Apple Says These 7 U.S. States Plan to Offer iPhone Driver's Licenses

Your iPhone Just Became a Smarter ID Wallet—Here's What's Changing

Can you store your driver's license on your iPhone? Yes—and the rollout is accelerating. Apple has confirmed seven additional U.S. states will soon support digital driver's licenses and state IDs in the Apple Wallet app, joining 13 states and Puerto Rico already live. Travelers can now use their iPhone or Apple Watch to verify identity at TSA checkpoints in over 250 airports nationwide. While the feature isn't yet accepted by law enforcement during traffic stops, its expansion signals a meaningful shift toward frictionless identity verification for domestic air travel and select retail environments. Setup takes minutes, requires biometric authentication for security, and works alongside your physical ID as a convenient backup option.

Credit: Google

How Apple Wallet IDs Actually Work in Real Life

Adding your state-issued ID to Apple Wallet transforms your iPhone into a secure digital credential—but with important boundaries. When approaching a TSA checkpoint, you simply open the Wallet app, select your license, and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. A QR code appears on screen, which TSA agents scan using dedicated readers. The entire interaction happens without handing over your device. Your personal data never leaves your iPhone; instead, the system transmits only the specific information required for verification—name, photo, and birthdate—via encrypted channels.

This privacy-first architecture addresses early concerns about digital identity theft. Apple doesn't store your ID data on its servers or share it with third parties. Even during verification, the receiving party sees only what's necessary for that specific transaction. For travelers, this means faster lane access at participating airports without sacrificing security. At retail locations like select liquor stores or age-restricted venues, the same process applies: authenticate on-device, present the QR code, and complete age verification without exposing your full address or license number unnecessarily.

States Live Today: Where You Can Use Your iPhone as ID Right Now

Thirteen states and Puerto Rico currently support Apple Wallet IDs, with adoption spanning multiple years since Arizona pioneered the feature in March 2022. California joined the ecosystem in September 2024, significantly expanding reach given its population density and major airport hubs like LAX and SFO. Recent additions include Illinois (November 2025), West Virginia (October 2025), and Montana (August 2025), reflecting steady momentum across diverse regions.

The complete live list includes Arizona, Maryland, Colorado, Georgia, Ohio, Hawaii, California, Iowa, New Mexico, Montana, North Dakota, West Virginia, and Illinois—plus Puerto Rico. Each state's Department of Motor Vehicles manages enrollment independently, meaning verification requirements and processing times vary slightly. Most require an in-app identity proofing session involving document scanning and selfie verification before approval. Once added, your digital ID syncs automatically between iPhone and Apple Watch via iCloud Keychain, allowing either device to serve as your credential.

Coming Soon: Seven States Preparing Apple Wallet Integration

Connecticut, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Utah, Arkansas, and Virginia have formally committed to adopting Apple Wallet ID support, though specific launch dates remain unannounced. These additions will notably strengthen coverage in the Southeast and Midwest regions. Virginia's inclusion is particularly significant given its proximity to Washington D.C. airports where the feature already operates extensively.

State DMVs typically undergo rigorous security audits before launching digital ID programs. The delay between announcement and activation reflects necessary infrastructure upgrades at verification points—not technical limitations on Apple's end. Travelers in these seven states should monitor their local DMV websites for enrollment announcements rather than expecting automatic Wallet app availability. Apple coordinates closely with state agencies to ensure compliance with federal identity standards before public rollout.

Airport Adoption Surpasses 250 Locations Nationwide

TSA has aggressively expanded Apple Wallet ID acceptance beyond initial test sites. Travelers can now use digital licenses at major hubs including Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson, Chicago O'Hare, Denver International, and all three Washington D.C. area airports. Regional facilities like Bozeman Yellowstone International and Eastern Iowa Airport also participate, making the feature valuable for both business travelers and leisure flyers.

Look for dedicated signage at TSA checkpoints indicating digital ID acceptance—typically a small placard near the document scanner. Not every lane within an airport supports the feature yet, so agents may redirect you to a specific checkpoint. The process adds no extra time compared to physical ID presentation when everything functions smoothly. During peak travel periods, having your digital ID pre-opened in Wallet (with authentication ready) can streamline the security experience. Remember that international flights still require physical passports; Apple Wallet IDs apply only to domestic U.S. travel verification.

Important Limitations Keep Physical IDs Necessary

Despite growing adoption, your plastic driver's license isn't obsolete yet. Law enforcement officers cannot currently accept Apple Wallet IDs during traffic stops or roadside encounters. State troopers and local police lack the necessary scanning equipment and legal authorization to verify digital credentials in most jurisdictions. Similarly, banks, car rental agencies, and federal facilities generally require physical identification for account openings or high-stakes transactions.

These limitations stem from regulatory frameworks rather than technological shortcomings. Updating state laws to recognize digital IDs as legally equivalent to physical cards requires legislative action—a slower process than technical integration. Until then, carrying your physical license remains essential for comprehensive identification coverage. Think of the Apple Wallet version as a travel-optimized supplement rather than a full replacement. Security researchers generally view this phased approach positively, allowing real-world testing before broader legal recognition.

Setting Up Your Digital License Takes Minutes

Adding your state ID to Apple Wallet begins with a simple tap. Open the Wallet app, select the plus icon in the top-right corner, then choose "Driver's License or State ID." Your device will guide you through scanning the front and back of your physical license using the camera. Next comes identity verification: you'll take a live selfie that Apple's neural engine compares against your license photo to prevent fraud.

Most states require additional validation steps managed through their DMV portals—often involving knowledge-based authentication questions about your driving record or personal history. Approval typically arrives within 24 to 48 hours via notification. Once active, your digital ID appears alongside credit cards and transit passes in Wallet. For security, each access attempt requires Face ID or Touch ID confirmation. You can disable the feature instantly through Settings if your device is lost, and remote wipe via Find My iPhone permanently removes the credential.

Why This Matters Beyond Airport Convenience

Digital driver's licenses represent more than travel shortcuts—they're foundational to reimagining identity in mobile-first society. As Apple expands Wallet's capabilities, we're seeing early integration with age verification in apps and select retail environments. Imagine proving you're over 21 within a food delivery app without exposing your home address, or verifying identity for a digital notary service without video calls.

The underlying technology—standards-based mobile driver's licenses (mDLs) developed through the ISO/IEC 18013-5 specification—ensures interoperability beyond Apple's ecosystem. Android devices will eventually support similar functionality through Google Wallet, creating a unified digital identity layer across platforms. For enterprise applications, this paves the way for secure employee verification at corporate campuses or controlled facilities using personal devices rather than proprietary badges.

Security Experts Weigh In on Digital ID Safety

Cybersecurity professionals generally endorse Apple's implementation approach. "The combination of on-device processing, biometric gating, and minimal data disclosure creates a stronger privacy model than physical licenses," notes Dr. Elena Rodriguez, identity systems researcher at the Digital Trust Institute. Physical IDs expose all data fields—address, height, weight, organ donor status—to anyone who handles the card. Digital credentials share only what's necessary for each transaction.

However, experts caution users to maintain device security hygiene. Enable Find My iPhone, use strong passcodes beyond biometrics alone, and avoid jailbreaking devices storing sensitive credentials. Apple's Secure Enclave chip isolates identity data from the main operating system, but physical device theft combined with disabled security features could theoretically compromise access. No widespread exploits targeting Wallet IDs have emerged since the feature's 2022 debut—a promising sign for long-term viability.

What's Next for Digital Identity on iPhone

Apple's roadmap suggests deeper integration ahead. Rumors point toward potential expansion into digital vehicle registration storage and insurance card consolidation within Wallet. The European Union's digital identity framework may inspire similar U.S. federal standards that accelerate law enforcement acceptance. Meanwhile, states continue refining their DMV onboarding flows to reduce approval friction.

For travelers, the immediate horizon promises wider airport coverage and potentially faster TSA PreCheck integration. Retail adoption remains slower but grows steadily—particularly in states with mature digital ID ecosystems like Arizona and California. The seven newly committed states will likely drive renewed consumer awareness as local DMVs launch promotional campaigns. While we're years from completely replacing physical licenses, the trajectory points toward digital credentials becoming the default for travel and increasingly common for daily verification scenarios.

Making the Switch: Is It Worth Your Time Today?

If you live in one of the 13 active states or Puerto Rico, adding your license to Apple Wallet delivers immediate value for air travel. The setup process requires under ten minutes of active effort plus brief DMV approval time. For frequent flyers, the convenience of skipping physical ID retrieval at security checkpoints compounds quickly. Even occasional travelers benefit from reduced fumbling during rushed airport mornings.

Just remember: keep your physical license in your wallet. Digital IDs excel in controlled environments like TSA lanes but lack universal acceptance. Treat your iPhone credential as a powerful supplement—not a replacement—until state laws evolve. As adoption spreads across those seven newly committed states and beyond, that calculus will gradually shift. For now, dual-carry remains the smartest approach while enjoying the genuine convenience digital IDs already provide where supported.