From Engadget · Kris Holt · · 1m 40s
Your driver's license, now on your iPhone
Seventeen states and Puerto Rico let you carry your license in Apple Wallet, and setup takes about five minutes.
In brief
Seventeen states and Puerto Rico let you carry your license in Apple Wallet, and setup takes about five minutes. If your state is on the list, adding your license to Wallet is a quick scan-and-selfie process, but keep the plastic card handy because acceptance is still spotty. Originally reported by Engadget.
Leave the plastic behind
Apple Wallet has stored digital IDs for years, and a digital driver's license means no digging out your card to prove identity or age. Airport security lines are the obvious win.
Support is still patchy
Some bars, restaurants and venues scan digital IDs, but plenty still don't. Treat it as a convenience, not a replacement for the card in your pocket.
“though this isn't consistent or widespread yet”
Nobody tracks your taps
The license is encrypted and stored on your device. Apple says neither it nor the issuing authority can see where or when you share it.
“neither it nor the issuing authority can see where or when you share your digital ID”
You see what they see
Before a scan, you get a preview of the exact data being shared. A bartender might only get confirmation you're over 21 plus a matching photo, and nothing moves until you use Face ID or Touch ID.
Scan, selfie, approve
Open Wallet, tap +, pick Driver's License and ID Cards, then your state. Scan both sides in good light, take a selfie with any headwear off, then authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID.
“Apple recommends you do this in a well-lit environment against a neutral background.”
Where it actually works
Seventeen US states and Puerto Rico are live, from Arizona and California to Ohio and Virginia. North Carolina lands in early 2027 and Utah is rumored next. A license lives on one device at a time.
The short version
If your state is on the list, adding your license to Wallet is a quick scan-and-selfie process, but keep the plastic card handy because acceptance is still spotty.
