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Apple now lets you add your passport to your phone’s Wallet, giving you a new way to move through TSA lines with less stress this holiday season. Instead of digging through your bag for your ID, you can use a secure Digital ID on your iPhone at more than 250 airports across the United States. With more digital ID options appearing across the country, here is what you need to know before you start using it.
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How Apple Digital ID works
Digital ID stores your passport information securely on your device. Your data stays encrypted at all times. Apple cannot see where or when you use your Digital ID.
When you present your Digital ID, you choose what information the TSA can see. You review the request on your screen and confirm it with Face ID or Touch ID. This helps prevent situations where someone else could access your ID without your approval.
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Where Digital ID works
Digital ID works for identity checks at select TSA lanes during domestic travel. It does not work for international flights or border crossings. Apple says support will expand to certain hotels, stores and online services where age or ID checks are needed.
Eligibility requirements for Apple Digital ID
Before you add a Digital ID to Apple Wallet, you need to meet a few basic requirements. To start, you must have a valid, unexpired U.S. passport. You also need an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26.1 or later.
If your iPhone is not up-to-date, you can install iOS 26.1 by opening Settings, tapping General, choosing Software Update and following the on-screen steps. Make sure your phone is charged and connected to Wi-Fi before you start the update.
Digital ID in Wallet works only at select TSA checkpoints for domestic travel. It cannot replace a physical passport. Because of that, you should still bring your physical passport or license in case TSA needs to review it. You must also carry your physical passport for any international travel or border crossing.
How to add your passport to Apple Wallet
Setting up Digital ID only takes a few minutes. You need an iPhone and a valid U.S. passport.
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone
Tap the Add button
Select Driver’s License or ID Cards
Choose Digital ID
Click Add to iPhone and Apple Watch or Add to iPhone Only
Scan the photo page of your passport
Hold your iPhone to read the passport chip
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