Apple has introduced Digital ID, a groundbreaking feature that allows iPhone and Apple Watch users in the United States to store and use a digital version of their U.S. passport directly from the Apple Wallet app. The feature aims to make travel and identity verification faster, safer, and entirely paperless, bringing Apple closer to turning the iPhone into a true all-in-one wallet.
A New Way to Travel
Starting this month, travelers can present their Digital ID at TSA checkpoints across more than 250 U.S. airports when flying domestically. The process works like Apple Pay; users double-click the side or home button, select their ID, and hold their device near a TSA identity reader. Authentication happens through Face ID or Touch ID, ensuring top-tier security and privacy.
Currently available in 12 states and Puerto Rico, the feature will gradually expand nationwide. However, it’s important to note that Digital ID is still in beta, meaning it hasn’t been fully rolled out to all TSA identity readers yet. According to the TSA website, travelers should still carry their physical ID or passport as a backup when traveling.
How to Set Up Your Digital ID
To add a passport to Apple Wallet, users can tap the “Add (+)” button, choose “Driver’s License or ID Cards,” and then select Digital ID. They’ll be prompted to scan their passport’s photo page and embedded chip, then complete a selfie verification with guided head movements to confirm identity.
Once verified, the passport is securely stored on the device and remains accessible offline. Apple guarantees that users maintain full control over their data, with each transaction protected by Face ID or Touch ID.
Beyond Airports: Everyday Use Cases
Apple says future updates will allow users to present their Digital ID at businesses and organizations requiring age or identity verification. This could include event venues, bars, or concerts, where proof of age is needed at the door, or websites that restrict adult content.
For instance, if a user wants to order alcohol through apps like Uber Eats, they’ll be able to verify their age instantly using Apple’s secure API, without revealing personal details like their full name, address, or date of birth.
Privacy and Control at the Core
Apple emphasizes that it cannot see when or where users present their Digital ID, nor what information is shared. Users don’t have to unlock their phone or hand it over to TSA officers or attendants; verification happens wirelessly, just like Apple Pay.
This privacy-by-design approach continues Apple’s legacy of putting user data security first. As Apple refines the feature and expands its reach, Digital ID could soon become the new standard for identity verification—whether you’re catching a flight, buying a drink, or verifying your age online.
With this launch, Apple is inching even closer to its long-term vision: making the iPhone the only thing you need to carry.
