People in the United States who own an iPhone or Apple Watch can now store a digital version of their U.S. passport on their device. This digital passport can be used at TSA checkpoints in over 250 airports nationwide for domestic flights.
This capability, called Digital ID, was first introduced with the iOS 26 update and allows users to add passports to the list of government-issued IDs already available in Apple Wallet. The rollout has reached twelve states and Puerto Rico so far, with more locations expected soon.
With Digital ID in Apple Wallet, individuals can generate and show an ID even if they lack a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state identification. However, this digital ID does not replace a physical passport and cannot be used for international travel or border crossings at this time, according to Apple.
Image Credits:Apple
To add a passport to Apple Wallet, users need to tap the “Add” (+) icon in the Wallet app, choose “Driver’s License or ID Cards,” then select Digital ID and follow the prompts. The process involves scanning the passport’s photo page with the iPhone and reading the chip on the back to verify authenticity. Users must also take a selfie and perform a series of facial and head movements for security purposes.
Now that Apple Wallet supports IDs, it removes the final barrier to using an iPhone as a complete substitute for a physical wallet, since it already stores payment cards, loyalty cards, tickets, passes, and more.
Showing your Digital ID from Apple in person is similar to using Apple Pay. Simply double-click the side or Home button to open Wallet, pick Digital ID, and hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the identity reader. You’ll use Face ID or Touch ID to confirm your identity, and you can review which information is being requested before you approve the verification.
Image Credits:Apple
Currently, this feature is still in beta, as not all TSA checkpoint readers support it yet. (The TSA website lists which states currently allow mobile IDs, but still recommends travelers bring their physical identification.)
Apple has stated that, in the future, users will be able to use their Digital ID at businesses and organizations that require age verification, both in person and online.
This could apply to places like bars or event venues where age must be confirmed at entry. Online, websites with age restrictions could use Apple’s APIs to check users’ ages. For example, someone ordering alcohol for delivery through a service such as Uber Eats could verify their ID during checkout.
In these scenarios, users can prove they are over 21 without revealing personal details like their name, address, or date of birth.
Apple emphasizes that it does not track when or where users present their ID or what information is shared. Additionally, users do not need to unlock their device or hand it over to show their ID, as the process works just like Apple Pay.
