Apple’s Digital ID: Store Your Passport on Your Phone for TSA
▼ Summary
– U.S. iPhone and Apple Watch users can now store their passport in Apple Wallet for domestic travel at TSA checkpoints in over 250 airports.
– The Digital ID feature is available in a dozen states and Puerto Rico, with more locations planned, but it does not replace physical passports or support international travel.
– Users add their passport by scanning the photo page and embedded chip in the Wallet app, then completing a selfie and facial movements for verification.
– Presenting the Digital ID involves holding the device near an identity reader and using Face ID or Touch ID, similar to Apple Pay, with users able to review requested data beforehand.
– The feature is still in beta and not fully deployed at all TSA checkpoints, and Apple plans to expand its use to businesses for age verification both in-person and online.
Travelers across the United States can now store a digital version of their passport directly on their iPhone or Apple Watch, making domestic air travel more streamlined. This new capability, called Digital ID, allows passengers to present their identification at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints in over 250 airports nationwide without needing to carry a physical passport.
Previously introduced with the iOS 26 update, Digital ID expands the range of government-issued credentials supported within Apple Wallet. The rollout currently includes a dozen states and Puerto Rico, with plans to expand further. It’s important to note that this digital version does not replace a physical passport and is not yet valid for international travel or border crossings.
Adding a passport to Apple Wallet is straightforward. Users tap the “Add” (+) button inside the Wallet app, choose “Driver’s License or ID Cards,” and then select Digital ID. The setup involves scanning the photo page of the passport, reading the embedded chip to confirm authenticity, and completing a security verification that includes a selfie and a series of facial movements.
This development marks a significant step toward making the iPhone a true replacement for a physical wallet. Apple Wallet already stores payment cards, loyalty programs, event tickets, and transit passes. The addition of a federally accepted ID removes one of the last major obstacles to going fully digital.
Using your Digital ID at a TSA checkpoint resembles the Apple Pay experience. A double-click of the side or Home button brings up the Wallet, where you select your Digital ID. Holding your iPhone or Apple Watch near the identity reader initiates the process, which is finalized using Face ID or Touch ID. Users also have the ability to review exactly what information is being requested before approving the verification.
It’s worth mentioning that the feature remains in a beta phase. Not all identity reader devices at TSA checkpoints currently support it. The TSA’s own website provides a list of participating states but still recommends travelers carry a physical ID as a backup.
Looking ahead, Apple envisions this technology being used beyond airport security. The company plans for Digital ID to be accepted at various businesses and organizations for age verification, both in physical locations and online. This could include bars, event venues, or even online services that deliver age-restricted goods like alcohol. In such scenarios, users could confirm they are over 21 without disclosing other personal details like their full name, address, or exact date of birth.
Apple emphasizes its commitment to user privacy, stating it cannot see when, where, or what specific data is shared when a Digital ID is presented. The process is designed to be secure and discreet; you never have to unlock your phone or hand it to someone else, mirroring the contactless and private nature of Apple Pay.
(Source: TechCrunch)
