Announced this year, iPhone users can now add a Digital ID to Apple Wallet by using their US Passport. Apple launched the feature Wednesday, which allows people to use their iPhone or Apple Watch to get through TSA checkpoints at more than 250 airports in the US for identity verification.
Apple has allowed iPhone users to add their driver’s licenses or ID to Apple Wallet for some time now. However, not all states have been quick to allow it. Apple’s new Digital ID will allow people who don’t have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID to add their passport instead, effectively side-stepping the individual state support.
These new digital passports can only be used for domestic travel and aren’t a full replacement for your physical one. Below, we’ll cover what’s new and how you can add a digital ID to your iPhone using your passport.
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 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.
