Apple has introduced Digital ID, enabling U.S. iPhone and Apple Watch owners to store a digital copy of their passport for use at TSA checkpoints at over 250 U.S. airports for domestic travel. Announced as part of the iOS 26 release, this feature adds passports to Apple Wallet’s supported government IDs, with rollout in a dozen states and Puerto Rico.
Digital ID in Apple Wallet allows presentation of identification even without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID. Apple specifies this ID does not replace a physical passport and is not for international travel or border crossings.
Users add a passport by tapping the “Add” (+) button in the Wallet app, selecting “Driver’s License or ID Cards,” then Digital ID. The setup involves scanning the passport’s photo page and the embedded chip for authenticity. A selfie and a series of facial movements provide additional security.
With ID support, iPhones now hold payment cards, loyalty cards, tickets, and passes, moving closer to replacing a physical wallet. Presenting Digital ID mirrors Apple Pay; double-clicking the side or Home button accesses Wallet, then Digital ID. The device is held near an identity reader, and Face ID or Touch ID authenticates information. Users review requested identity information before verification.
The feature is in beta, not fully implemented across all TSA checkpoint device readers. The TSA website lists states supporting mobile ID but still recommends travelers carry physical identification.
Apple indicates users will eventually present Digital ID at businesses and organizations requiring age verification, both in-person and online. This includes event venues or bars for verifying drinking age. Online, websites restricting content to adults could use Apple’s APIs for age verification, such as during alcohol delivery orders via services like Uber Eats.
In these scenarios, users confirm being over 21 without sharing personal details like name, address, or birthdate. Apple stated it cannot view when or where a user presents their ID or what data is shared. Users do not need to unlock or hand over their phone to present their ID, functioning like Apple Pay.
