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Apple Rolls Out Digital ID in Wallet for U.S. Passports at TSA Checkpoints

The rollout starts as a U.S.-only public beta with acceptance at more than 250 airports for domestic travel.

Overview

  • Users create a Digital ID by scanning the passport photo page, reading the embedded NFC chip, taking a selfie, and completing guided head movements in the Wallet app.
  • At TSA, travelers open Wallet, select Digital ID, hold iPhone or Apple Watch near the reader, review requested fields, and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID without handing over the device.
  • The feature is in limited beta and not all checkpoint readers are enabled, so travelers are still advised to carry a physical ID.
  • Apple says passport data is encrypted and stored on‑device, the company cannot see when or where IDs are presented, and only necessary information is shared per transaction.
  • Digital ID works only for domestic identity checks and does not replace a physical passport, though Apple signals future acceptance for age and identity verification in stores, apps, and online.