Digital ID: Using Your Phone as Your Driver's License

Mobile driver's license in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Which states support it, how to set it up, and using it at TSA.

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Digital ID: Using Your Phone as Your Driver's License

Carrying a wallet full of cards may soon be‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍ optional. In 2026, many U.S. states allow you to store your driver's license or state ID directly on your iPhone or Android phone. You can then use it at airports, government buildings, and some businesses — no physical card required.

Here's what you need to know.

What Is a Digital ID?

A mobile driver's license (also called a digital ID or mDL) is an official, government-issued version of your driver's license stored on your smartphone.

It works the same as a physical license for most purposes:

Verify your age
Confirm your identity
Present at TSA checkpoints in participating airports
Use at government offices and some businesses

It is not a photo or scan of your license. It's a secure digital credential verified directly through your phone.

Which States Support Digital IDs?

As of early 2026, the following states have launched or are actively rolling out mobile driver's licenses:

Active: Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia

In progress: California, Florida, New York, Texas, and others

The list is growing. Check your state's DMV website to see if yours is available.

How to Set Up a Digital ID on iPhone

Apple Wallet supports digital IDs in participating states.

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone
Tap the + button in the top right
Tap Driver's License or State ID
Select your state
Follow the instructions to scan the front and back of your physical license
Complete the identity verification (usually a brief face scan)
Your state DMV reviews and approves your digital ID — this can take a few minutes to a few days

Once approved, your digital ID appears in your Wallet app.

How to Set Up a Digital ID on Android

Android's digital ID setup varies by state, but most use Google Wallet:

Open Google Wallet on your Android phone
Tap + (Add to Wallet)
Tap ID cards
Select your state and follow the prompts
Scan your physical license and complete verification

Some states use a dedicated app instead of Google Wallet. Your state's DMV website will direct you to the right place.

Using Your Digital ID at the Airport

TSA now accepts digital IDs at many major airports. Look for security lanes marked with a sign that says "ID accepted here" or "Mobile ID."

To use it:

Tap your iPhone or Android to the TSA reader (like using Apple Pay)
Your phone will ask you to confirm with Face ID, fingerprint, or your passcode
The officer sees only what's needed — they cannot browse your phone

Important: Always carry your physical license as backup. Not every airport lane or every officer has the equipment to accept digital IDs yet.

Is It Safe?

Yes — digital IDs are more secure than physical cards in several ways:

No one can copy or photograph your license the way they can with a physical card
You control what information is shared — a reader only gets what it asks for (e.g., age verification only)
Your phone's security (Face ID, fingerprint) protects access to the ID
If your phone is lost, you can remotely erase it, which also removes your digital ID

A digital ID does not replace your physical license for driving. You still need to carry your physical license when operating a vehicle, as not all law enforcement systems are set up to verify digital IDs for traffic stops.