Flying home for the holidays just got a little easier for Apple users. A new Digital ID feature now allows iPhone and Apple Watch users to add their passport to Apple Wallet for identity verification at select US airports.
Apple has expanded its Digital ID feature to include passports, allowing users to store them securely in Apple Wallet.
The feature enables identity verification at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints at more than 250 participating domestic airports across the United States.
How feature works at airports
Passengers can use their iPhone or Apple Watch instead of pulling out physical documents at TSA checkpoints where the system is supported.
However, Apple has made it clear that the digital passport does not replace a physical passport, which travelers are still advised to carry.
Apple has supported digital driver’s licenses and state IDs for some time, but adoption has been slow.
Some US states rely on their own digital ID apps, which do not integrate with Apple Wallet, making access inconsistent across the country.
Adding a passport to Apple Wallet bypasses state-level limitations and allows travelers without a Real ID to still use digital identity verification.
How to add your passport to Apple Wallet
Adding a passport involves several verification steps due to the sensitive nature of the document.
Step-by-Step Setup Process
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Open Apple Wallet
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Tap the “+” icon
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Select Driver’s License or ID Cards
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Tap Digital ID
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Follow the on-screen verification instructions
Users will need to photograph the passport’s photo page and scan the embedded chip using their iPhone.
The setup also requires taking a live selfie and performing facial movements for additional identity confirmation.
Availability and fevice requirements
The Digital ID passport feature is currently limited to the United States.
It is available on iPhone and Apple Watch devices running iOS 26.1 or later.
For now, usage is limited to a fraction of the country’s more than 5,000 public airports, which may feel restrictive.
Apple says this will change over time through its Verify with Wallet API, allowing users to confirm their identity or age at businesses, bars, and venues using their iPhone.
