Apple Launches Digital Passport ID for Wallet at TSA

Apple has launched a new Digital ID feature for its Wallet app, allowing U.S. iPhone and Apple Watch users to store a digital version of their passports for identity verification at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints. The rollout, available immediately on devices running iOS 18.1 or later, enables domestic travelers to present the ID at more than 250 airports across the United States, streamlining the boarding process without handing over physical documents.

The feature addresses a gap for travelers lacking a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, providing an alternative form of identification compliant with federal requirements for domestic flights. Apple first previewed the capability at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June, positioning it as an extension of existing mobile ID options. Users can set up the Digital ID by opening the Wallet app, tapping the plus icon in the top-right corner, selecting "Driver's License or ID Cards," and choosing "Digital ID." The process requires scanning the photo page of a physical U.S. passport with the iPhone camera, followed by positioning the device near the passport's embedded chip to verify data...