Apple has unveiled a new Digital ID feature for its Apple Wallet, initially announced at WWDC 2025. The feature facilitates the creation of a Digital ID in the Apple Wallet application using details from users’ US passports.
Apple device owners in the United States, particularly those with iPhones and Apple Watches, now have the ability to add a digital copy of their US passports to their gadgets. The so-called Digital ID can be utilized for identification purposes at selected TSA checkpoints across the US airports for domestic travel.
The process of creating and presenting a Digital ID based on a US passport requires the following:
– An iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26.1 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 6 or later with watchOS 26.1 or later
– Active Face ID or Touch ID and Bluetooth
– An Apple Account with active two-factor authentication
– A valid and unexpired US passport
– A device with its region set to the United States
Creating a Digital ID is quite simple. It involves opening the Wallet application on your iPhone, tapping the plus sign at the top-right corner, and selecting Driver’s License or ID Cards. From this point, you then select Digital ID and follow the on-screen instructions for setup and verification.
During the setup, users will be required to scan their physical passport’s photo page using their iPhone, then use the device to read the passport’s chip to verify the authenticity of the data. Additional verification entails taking a selfie and performing a series of facial and head movements.
The Digital ID feature can be utilized at over 250 TSA checkpoints in various US airports. However, its usage is currently limited to domestic travel. The feature cannot be used for international travel or border crossings. Apple has stated that the Digital ID is not intended to replace the physical passport. While TSA has a comprehensive list of states supporting mobile IDs, it still advises travelers to carry their physical ID.
Eventually, Apple plans to expand the usage of the Digital ID to businesses and organizations for identity and age verification purposes, both in-person and online.
Presenting a Digital ID in person is similar to presenting other IDs in the Wallet. Users need to double-click the side button on their iPhone, select Digital ID, and hold the iPhone near a scanner. They then review the requested information and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID.
Apple ensures that all Digital ID data is encrypted and stored on-device, assuring users that neither when nor where the ID data is presented, nor what data is shared can be accessed by the company.
The Digital ID feature builds upon the existing ID features in the Apple Wallet. Users in 12 US states and Puerto Rico have the option of adding their driver’s license to the Wallet. The feature is also available for Japan’s My Number Card, marking its first international expansion.
Unlike Google Wallet, which supports state IDs in a few states and features an ID Pass for both US and UK passports, Apple’s Digital ID doesn’t aim for a total replacement of the physical document.
As Apple moves towards making physical wallets obsolete, the company has introduced a way to store all details about users’ payment cards along with their digital versions in the Wallet, negating the need for carrying physical cards. The application can also accommodate loyalty cards, tickets, passes, and more.
Once the Digital ID feature gets broader support, including acceptance at event venues, physical stores, and websites with adult content, physical wallets may become a thing of the past.
What is the new Digital ID feature in Apple Wallet?
The Digital ID is a new feature in the Apple Wallet that allows users to create a digital version of their US passport for identification purposes.
What are the requirements for creating a Digital ID?
To create a Digital ID, you need an iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26.1 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 6 or later running watchOS 26.1 or later, active Face ID or Touch ID and Bluetooth, an Apple Account with active two-factor authentication, a valid and unexpired US passport, and a device with its region set to the United States.
Where can I use my Digital ID?
The Digital ID can be used at over 250 TSA checkpoints in various US airports for domestic travel. In the future, the Digital ID will be accepted at businesses and organizations for identity and age verification, both in person and online.
