iPhone users can now add their passport to Apple Wallet to get through TSA checkpoints at more than 250 participating airports in the US when flying domestically. Announced on Wednesday but hinted at a few weeks before, the new Digital ID feature will allow iPhone and Apple Watch users to use their devices for identity verification instead of a physical passport.
Apple has supported digital driver’s licenses and state IDs for a while now, but states have been slow to adopt the technology. What makes the situation muddier is that some states have their own digital ID solutions that require separate apps and don’t support Apple Wallet.
The benefit of adding a passport to Apple Wallet is that it effectively sidesteps individual state support, allowing people without a Real ID to still use the feature. It won’t replace your physical passport anytime soon, though, so make sure you still have it handy when traveling.
Below, we’ll show you how to add your passport to Apple Wallet.
How to add your Passport to Apple Wallet
Adding your passport to Apple Wallet isn’t hard, but given the sensitive nature, it’ll require a few steps. Here’s how to do it.
- Open Apple Wallet
- Tap the “+” icon at the top of the screen
- Tap Driver’s License or ID Cards
- Tap Digital ID
Follow the instructions for setup and verification. Some steps include taking a photo of the page with your image on it, and using your iPhone to read the chip in the back of the passport to verify its authenticity. Additionally, you’ll need to take a live photo of yourself, along with performing a series of facial movements for additional identity verification.
Currently, the feature is limited to the US and available on devices running iOS 26.1 and later.
Expanding beyond the airport
The limited use case of using your digital ID at a couple of hundred of the more than 5,000 public airports in the country is somewhat underwhelming, especially right now, but it likely won’t always be this way.
In the future, Apple says users will be able to present their iPhone at small businesses and venues for identity and age verification, thanks to the Verify with Wallet API. Verifying your age or identity at a bar or venue will be a reality. Eventually.
