Consider electronic proof of insurance cards
You can keep rummaging through your glove compartment. Or you can choose a simpler option: a digital car insurance card.
Overview: Electronic proof of insurance lets you carry your auto insurance card digitally on your phone, making it quick to access, easy to share and widely accepted — though some states may be an exception. With State Farm®, you can store, view and share your digital card via the mobile app or online account, helping you avoid the hassle of paper cards while staying compliant. Keep a printed copy as a backup for added convenience especially if others drive your vehicle.
Digging through the glove box is a familiar scene. An electronic car insurance card can help change that. Electronic proof of car insurance lets you show a secure auto insurance card on your phone instead of paper. It’s quick to pull up, easy to share when asked and accepted in most situations where proof of coverage is needed. As your neighbor with 100+ years of experience, State Farm helps make it simple to go digital so you can get back on the road with less hassle.
What is an electronic proof of insurance card?
Electronic proof of insurance is a digital version of your auto insurance card that displays your name, vehicle, policy number and coverage dates. Think of it as a modern take on the insurance card meant for your glove compartment. Digital insurance cards are easy to access and can reflect policy changes faster than paper cards.
Common formats include a digital ID card in your insurer’s app, a secure PDF or image saved on your device, or a digital wallet pass. Screenshots may be accepted in some states. If you’re a State Farm customer, the electronic car insurance card in the State Farm app can help you access the most up-to-date version.
How to get your car insurance card?
If you have State Farm, accessing electronic proof of insurance takes just a moment. We’re focused on tools that fit your day.
- State Farm app: View your electronic car insurance card anytime and add it to Apple or Google Wallet for quick offline access.
- Open App: Log into the State Farm Mobile App.
- Select Policy: Tap on your auto insurance policy.
- Access Policy Documents: Click View Insurance Cards.
- Access Features: Use the share button to email the card or add it to your Apple Wallet / Google Pay.
- My Accounts on statefarm.com: Log in to view or download your auto insurance card.
- Log in to your online account on statefarm.com.
- Select from Quick links: “Get Insurance ID card."
- On the Auto Policy Information page, click View/Print PDF (or select Mail my ID cards).
- The Document Center will open an "ID Card" electronic document.
- From here, you can view, print, or email the ID card.
- Note: You can also contact your State Farm agent for a new identification card.
Tip: Save a PDF to your files or wallet so you can pull it up without connectivity. Use passcode or biometric lock, keep the app updated and share your card only with people who need it.
Note: Digital ID cards are accepted in 49 states, with New Mexico being the exception.
Is an electronic proof of insurance card accepted everywhere?
In most of the United States, electronic proof of car insurance is accepted in the same situations as a paper auto insurance card. New Mexico is currently the exception. Laws can vary by state and may change over time, so consider checking with your state Department of Motor Vehicles, especially if you’re traveling.
When asked, you can show your digital proof of insurance to law enforcement, the DMV, a dealership, a repair shop or when exchanging information after an accident. If you’ve wondered, “Can you show proof of car insurance on your phone,” the answer in many places is yes.
When you may be asked to show proof of car insurance
Many places accept electronic proof of car insurance, for example:
- At the DMV for registration or plate renewal
- During traffic stops with law enforcement
- After a crash when exchanging info
- At a dealership before driving off the lot
- At a repair shop when authorizing work
- When renting a car
Can I still use paper proof of car insurance?
Yes, the paper version of your car insurance card that you receive in the mail from your insurance company, like State Farm, is still valid. You can also download and print your insurance card from your online account. However, payment receipts or random screenshots usually don’t qualify as valid proof of insurance. You might find it useful to keep your digital insurance card handy on your phone and have a printed copy in your glove box as a backup, especially if someone else borrows your vehicle. Electronic proof of insurance can provide convenience, while a paper copy can be helpful in situations where your phone is not available.
State Farm provides options that can help you manage your insurance in a simple way, with convenience in mind. Electronic proof of insurance is a small upgrade that can help save you time when you need it most. Talk with a State Farm agent or log in today to access your electronic insurance card and keep your proof of insurance close at hand.
The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.
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Bloomington, IL
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