Apple Launches Digital ID for iPhone and Apple Watch

Apple has officially rolled out Digital ID, a groundbreaking feature in iOS 26 that allows iPhone and Apple Watch users in the United States to securely store and present a digital copy of their U.S. passport. This digital identity can be used at TSA checkpoints across more than 250 U.S. airports, streamlining the process of domestic air travel.

The Digital ID feature was first teased during Apple’s iOS 26 announcement and now joins the growing list of supported IDs within Apple Wallet, including driver’s licenses and state IDs. Currently, the rollout covers a dozen U.S. states and Puerto Rico, with additional regions expected to join soon.

For users, this marks another milestone in Apple’s mission to make the iPhone and Apple Watch complete replacements for physical wallets. With payment cards, loyalty passes, event tickets, keys, and now government IDs available in Wallet, carrying a phone might soon be all travelers need.

Adding a Digital ID is designed to be simple yet secure. Users open the Wallet app, tap the “+” button, select “Driver’s License or ID Cards”, and then choose Digital ID. From there, the setup process begins:

• Scan the photo page of the passport using the iPhone camera.
  
• Use NFC scanning to read the embedded security chip on the passport.
  
• Take a selfie and complete facial and head movement verification to confirm identity.
  

Once verified, the digital passport appears in Apple Wallet, ready to be used at participating TSA checkpoints. Apple clarifies, however, that the Digital ID does not replace a physical passport and cannot be used for international travel or border crossings.

Using Digital ID feels familiar to anyone who has used Apple Pay. Travelers simply double-click the side or Home button to open Wallet, select Digital ID, and hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near the ID reader.

The device then displays what information is being requested, such as name, date of birth, or nationality, before the user approves it with Face ID or Touch ID. This ensures full transparency and control only the data required for that specific verification is shared.

Apple says the feature remains in beta, with not all TSA locations fully equipped with compatible readers. The TSA website lists current states supporting mobile IDs, but officials still advise travelers to carry their physical identification as a backup.

Apple’s vision for Digital ID extends beyond airport security. The company plans to enable identity verification at businesses, venues, and online platforms where proof of age or identity is required.

For example, event venues, bars, and concert halls could allow entry by scanning a user’s Digital ID to confirm they’re over 21 without needing to reveal personal information like name or address. Online, the same API could be used by delivery services or adult-restricted websites to verify a user’s age securely.

This approach highlights Apple’s ongoing focus on user privacy, allowing people to prove eligibility or age without oversharing sensitive details.

Apple emphasizes that all identity data is encrypted and stored locally on the device. The company has no access to when or where users present their Digital ID. Each transaction requires explicit user consent via biometric authentication, ensuring that only the device owner can access and share their information.