iOS 26's New U.S. Passport Feature is Still Not Available

[jaytv111]

I am wondering how that it is going to work if you already have a physical passport card as I do. I have the passport but I also have the passport card and when I travel to Canada or Mexico I just present the card and I then clear customs without an issue. I have the actual passport with me in my bag if there is further questions but have never been required to produce it. The actual passport card is acceptable for travel to Mexico and Canada

It is no different for a passport card; however the digital ID system is not going to be accepted for customs use. It can be used for TSA check in, but not for customs.

In addition, when you travel, you are told that you must also have valid photo ID on you even if you can use the digital ID system. Of course it’s a fallback in case the reader doesn’t work or your phone died/is lost, but the TSA can also ask you to see your physical ID under the discretion of the officer. It is not correct to travel with just digital ID on you.

 

[Shawn MacApple]

Many TSA agents are bullies who can bend the law with impunity. I wouldn’t feel comfortable handing them a phone, let alone an unlocked phone.

Oh, and there is always the chance that those same bullies will take your phone because they apparently can for no good reason. That is what it has come to now.

 

[George Bailey]

My Pixel has this capability for years now

That's "years" as in (maybe) 0.8 years.

• December 2024: The feature began its broader rollout to eligible Android users.
• April 2025: Google confirmed an expansion of digital ID support, noting that the ID pass from a U.S. passport could be used at supported TSA checkpoints for domestic travel.

 

[swilcox69]

Just because TSA and CBP don't know what to do with this, and will be slow to adopt (of course!), doesn't make it useless. Simply having a safe place to safe my passport info is valuable. Now, every time I need to apply for or renew a visa application, for example, I don't have to go retrieve my physical passport. Just like I don't have to retrieve physical credit cards when I need that info for something. Heck, even checking into a hotel in another country you need to provide passport info. Usually you don't need to show it, just the number, etc. I'd rather retrieve that info from Wallet than pull out my passport at the hotel desk. Not useless.