Published: November 12, 2025
Apple has switched on Digital ID, a new Wallet feature that lets U.S. passport holders create a secure, digital identity on iPhone and Apple Watch for use at TSA checkpoints in more than 250 U.S. airports. The rollout starts today in public beta and—crucially—does not replace your physical passport for international travel or border crossings. [1]
Key takeaways
- What launched: Apple’s Digital ID lets you build an ID in Wallet using your U.S. passport and present it from iPhone or Apple Watch. [2]
- Where it works first:TSA checkpoints at 250+ U.S. airports for domestic travel; airport and lane coverage will expand over time. [3]
- What it’s not:Not a passport replacement for immigration or border control. Carry your physical passport for international trips. [4]
- Privacy & security: Data stays encrypted on‑device; Apple can’t see when/where you present your ID; you approve exactly what’s shared each time. [5]
- Device requirements: Digital ID requires iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26.1+, or Apple Watch Series 6 or later with watchOS 26.1+. [6]
What is Apple Digital ID—and why it matters
Digital ID expands Apple Wallet beyond state-issued IDs and driver’s licenses (already live in 12 states plus Puerto Rico) to a federal document–based identity that anyone with a valid U.S. passport can set up. That means even travelers whose states don’t support mobile driver’s licenses can now present a Wallet ID at eligible TSA lanes for domestic flights. Apple says more use cases—like age and identity verification at select businesses and online—will follow. [7]
Apple first previewed Digital ID at WWDC 2025; after a brief delay, it’s now live. [8]
Where you can use it today
At launch, Digital ID is accepted in beta at TSA checkpoints in 250+ airports nationwide. Apple and TSA haven’t published a comprehensive lane-by-lane list, and some checkpoints inside those airports may not yet be upgraded—look for posted “mobile ID” signage at the security line. [9]
Outside the airport, Apple says additional, select businesses and organizations will begin accepting Digital ID for identity and age verification in person, in apps, and online. That expansion will roll out over time. [10]
Important: Digital ID cannot be used for international travel or border crossings. Bring your physical passport whenever you might need it for those purposes. [11]
How it works: setup in minutes
Setting up Digital ID is built into Wallet and uses your passport’s photo page and NFC chip for authenticity checks, followed by biometric verification and a liveness step. Here’s the flow: [12]
- Open Wallet on iPhone and tap the “+” button. Choose Driver’s License or ID Cards → Digital ID.
- Scan the passport’s photo page with your iPhone camera.
- Read the e‑chip by placing your iPhone on the passport where the chip is indicated.
- Take a selfie; then complete the guided head/face movements for liveness.
- After verification, your Digital ID appears in Wallet on iPhone—and syncs for presentation on Apple Watch. [13]
Using your Digital ID at TSA
Presenting Digital ID feels a lot like Apple Pay:
- Double‑click the iPhone side or Home button (or Apple Watch side button) to open Wallet.
- Choose Digital ID, hold near the identity reader, preview the specific fields requested, then authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID.
- You don’t unlock, show, or hand over your device. [14]
Because acceptance is still expanding, lane availability can vary by airport on day one. If you don’t see signage or are directed otherwise, be ready to use a physical ID. [15]
Privacy and security: minimal data, maximum control
Apple emphasizes that Digital ID builds on the security of iPhone and Apple Watch:
- Your Digital ID data is encrypted and stored on your device.
- Apple can’t see when or where you present your ID or what you shared.
- You review and approve exactly which fields are requested every time (for example, confirming you’re over 21 without sharing your full name or address).
- Biometric authentication (Face ID/Touch ID) is required to present. [16]
Supported devices and requirements
Per Apple’s published requirements for Digital ID:
- iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26.1 or newer, or
- Apple Watch Series 6 or later running watchOS 26.1 or newer, and
- an authentic, unexpired U.S. passport.
Digital ID is currently limited to select TSA checkpoints for domestic identity verification; it does not perform the functions of a passport (no border entry). [17]
For context, Apple’s separate driver’s license/state ID program in Wallet is active in 12 states plus Puerto Rico (including Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, and West Virginia), with more jurisdictions on the way. [18]
How to add your passport to Apple Wallet (step‑by‑step)
- Update your iPhone to the latest iOS and confirm your device is an iPhone 11 or newer. [19]
- Open Wallet → tap “+” → Driver’s License or ID Cards → Digital ID (U.S. Passport). [20]
- Scan the photo page of your passport. [21]
- Read the NFC chip by resting iPhone on the passport as instructed. [22]
- Complete the selfie and facial movement checks. [23]
- Wait for verification; your Digital ID will appear in Wallet. [24]
- At TSA, double‑click to open Wallet, tap Digital ID, review requested fields, then authenticate and tap your device near the reader. [25]
What’s next
Apple says Digital ID acceptance will expand to additional businesses and organizations for identity and age checks in person, in apps, and online—a move that could make Wallet a true wallet replacement for many. The company also positions Digital ID as a privacy‑preserving alternative to handing over a plastic card brimming with extra personal data. [26]
As with any new identity tech, expect a gradual ramp‑up: not every checkpoint reader will be ready on day one, and best practice is to carry your physical documents until Digital ID is universally supported in your travel scenarios. [27]
Timeline and context
- Announced: WWDC 2025 (with timing later updated). [28]
- Launch:November 12, 2025 in public beta for TSA use at 250+ airports. [29]
- Requirements confirmed:iOS 26.1/watchOS 26.1 on supported devices. [30]
Bottom line
If you have a valid U.S. passport and a supported iPhone or Apple Watch, you can set up Digital ID today and use it at many TSA checkpoints for domestic travel. It’s a privacy‑first, tap‑to‑present experience with fine‑grained data control. Just remember: Digital ID doesn’t replace your passport—it complements it, and its footprint will grow as more lanes and partners come online. [31]
Sources: Apple Newsroom announcement; Apple’s ID in Wallet requirements and how‑to; coverage and early‑rollout notes from Six Colors, The Verge, and AppleInsider. [32]
References
1. www.apple.com, 2. www.apple.com, 3. www.apple.com, 4. www.apple.com, 5. www.apple.com, 6. learn.wallet.apple, 7. www.apple.com, 8. www.theverge.com, 9. www.apple.com, 10. www.apple.com, 11. www.apple.com, 12. www.apple.com, 13. www.apple.com, 14. www.apple.com, 15. sixcolors.com, 16. www.apple.com, 17. learn.wallet.apple, 18. learn.wallet.apple, 19. learn.wallet.apple, 20. learn.wallet.apple, 21. learn.wallet.apple, 22. learn.wallet.apple, 23. www.apple.com, 24. www.apple.com, 25. www.apple.com, 26. www.apple.com, 27. sixcolors.com, 28. www.theverge.com, 29. www.apple.com, 30. learn.wallet.apple, 31. www.apple.com, 32. www.apple.com
