Apple is making air travel more convenient by letting iPhone and Apple Watch owners carry digital copies of their U.S. passports directly on their devices. This new feature, called Digital ID, allows users to breeze through TSA checkpoints at over 250 airports nationwide. It’s an expansion of the existing Apple Wallet system that already stores things like payment cards, loyalty programs, and tickets.
Digital ID was first announced alongside iOS 16, promising a future where your phone could replace a physical wallet entirely. Now, with passports added to the mix, we’re one step closer to that reality. However, it’s crucial to remember this isn’t replacing your physical passport altogether. It only works for domestic travel within the U.S. and won’t work at international airports or borders.
Setting up Digital ID in Wallet is a straightforward process:
- Open the Wallet app and tap “Add.”
- Select “Driver’s License or ID Cards,” then choose Digital ID.
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Use your iPhone’s camera to scan your passport photo page and the chip on its back. This verifies the passport’s authenticity.
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Take a selfie for verification and complete facial and head movements. This adds an extra layer of security.
Presenting your Digital ID is just as easy as using Apple Pay. Double-click the side or Home button to open Wallet, select Digital ID, hold your device near the identity reader, and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. You’ll even see which information is being requested before confirming your identity.
Currently, the feature is in beta testing and not fully implemented at all TSA checkpoints. The TSA website indicates participating states but still advises travelers to carry their physical IDs as a backup. Apple plans to expand Digital ID support beyond TSA checkpoints soon. Think of it like this:
- In person: You could use Digital ID to verify your age at bars, concert venues, or events requiring age verification without having to dig out your physical ID.
- Online: Websites offering age-restricted content (like ordering alcohol online) could leverage Apple’s API to verify users are 21+, preventing them from needing to share unnecessary personal data like their full name or birthday.
Privacy is built into this system: Apple claims they can’t see when or where you present your ID or what information was shared, and you don’t need to unlock your phone or hand it over during the verification process.
This rollout marks a significant step towards seamlessly integrating digital identification into our daily lives, potentially revolutionizing how we prove our identity both online and offline.
