Apple launches Digital ID, a way to carry your passport on your phone for use at TSA checkpoints

Owners of iPhones and Apple Watches in the United States can now conveniently store a digital version of their U.S. passport on their devices, allowing them to use it at TSA checkpoints in over 250 airports nationwide. This innovative feature, called Digital ID, was introduced with the iOS 26 update and extends the capabilities of Apple Wallet, which already supported various government-issued IDs. Currently available in a select number of states and Puerto Rico, the Digital ID feature enables users to create and showcase their identification even if they lack a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID. However, Apple clarifies that this digital version does not replace the physical passport and is not valid for international travel or border crossings. To add their passport to Apple Wallet, users simply tap the “Add” (+) button in the Wallet app, choose “Driver’s License or ID Cards,” and select Digital ID. The setup process involves scanning the passport’s photo page and the embedded chip for authentication, as well as taking a selfie and following a series of facial movements for added security. The integration of IDs into Apple Wallet marks a significant step towards making iPhones a comprehensive replacement for physical wallets, which already house payment cards, tickets, and more. Users can present their Digital ID similarly to Apple Pay: by double-clicking the side or Home button, selecting Digital ID, and positioning their device near an identity reader. Authentication is completed using Face ID or Touch ID, with users able to view the requested identity information before finalizing the verification process. At present, the feature is still in beta and has not been fully implemented across all TSA checkpoints. Travelers are advised to carry their physical IDs, as the TSA website provides a list of states supporting mobile ID. Looking ahead, Apple envisions the Digital ID being used in various settings where age verification is necessary, such as bars or event venues. Online platforms that require age verification will also be able to utilize Apple’s APIs, ensuring users can confirm their age without divulging personal information like their name or address. Notably, Apple maintains user privacy and cannot track when or where the Digital ID is presented, nor what information is shared, allowing for a seamless experience without the need to unlock the device or hand it over during transactions.