Apple Adds Passports to Apple Wallet as Digital ID Option

Apple just unveiled Digital ID, which allows iPhone and Apple Watch users to add their U.S. passports to their Apple Wallet digitally.

This new option is REAL ID compliant, which means you can now use your phone or watch to get through TSA airport security — and do so without fumbling for your physical ID.

While some states offer a digital ID, now all travelers with a valid U.S. passport can unlock the convenience of adding an official ID to their digital wallet.

Let’s take a look at the details.

Apple Digital ID

Apple has announced the introduction of Digital ID, which allows iPhone and Apple Watch users the option to add their valid U.S. passport to their Apple Wallet.

During the beta testing rollout period, travelers can use their digital passport as a REAL ID for identity verification during domestic travel at more than 250 U.S. airports.

However, Digital ID is not valid for international travel and border crossings, so you will still need to carry your physical passport if you are traveling abroad … for now.

Apple has had the option to add a driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet since 2022, but states have been slow to sign on. As of now, only 12 states and Puerto Rico are currently offering a digital version of their ID.

With the launch of Digital ID, we’re excited to expand the ways users can store and present their identity — all with the security and privacy built into iPhone and Apple Watch. Since introducing the ability to add a driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet in 2022, we’ve seen how much users love having their ID right on their devices. Digital ID brings this secure and convenient option to even more users across the country, as they can now add an ID to Wallet using information from their U.S. passport.

Jennifer Bailey, vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet

To present your Digital ID passport at participating TSA locations, double-click the side button on your iPhone or Apple Watch to open your Apple Wallet. Then, select your passport and hold your phone near the TSA reader.

Once your photo has been taken, you will receive a request to provide the basic information stored in your Digital ID. Approve this request with your Face ID, and you’re all set.

How To Add Your Passport

Like most things in the Apple ecosystem, adding your passport as a Digital ID is easy.

Before you begin, ensure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version and have your physical passport readily available.

Then, follow these steps:

• Open the Wallet app
• Tap the Add (+) button
• Select Driver’s License or ID Cards
• Select Digital ID
• Follow onscreen instructions

The instructions will walk users through the 2-minute process, which includes scanning the photo page of their physical passport and then tapping the back page of the passport where the embedded chip is located.

Finally, a verification selfie is required. Be sure to position yourself in a location with good lighting to minimize errors. Once complete, verification takes a few minutes, and a notification will be sent when the new Digital ID is added to your Apple Wallet.

Final Thoughts

Apple has launched Digital ID, which allows users to add their U.S. passports to their Apple Wallet. This functions as a REAL ID, giving travelers the option to tap their iPhone or Apple Watch at more than 250 participating TSA locations nationwide.

Now, travelers can keep their physical ID in their wallet during domestic trips, making the process of getting through airport security faster and easier.