Digital identity is becoming more useful at airports, apps, and select businesses, and Apple Wallet Digital ID could have a new major application for US travelers. Apple already lets eligible users create a Digital ID in Wallet based on information from an unexpired U.S. passport. This ID can be shown from an iPhone or Apple Watch at select TSA checkpoints when travelling domestically. This is a key feature, as many travelers want a quicker, more private way to confirm identity, rather than pulling out physical documents each time. Apple also says Digital ID can be used in apps, online and at select businesses for identity or age verification.
What Apple Wallet Digital ID Means
Apple Wallet Digital ID is a digital identity feature that lets eligible users create an ID using their U.S. passport information. After setup, the ID is stored in Apple Wallet and can be presented with an iPhone or Apple Watch. For travelers, the biggest use is identity verification at supported TSA checkpoints before domestic flights. Instead of handing over a physical document, users can hold their device near an identity reader and approve the shared information with Face ID or Touch ID.
Why This Matters for US Travelers
Many people already use Apple Wallet for cards, tickets, boarding passes, and transit passes, so adding identity verification makes travel more convenient. Digital ID may help reduce the need to search for a wallet, passport, or driver’s license at the checkpoint. It can also help users who do not have a supported state ID in Apple Wallet but do have a valid U.S. passport.
How to Set Up and Use Digital ID
Setting up Apple Wallet Digital ID requires an eligible iPhone or Apple Watch, an unexpired U.S. passport, and Apple account security features. Users need to open the Wallet app, tap the add button, choose Driver’s License or ID Cards, and then select Digital ID. During setup, the iPhone scans the passport photo page, reads the passport chip, and asks the user to complete identity verification steps like a selfie and facial movements. After approval, the Digital ID appears in Wallet.
Final Verdict
Digital identity is becoming more useful at airports, apps, and select businesses, and Apple Wallet Digital ID could have a new major application for US travelers. Apple already lets eligible users create a Digital ID in Wallet based on information from an unexpired U.S. passport. This ID can be shown from an iPhone or Apple Watch at select TSA checkpoints when travelling domestically. Setting up Apple Wallet Digital ID requires an eligible iPhone or Apple Watch, an unexpired U.S. passport, and Apple account security features. Users need to open the Wallet app, tap the add button, choose Driver’s License or ID Cards, and then select Digital ID.
