You Can Now Add Your Passport to Your IPhone.
Back in 2021, Apple announced a new feature for the Wallet app that allowed users to add driver’s licenses or state identification cards to their iPhone. I thought this was the beginning of the end for physical wallets. In fact, it was anything but: the number of apps is limited, and even after all this time, only 12 states and Puerto Rico support this feature.
While the rest of us wait for our respective states to join, many may have another option for these virtual documents. On Wednesday, Apple announced “Digital ID,” a new initiative that lets you create an ID in the Wallet app using your passport . This bypasses the waiting period for the 38 states that don’t yet support these ID features: if you have a passport, you can try this feature today. Even if your state supports uploading driver’s licenses and state IDs to the Wallet app, you’ll lose the functionality if you don’t have a REAL ID. However, if you have a passport, you can use it instead, opening up the Wallet ID feature to even more users than before.
However, as with previous attempts at creating virtual IDs, don’t expect to be able to use this digital ID everywhere you would normally present documents. Currently, the primary use for the digital ID is for flights: according to Apple, the beta version of the digital ID will be launched in over 250 airports for use at TSA checkpoints. It’s important to note that this feature only supports domestic flights, although it does require your passport. Therefore, don’t rely on the digital ID when flying outside the US. You’ll still need your physical passport to verify your identity. However, Apple states that in the future, you’ll be able to use this digital ID for other purposes, such as booking flights and hotels, and opening new accounts.
How to add your passport to iPhone
To get started, you’ll need a valid U.S. passport, an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26.1 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 6 or later with watchOS 26.1. First, open the Wallet app on your iPhone, then tap the (+) at the top of the screen. Here, tap “Digital ID” under the “United States” section. You’ll see a pop-up window with information about your digital ID. Tap “Continue” and follow the on-screen instructions to scan various parts of your passport with your iPhone camera. Next, you’ll need to authenticate by taking a Live Photo of your face. Once verified, you’ll need to take several photos of your face and head from different angles, following the Wallet app’s prompts.
Once verified, your ID will be available in your Wallet app. You can open the Wallet app or double-click the side or home button, then select your ID when you need to present it. For example, while standing in line at the TSA, you can hold your iPhone with your activated ID to the reader. Once connected, the reader will take your photo, and your iPhone will display all the information you’ll provide to the TSA, including your legal name, date of birth, gender, citizenship, ID number, photo of the ID, expiration date, date the ID was added, and information about who verified it. You’ll need to double-click the side or home button to confirm you want to share this information.
Is digital ID secure?
Yes, at least according to Apple. The company claims that any identification you add to the Wallet app, whether it’s a passport, driver’s license, or state-issued ID, is encrypted and stored on your device. This means only you have access to this data—not even Apple can see it. Furthermore, Apple can’t see when you use your ID or what data you share during the authentication process. You also need to use Face ID or Touch ID to authenticate this process, so even if someone steals your iPhone, they won’t be able to obtain this identification.
As noted above, you’ll see a list of data that will be transmitted when authenticating with Digital ID. If you don’t want to provide this data, for example to TSA officers, you don’t need to double-click the side or Home button, but can choose a different authentication method. Furthermore, by setting up this feature, you don’t need to unlock your iPhone or physically hand it over for verification. By double-clicking the side or Home button, you can access your ID data without putting your iPhone at risk.
I’m very concerned about privacy, but I’d be happy to try this feature, provided I’m flying out of an airport that supports it. I understand that it might be too complicated for some, especially given the number of face scans required to verify your identity. However, Apple states in its Wallet app that this data is used to verify your identity and prevent fraud and is only stored until the identity issuer approves or rejects it. In other words, regardless of whether setup is successful, Apple will delete your face scans once the process is complete. Considering the rest of your data is encrypted, this may be enough for me to feel comfortable testing this feature.