Apple Announces Launch of U.S. Passport Feature in iPhone's Wallet App

[MacRumors]

Apple today announced that iPhone users can now create a Digital ID in the Apple Wallet app based on information from their U.S. passport.

To create and present a Digital ID based on a U.S. passport, 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
• Face ID or Touch ID and Bluetooth turned on
• An Apple Account with two-factor authentication turned on
• A valid U.S. passport that is not expired
• Your device region set to United States

To create a Digital ID, tap on the plus sign in the top-right corner of the Wallet app on the iPhone, and then select Driver's License or ID Cards. Next, select Digital ID and follow the on-screen instructions to start the setup and verification process.

During the setup process, one must use their iPhone to scan the photo page of their physical passport. They will also be asked to use their iPhone to read the chip embedded on the back of their passport, to ensure the data's authenticity. From there, they are asked to take a selfie for verification, and as another security step, they will also be prompted to complete a series of facial and head movements during the setup process.

After creating a Digital ID in the Wallet app, you can present it in person at TSA checkpoints in select U.S. airports for age and identity verification purposes during domestic travel. However, Apple said it is not a replacement for a physical passport, and it cannot be used for international travel and border crossing purposes.

At launch, Apple said Digital IDs are accepted at TSA checkpoints at more than 250 airports in the U.S., but the company said the feature is still in public beta.

To present a Digital ID in person, double-click the iPhone's side button and select Digital ID. Then, hold the iPhone near a scanner, review the information being requested, and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. The feature is also available on the Apple Watch.

In the future, Apple said users will be able to present their Digital ID at select stores for identity and age verification in person, as well as in supported apps and online on supported websites. No specific timeframe for this was shared.

Apple said Digital ID data is encrypted, and it ensured that iPhone and Apple Watch privacy and security features help protect against tampering and theft. Users do not need to unlock, show, or hand over their device to present their Digital ID.

This feature builds on the existing driver's license feature in the Wallet app, which is currently available in 12 U.S. states, as well as the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. Japan's My Number Card can also be added to the Wallet app.

More details about the passport feature are available in an Apple support document.

Article Link: Apple Announces Launch of U.S. Passport Feature in iPhone's Wallet App

 

[WarmWinterHat]

This is about as useless as the Invites app.

You can't use it as ID, few airports take it, you can't travel internationally with it. What's the point?

 

[zilchfox]

Had no issues adding mine. Went from applying to ready for use in less than 5 minutes.

 

[mclaren1444]

Good work, Apple 🤌🏼

 

[captrlp]

Siri, open my passport Digital ID….I found several ports that don’t require passes, but you’ll need to unlock your phone to view them.

 

[Macalway]

I feel sorry for the poor mug (there will be a few) who rely on this.

 

[jkmoses]

Doesn't work. The app doesn't offer a "scan" button and the app won't scan my passport on its own.

 

[RevTEG]

This is about as useless as the Invites app.

You can't use it as ID, few airports take it, you can't travel internationally with it. What's the point?

Everything has to have a starting point. According to the article, at launch, Apple said Digital IDs are accepted at TSA checkpoints at more than 250 airports in the U.S. 250 isn’t a “few” airports.

 

[tech_enthusiast_]

few airports take it

Did you miss the part that says "Digital IDs are accepted at TSA checkpoints at more than 250 airports in the U.S."?

 

[rman0726]

This is about as useless as the Invites app.

You can't use it as ID, few airports take it, you can't travel internationally with it. What's the point?

It’s a step forward towards not having to have your wallet on you? You could have said the same thing about Apple Pay in 2014. Now I carry one physical credit card on me just in case.

Don’t want to use it? Then don’t add your passport! What a concept!

 

[tennisproha]

Well done Apple! This is a great idea to get around states dragging their feet in implementing digital Drivers Licenses.

 

[SAIRUS]

Public beta...aka the default level for most Apple software these days. I get you have to start somewhere, but deliver a 1.0 and iterate.

 

[jz0309]

This is about as useless as the Invites app.

You can't use it as ID, few airports take it, you can't travel internationally with it. What's the point?

You know, there are probably some people who do not have a drivers license … and then there are those people who live in a state that does not have a digital drivers license yet … but sure, it’s useless

 

[B4U]

Can confirm iOS 26 is required. (Not an option in iOS 18.7.2). 😅

 

[ReliableSource]

mine failed for some reason, and you don’t get much info in the way of why.

 

[dwrufus53]

View attachment 2578843

Had no issues adding mine. Went from applying to ready for use in less than 5 minutes.

Likewise. Was much easier than when I added my driver license. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

 

[Böhme417]

They seriously couldn’t find someone to come up with a better design than that boring thing?

 

[SteveLV702]

Doesn’t appear to be available in iOS 26.2

All I get is the 12 States, Puerto Rico and Japan My Number Card……. No US Passport option :-(

 

[benroberts3]

That had to be one of the best onboarding experiences for the Wallet app. Lots of steps and photo verification but I'm extremely impressed with how easy that was.

 

[BigMcGuire]

Was able to add mine. Took a few mins for the verification process. Those Live Photo verify identification checks are interesting.

 

[MooshMoo]

Mine worked. Took about two minutes after it was submitted for verification.

 

[mcilwraith]

Coming to the UK in the year 2300….

 

[dwrufus53]

Doesn’t appear to be available in iOS 26.2

All I get is the 12 States, Puerto Rico and Japan My Number Card……. No US Passport option :-(

I'm on 26.2 beta 1 and added my passport in under 5 minutes.

FWIW, it's actually called "Digital ID" in the wallet.

 

[DocMultimedia]

This is about as useless as the Invites app.

You can't use it as ID, few airports take it, you can't travel internationally with it. What's the point?

I think it's good as a backup to bring to authories just in case your passport is stolen and you need an emergency one.

But yeah, I'd never travel without my physical passport.

 

[BigMcGuire]

Was able to add mine. Took a few mins for the verification process. Those Live Photo verify identification checks are interesting.

Pretty cool.