Apple has officially launched Digital ID, a new feature in the Apple Wallet app that lets users create and present a verified identity document digitally. With this update, U.S. passport holders can now add a digital version of their passport to Apple Wallet, offering a private and secure alternative to carrying a physical ID for domestic travel. It’s a particularly meaningful step because it broadens access to digital identification, even for people whose states haven’t yet adopted digital driver’s licenses.
Key Takeaways
- New Feature: Apple Digital ID is now available in Apple Wallet for U.S. passport holders.
- Initial Use: Accepted at select TSA checkpoints in over 250 U.S. airports for domestic air travel.
- Not for International Travel: It does not replace the physical passport for border use.
- Security: Relies on Face ID or Touch ID for authentication, with encrypted data stored on the device.
- Privacy: Apple cannot see when, where, or what data users present; only the required details are shared.
- Broader Access: Offers a digital ID option for travelers without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license.
For now, Apple’s rollout is centered around Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints. The Digital ID is already being accepted in beta at more than 250 airports across the U.S., allowing travelers to use their phones for identity verification when flying domestically. Apple has made it clear, though, that the feature does not replace a physical passport for international travel or border crossings. Eventually, Apple plans to expand Digital ID use for age and identity verification across businesses, apps, and online services.
How to Create and Use Digital ID
Setting up a Digital ID is fairly straightforward. Users can open the Wallet app on their iPhone, choose to add a Driver’s License or ID Card, then select “Digital ID.” From there, the process involves scanning the physical U.S. passport and reading its embedded NFC chip using the iPhone. To confirm ownership, users take a selfie and perform a brief set of facial movements, which helps verify their identity securely.
When it’s time to present the Digital ID, say at a TSA checkpoint, users simply double-click the side or Home button to open Wallet, hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near the identity reader, and review the information being requested. They then authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID. What’s nice about this setup is that users don’t have to unlock, hand over, or show their devices at all, making the process faster and far more private.
Focus on Security and Privacy
Apple has placed a strong emphasis on security and privacy in how Digital ID operates. The passport data is stored directly on the device and encrypted within the Secure Enclave, a specialized part of the iPhone and Apple Watch designed to protect sensitive data. Apple itself has no access to when or where users present their Digital ID.
Equally important is how the system handles data sharing. Only the specific information required for a given transaction is provided. For example, if a business only needs to verify age, the system will share just that confirmation rather than a full set of personal details like address or date of birth. This level of selective data sharing is something physical IDs can’t really match, and it highlights Apple’s ongoing focus on user privacy.
While the Digital ID feature exists alongside the option to add a driver’s license or state ID in Apple Wallet, the passport-based version offers a broader solution. Since nearly all U.S. passport holders can use it, this feature simplifies the identification process for domestic travel, marking another quiet but significant shift toward a more digital and privacy-conscious future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use the Digital ID for international travel?
A: No, the Apple Digital ID created using your U.S. passport is only valid for identity verification for domestic purposes, primarily at select U.S. TSA checkpoints. You must still carry your physical passport for international travel.
Q: Which iPhone and Apple Watch models support the Digital ID feature?
A: You need an iPhone 8 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 4 or later, running the latest version of iOS or watchOS.
Q: How does the Digital ID feature keep my information secure?
A: Your passport information is encrypted and stored only on your device, protected by the device’s hardware and Face ID or Touch ID biometric authentication. Apple does not store or see your ID data or your history of presenting it.
Q: Do I have to share all my personal information when using the Digital ID?
A: No, one of the privacy benefits is that you only share the specific information required for the transaction, such as only confirming your age, after you review and authorize the request with Face ID or Touch ID.
Q: Is the Digital ID acceptance immediate across all airports?
A: The feature is rolling out in a beta phase and is accepted at select TSA checkpoints in over 250 U.S. airports. Travelers should check checkpoint signage to confirm availability before relying solely on the digital format.
