Flying home for the holidays just became more convenient for Apple users. Apple has expanded its Digital ID feature, allowing iPhone and Apple Watch users to add their passports to Apple Wallet for identity verification at select US airports.
With the update, users can securely store their passports in Apple Wallet and use it for identity checks at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints. The feature is currently supported at more than 250 participating domestic airports across the United States.
Apple has clarified that the digital passport does not replace a physical passport. Travelers are still advised to carry their original documents, especially for international travel or situations where a digital ID is not accepted.
How the Digital ID works at airports
At supported TSA checkpoints, passengers can verify their identity using their iPhone or Apple Watch without presenting physical documents. This is particularly helpful for travelers who do not yet have a Real ID or live in states that rely on separate digital ID apps that do not integrate with Apple Wallet.
Apple has already supported digital driver’s licenses and state IDs, but adoption has been uneven across the US. Adding passport support removes many state-level limitations and offers a more consistent experience nationwide.
How to add your passport to Apple Wallet
Due to the sensitive nature of passport data, the setup process includes multiple security checks:
- Open Apple Wallet
- Tap the “+” icon
- Select Driver’s License or ID Cards
- Tap Digital ID
- Follow the on-screen instructions
Users will be asked to photograph the passport’s photo page, scan the embedded chip using their iPhone, and complete a live selfie with facial movement verification to confirm identity.
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, only a portion of the country’s more than 5,000 public airports support the system. However, Apple says adoption will expand over time through its Verify with Wallet API, which could eventually allow users to confirm identity or age at businesses, venues, and other locations using their Apple devices.
As rollout continues, Apple aims to make digital identity verification faster, safer, and more widely accepted across everyday travel and life scenarios.
