Apple puts passports on iPhone, Apple Watch for TSA lines
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Apple has launched a passport-based Digital ID for its digital Wallet for the iPhone and Apple Watch. Photo: Courtesy of Apple
Apple's new passport-based Digital ID is rolling out on iPhone and Apple Watch — giving travelers a new way to clear TSA security lines with just their device.
Why it matters: It's the biggest step yet in the tech giant's push to make the Apple Wallet app a digital replacement for everything in your pocket — from credit cards to car keys to IDs.
- The rollout could streamline travel for millions of users, especially with REAL ID requirements in place.
Driving the news: Apple said Wednesday the beta version will be accepted at TSA checkpoints at 250-plus U.S. airports for domestic travel.
- A list of the airports accepting Apple's Digital ID wasn't immediately available from the TSA.
Between the lines: Apple says the Digital ID is encrypted, private, and can only be accessed with Face ID or Touch ID — similar to how Apple Pay works.
- The company says it never sees when or where you use it.
Yes, but: It's not a passport replacement — travelers still need a physical passport for international flights and border crossings.
- Apple already lets users in 12 states and Puerto Rico store their driver's license or state ID in Wallet, but this new option opens the door for anyone with a U.S. passport to create a digital ID.
What's next: Apple says "additional Digital ID acceptance use cases" are coming.
- "In the future, users will be able to present their Digital ID at additional select businesses and organizations for identity and age verification in person, in apps, and online," Apple said in its news release.
How to add passport to create Apple Digital ID
How it works: Setting it up requires an iPhone 11 or later or Apple Watch Series 6 or later, the latest software, Face ID or Touch ID, an unexpired U.S. passport and two-factor authentication on an Apple Account, Apple explains.
- In the Wallet app, users add a Digital ID by scanning their passport's photo page and embedded chip, then verifying with a live selfie and head movements.
- Once approved the ID appears in Wallet and can also be synced to an Apple Watch.
Using Digital ID at airport TSA checkpoints
Zoom in: At checkpoints, travelers double-click the side button, select their Digital ID, and hold the top of the iPhone or the face of the Apple Watch near a TSA identity reader.
- A prompt shows what information will be shared, and travelers confirm using Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode. A checkmark appears when verified; TSA agents don't need to handle the device.
