travel the day became much calmer.
The use cases are extremely limited at the moment, and that will likely change as the technology becomes more widespread – but don't expect to find yourself in a nightclub or bar with just your iPhone anytime soon.
Below I describe my experience, the challenges I faced along the way, and things you should know if you're planning on adding your driver's license to Apple Wallet. I will also show you step by step how to add your ID on iPhone.
For more, don't miss these modest iOS 26 features we really like.
These States Support Digital IDs on iPhone Right Now
Only a handful of states support for digital IDs in Apple Wallet. One key factor is how each state implements its mobile driver's license system. For example, Louisiana, New York, Utah and Virginia support mobile driver's licenses but require separate digital ID applications.
States and regions that support digital IDs in Apple Wallet:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Maryland
- Montana
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Puerto Rico
- West Virginia
Some states originally announced Apple Digital ID support is not yet complete.
The number of states supported in Apple Wallet is roughly half of what the TSA currently allows. Collectively, it accepts digital identities through Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, and government mobile apps. in 15 states.
What are the iPhone requirements to add a driver's license to Apple Wallet?
Where you live is just the beginning. You must also have the correct iPhone model and the correct software setup.
Here are the minimum requirements that Apple lists:
- iPhone 8 or later with the latest version of iOS.
- Turn on Face or Touch ID on your device.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your Apple account.
- License or ID from a participating state or territory
- The region of your device is set to the USA.
I'll talk more about these requirements for iPhone 8 and iOS a little later, as well as the problem I encountered.
My experience adding my ID to iPhone was simple.
For testing purposes I used iPhone 16e.
The process of adding an ID was simple. I scanned the front and back of my ID and the next step was to confirm my identity. It wasn't nearly as nerve-wracking as I thought it would be. Instead, he took a live photo of my face in 2.5 seconds.
After this, additional verification was required. It was a series of different photographs with prompts that told me to close my eyes, open my mouth, smile and tilt my head. This verification process took about three minutes. (Or longer in my case, since I got distracted writing notes about the process and then discovered that I needed to restart the whole process.)
Then, after I sent these photos, something happened another inspection stage, presumably with photographs submitted to the California DMV. A message on the screen told me that I would receive a notification when an update was released. I expected it to take a long time, but less than 10 minutes later I received a notification that my ID was ready to use. It was easy.
What about older iPhones?
So, not every phone you think might work will actually work. When I first tested adding my ID, I was using an iPhone 8 Plus. But when I went to the Apple Wallet setup page, I was asked to choose from eight states, and California wasn't one of them.
This surprised me. I found useful Apple Support article it explained the requirements for adding a driver's license or government ID to Apple Wallet, and it seemed like I shouldn't have any problems.
At first I thought the problem was that I hadn't set up Touch ID yet. But no, California still wasn't on my list of eight states. (Equally confusing, my colleague also tried this with an iPhone 8, and Apple Wallet only showed four states.)
I went back to the Apple support article and looked for the fine print, and sure enough, it was there. I ignored the asterisk in the requirements because California has had a mobile driver's license program for a long time.
The fine print at the very bottom of the page reads: “For California, Apple Wallet ID requires iPhone XS or later with iOS 17.5 or later(For Puerto Rico, if you want to add your driver's license or ID to Apple Wallet, you'll need an iPhone XS or later running iOS 18.1.)
So if you have an iPhone 8 or iPhone X and live in California, you won't be able to add your driver's license to your iPhone due to lack of software support. iOS 16 is the latest supported version of the operating system for iPhone 8 and X models.
How to add your ID or driver's license to Apple Wallet
If you live in a state that supports digital IDs for Apple Wallet, this easy to add one. Once you add it, you'll need to verify your identity, which may take a little longer, but it's still a simple process.
- Open Apple wallet.
- Click on Add button.
- Click “Driver's License or ID” and select your location.
- If applicable, choose whether you want to add your ID to only your iPhone or to your iPhone and Apple Watch.
- Follow the instructions to scan your license or ID.
(Make sure you scan your ID in a well-lit area and that the image is in focus.)
After scanning, you will be asked to verify your identity using a selfie photo. According to Apple, you may be asked to make a series of facial or head movements for identification purposes.
To make the verification process easier, Apple offers you:
- Stand in front of a solid background with neutral, light paint.
- Stay in a well-lit place, preferably indoors.
- Remove sunglasses, masks, hats and other accessories that cover your face.
- Hold iPhone steady.
When you're done, submit your information by confirming it with Touch or Face ID. Your biometric data will be linked to your ID, so only you can use it.
How to Transfer Your Digital ID to Another iPhone
If you upgrade your iPhone, you'll need to transfer your ID or driver's license to it.
- During initial setup, press Wallet.
- Select your ID.
- Follow the instructions.
- Click to confirm that you want to transfer your driver's license or ID to your new device.
So what now?
Your digital ID isn't just a photo of your ID that you can find in Apple Wallet. In fact, you don't even see the full image of your physical ID. To view your digital ID information, you'll need to tap your ID “card” in Apple Wallet, tap the “i” in the top-right corner of the screen, and then tap “Government ID Info” or “Card Info” (wording may vary depending on the version of iOS your iPhone is running). From there, it will show your photo ID as well as important information from your physical ID.
TSA checkpoints that support digital IDs require a special scanner, so the process won't necessarily feel like it's faster than showing your physical ID to an agent.
Here's a video of the process, courtesy of the Maryland Department of Transportation:
The idea of a digital ID is quite convenient, but overall it probably won't save you a significant amount of time. Couple this fact with the incredibly limited use cases right now and the fact that adoption by merchants or events will require investment in suitable hardware, and it's pretty easy to see how far we are from moving away from physical IDs.
Selling or trading your iPhone? Do this first.
When you leave a phone that has your ID on it, you need to do the same thing you do with other sensitive information like credit or debit cards and passwords: delete it.
Therefore, before you erase your iPhone to sell or trade it, you should delete your ID manually first. Here's how to do it.
- Go to Apple Wallet and tap your ID on the list
- Click on “I” button in the upper right corner of the screen
- Tap Remove State ID (or driver's license)
- Read the pop-up warning and click Delete
Digital passports coming to Apple Wallet with iOS 26
Creating a digital ID from your physical passport is coming to your iPhone this year.
As states take time to implement digital ID systems, Apple announced a new feature coming to iOS 26 this year: you can add a digital passport to Apple Wallet.
When the feature becomes available, iPhone users will be able to scan their passports to create a digital version for identity verification during domestic travel. You won't be able to use it for international travel, and it's not a complete replacement for a physical passport (so keep one with you), but it should work at the 250+ supported TSA checkpoints.
During it WWDC Keynote Apple said in June that a digital ID made from your passport could also be used.”in apps and in person“But this did not provide any specifics.
This is essentially what can be done on Android via Google Wallet.
Wallet ID verification could make ordering alcohol easier
Also coming this fall are iPhones, an easier way to prove your age with a digital ID. Let's say you want a bottle of wine sent to your home through Uber Eats. Typically, when the driver arrives, you'll need to show your ID and scan it to complete the transaction, but with the new Verify with Wallet feature, your stored digital ID will be used to verify your age. (I'm wondering if things might get more complicated once the delivery arrives if you're not the one receiving it.)
Verify with Wallet will be supported by Chime, Turo, Uber Eats and US Bank.
To learn more, don't miss what you should know about fly domestically without Real ID in 2025.
