As the holiday travel season kicks into high gear, iPhone users in the United States now have the convenience of adding their U.S. passport information directly to the Apple Wallet app. Apple recently introduced its new “Digital ID” system, enabling users to carry their passport details securely on their iPhone or Apple Watch. This innovative feature is designed to streamline identity verification at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints during domestic air travel.
The Digital ID will initially be available in beta at TSA checkpoints across more than 250 U.S. airports. It provides an alternative form of identification for travelers who may not have a Real ID-compliant physical ID available. However, it’s important to note that this digital passport is not a substitute for a physical passport and cannot be used for international travel or border crossings.
Apple had previously allowed residents in 12 states and Puerto Rico to add their driver’s licenses or state IDs to Apple Wallet, and the TSA had already been accepting some form of mobile ID in at least 16 states plus Puerto Rico. This latest expansion adds a new layer of convenience for travelers by integrating passport information into the secure Digital ID platform.
To set up their Digital ID, iPhone users need to open the Wallet app and select the plus sign (+), then choose the “Digital ID” option from the menu. If the option isn’t immediately visible, users can search for “Digital ID” within the app. The setup process involves scanning the photo page of a valid U.S. passport and then authenticating the data by placing the iPhone on the embedded chip located on the back of the passport. Users must also complete identity verification by taking a selfie and performing specific facial movements—such as turning the head or blinking—to ensure biometric security.
Once established, the Digital ID becomes available within Wallet. Using it is as straightforward as accessing a credit card or boarding pass on the iPhone. Users double-click the side button to open Wallet, tap their Digital ID, and hold the device near the TSA scanner at the checkpoint. The system captures an image for verification and prompts for biometric authentication via Face ID or Touch ID to confirm the user’s identity before sharing required information like name and date of birth.
Apple is committed to protecting user privacy and security throughout this process. Passport data is encrypted and stored securely on the device itself, not uploaded to the cloud or accessible by Apple. The company cannot track when or where a Digital ID is used or what specific data is revealed. The biometric authentication ensures that only the rightful owner can present their Digital ID. Additionally, users are never required to unlock or hand over their device to TSA agents to verify their identity.
Mobile IDs are already accepted for identity verification at TSA checkpoints in more than a dozen states, including Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and the territory of Puerto Rico. The rollout of the Digital ID passport feature is expected to broaden access and streamline airport experiences for millions of domestic travelers.
Apple’s Digital ID initiative moves forward the trend of digitalizing important identity documents, aiming to offer a faster, more secure, and user-friendly experience. While currently limited to domestic airport checkpoints, Apple plans to expand the acceptance of Digital IDs across other use cases and locations in the future, potentially transforming how people access and present personal identification digitally.
