Apple has unveiled its new Digital ID feature, allowing U.S. users to securely store their passport information in Apple Wallet and present it at over 250 TSA checkpoints nationwide. This marks a significant step toward making physical IDs a thing of the past for domestic air travel, streamlining airport security and embracing digital convenience with Apple’s hallmark emphasis on privacy and security.
Digital ID Debuts at U.S. Airports
Apple’s Digital ID, now available to iPhone and Apple Watch owners across the United States, lets travelers breeze through TSA security at domestic airports using only their device. By rolling out at more than 250 U.S. airports, this beta launch dramatically expands the reach of Apple Wallet’s government ID support beyond previously available driver’s license and state ID features. More venues—both physical and digital—are expected to accept Digital ID in the future as Apple partners with businesses for quick identity and age verification.
Who Can Use Digital ID?
Digital ID is accessible to users with a valid, unexpired U.S. passport, even if they haven’t obtained a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID. While convenient for domestic airport security checks, the Digital ID is not a substitute for a physical passport when it comes to international travel or border crossings.
Step-by-Step: Adding Digital ID to Apple Wallet
Setting up a Digital ID is an easy, guided process:
Open Apple Wallet and tap the “Add” (+) button.
Select “Driver’s License or ID Cards,” then choose “Digital ID.”
Use your iPhone to scan the photo page and embedded chip of your U.S. passport, verifying passport authenticity.
Complete a selfie and dynamic head and facial movement steps as an additional layer of security.
Once verified, the Digital ID appears automatically in your Wallet, ready for use at supported locations.
How to use Digital ID
To use your Digital ID at a TSA checkpoint, simply double-click the side or Home button, select your Digital ID in Apple Wallet, and hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the identity reader. Any requested information is displayed for you to review and authorize using Face ID or Touch ID before sharing it. This approach minimizes the risk of exposing unnecessary personal data, as only required details are shared for each verification.
Privacy and Security at the Core
In keeping with Apple’s privacy principles:
Passport details are stored securely, encrypted on your device.
Authentication via Face ID or Touch ID ensures only the rightful owner can present the ID.
Apple cannot access when, where, or what identification information was shared.
Users retain full control over which data gets sent during each interaction, avoiding the need to hand over the phone or unlock it for inspection.
Expanding ID Options in Apple Wallet
Since introducing digital driver’s license and state ID support in 2022, Apple Wallet has seen steady expansion. Now live in 12 states and Puerto Rico, and recently expanded to Montana, North Dakota, West Virginia, as well as internationally in Japan, Apple is paving the way for fully digital wallets with global ambitions.
For more information or step-by-step setup instructions, visit the official Apple Wallet ID resource at learn.wallet.apple/id.
Join the conversation! Your thoughts help the community grow.