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Apple Launches Digital ID for U.S. Passports in Wallet

The public beta emphasizes on-device encryption with biometric consent, with initial use restricted to TSA checkpoints for domestic flights.

Overview

  • Users enroll by scanning their passport’s photo page, reading its NFC chip, and completing selfie and head‑movement verification in the Wallet app.
  • Approved IDs can be presented from an iPhone or Apple Watch by holding the device near a reader and authenticating with Face ID or Touch ID without handing over the device.
  • Apple says passport data is encrypted and stored only on the device, and the company cannot see when, where, or what information is shared.
  • The feature requires an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26.1 (or Apple Watch Series 6 or later with watchOS 26.1), two‑factor authentication, a valid U.S. passport, and U.S. region settings.
  • Acceptance is live at more than 250 TSA checkpoints for domestic travel only, not for international travel or border crossings, with additional in‑person and online verification use cases planned.