Apple’s Bold Move: Passport Goes Digital
Apple has just shaken up the world of digital identity with the launch of
Digital ID, a feature that lets users create a secure digital version of their U.S. passport right inside Apple Wallet. Announced on November 12, 2025, this new capability means your iPhone or Apple Watch can now be used to verify your identity at more than 250 TSA checkpoints across the United States—no need to dig for your physical passport when traveling domestically.
This isn’t Apple’s first foray into digital identification. The company previously allowed users to add driver’s licenses and state IDs to Wallet, but Digital ID takes things to the next level by leveraging passport data for broader access.
How Digital ID Works: Setup and Security
Setting up your Digital ID is surprisingly simple:
- Tap the
Add (+) button in Apple Wallet and select “Driver’s License or ID Cards.”
- Choose
Digital ID and follow the prompts.
- Scan the photo page of your physical passport.
- Use your iPhone to read the embedded chip for authenticity.
- Take a selfie and complete a series of facial and head movements for biometric verification.
Once verified, your Digital ID is encrypted and stored only on your device. Apple emphasizes that it cannot see when, where, or how your ID is used, and biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) ensures only you can present your ID.
Where Can You Use It? TSA Today, More Tomorrow
Right now, Digital ID is accepted at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights at over 250 airports nationwide. But Apple has big plans: soon, you’ll be able to use your Digital ID for age verification at bars, event venues, and even online services like alcohol delivery apps. The system is designed so you can prove you’re over 21 without revealing your name, address, or birthday—a major privacy win.
Privacy Advocates Sound the Alarm
Not everyone is cheering.
Privacy advocates are raising concerns about the potential risks of digitizing such sensitive information. While Apple touts its encryption and on-device storage, critics worry about the implications of having government-issued IDs tied to consumer tech platforms. The debate is heating up as more personal data moves into the digital realm.
What This Means for Travelers and Everyday Users
For frequent flyers, this could mean breezing through security lines with just a tap of your phone. For everyone else, it’s a glimpse into a future where your wallet—and maybe even your identity—lives entirely on your device.
Key takeaways:
- Digital ID is currently available for U.S. passports, with driver’s licenses and state IDs supported in 12 states and Puerto Rico.
- The feature is rolling out in beta, with more use cases and locations expected soon.
- Physical passports are still required for international travel and legal situations.
- Apple promises robust privacy and security, but the conversation around digital identity is just beginning.
The Road Ahead: Will Digital ID Become the Norm?
Apple’s Digital ID could be the tipping point for mainstream adoption of digital identification. As more businesses and agencies accept digital IDs, expect other tech giants to follow suit. But with convenience comes responsibility—and the need for ongoing scrutiny of privacy and security.
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3. What to know about new Apple Digital ID: How the latest ...
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5. What to know about new Apple Digital ID - ABC News
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7. How to Set up Your Passport in Apple's Digital ID
