Apple has launched a new feature that lets U.S. passport holders add their passport as a Digital ID in Apple Wallet, usable at over 250 TSA airport checkpoints nationwide. The rollout marks a key expansion of Apple’s digital identity push and eliminates the need for a physical driver’s license or state ID, at least for domestic travel.
Setting it up takes just a few steps: users open Apple Wallet, tap the plus sign, select “Driver’s License or ID,” then choose “Digital ID.” From there, they scan the passport’s photo page, read the embedded chip using their phone, take a selfie, and perform a short head movement to confirm facial match. Once verified, the Digital ID is stored securely on the device, encrypted and locked behind Face ID or Touch ID. Apple says it has no visibility into when or where you use it.
This feature doesn’t replace a physical passport. It’s approved only for domestic travel and can’t be used at international borders. Apple recommends travelers still carry their paper passport if they’re heading overseas.
The move builds on Apple’s earlier efforts to support driver’s licenses and state IDs in Wallet. But while that rollout has been limited to a dozen states and Puerto Rico, the passport option removes state-by-state restrictions and opens the door to all U.S. passport holders.
Right now, usage is limited to airports with the right reader hardware installed. Apple calls this a phased beta, and full adoption will depend on how quickly airports upgrade their TSA lanes.
If you’re wondering whether to add your passport, the answer depends on how often you fly. The feature is optional, but once activated, it can replace your physical ID at select checkpoints. Just know the system relies entirely on the security of your device. If you lose your phone or skip critical updates, your ID data could be at risk.
For frequent flyers, this is a step toward faster TSA lines and a thinner wallet. But until digital ID is accepted more widely; and internationally, it’s a supplement, not a replacement.
