Apple Unveils Digital ID for Secure Identity Verification in Apple Wallet

Apple announced the launch of Digital ID, a new feature that allows users to create a secure digital identification in Apple Wallet using information from their US passport. The rollout marks a significant expansion of Apple’s effort to replace physical credentials with digital, privacy-focused alternatives integrated into the iPhone and Apple Watch ecosystem.

At launch, Digital ID will be available in beta for identity verification at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints across more than 250 airports in the United States. This will enable travelers to verify their identity for domestic flights without presenting a physical ID. Apple said that additional acceptance points and use cases will be added in the coming months.

Apple’s Digital ID initiative aims to make digital identity access more inclusive, particularly for users who do not yet have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID. The company clarified, however, that the feature is not a replacement for a physical passport and cannot be used for international travel or border crossings.

“With the launch of Digital ID, we’re excited to expand the ways users can store and present their identity, all with the security and privacy built into iPhone and Apple Watch,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet. “Since introducing the ability to add a driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet in 2022, we’ve seen how much users love having their ID right on their devices. Digital IDs bring this secure and convenient option to even more users across the country.”

Setting up a Digital ID has been designed to be both simple and secure. Users can start by opening the Wallet app, tapping the Add (+) button, and selecting Driver’s License or ID Cards, followed by Digital ID. They are then prompted to scan the photo page of their physical US passport and use the iPhone’s NFC feature to read the embedded passport chip. After that, they complete biometric verification by taking a selfie and following on-screen prompts for facial movements. Once verified, the Digital ID is added to Apple Wallet and becomes ready for use.

To present a Digital ID, users double-click the side or Home button to open Wallet, select Digital ID, and hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near an identity reader. They can then review the requested information and confirm sharing with Face ID or Touch ID. Apple plans to extend this functionality beyond airport checkpoints to allow identity and age verification at select businesses, organizations, and online services.

Apple emphasized that privacy and security remain central to the new system. Digital ID data is encrypted and stored locally on the device. The company cannot see when or where users present their Digital ID, nor can it access the shared information. Each data request must be approved by the user, and the process does not require unlocking or handing over the device.

The introduction of Digital ID follows Apple’s earlier rollout of driver’s license and state ID support, now available in 12 US states and Puerto Rico. With this latest development, Apple continues its push to make the iPhone a central hub for secure authentication and identity management across daily life.