Imagine a future where your passport is as accessible as your phone! Apple has just made this a reality, offering a convenient way to breeze through TSA lines this holiday season. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this digital ID secure enough?
Apple’s Digital ID Revolution
With Apple’s new Digital ID feature, you can now store your passport information on your iPhone, providing a seamless and stress-free experience at over 250 airports across the US. Your data remains encrypted, and Apple doesn’t track your ID usage. When presenting your Digital ID, you decide what the TSA sees, and you confirm with Face ID or Touch ID, ensuring your information stays private.
Where and How to Use Digital ID
Digital ID is currently limited to select TSA lanes for domestic travel. It’s not yet valid for international flights or border crossings. However, Apple plans to expand support to hotels, stores, and online services where ID checks are required. To use Digital ID, you’ll need a valid US passport and an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26.1 or higher. If your iPhone is outdated, simply update it via Settings > General > Software Update.
Setting Up Your Digital Passport
Adding your passport to Apple Wallet is a breeze and takes just a few minutes. Open the Wallet app, tap Add, select Driver’s License or ID Cards, choose Digital ID, and follow the prompts to scan your passport and take a selfie. Your Digital ID will appear in Apple Wallet once approved, and you’ll receive a notification confirming its readiness.
Google Wallet: A Similar Option
Google users can also enjoy the convenience of a digital passport. Simply open the Google Wallet app on your Android phone, tap Add to Wallet, select ID Card, choose U.S. Passport, and follow the instructions to scan your passport and verify your identity with a selfie video. Your passport will then appear in Google Wallet, ready for use at TSA checkpoints that support digital IDs for domestic travel.
Digital Passport Usage at TSA
To use your Digital ID at TSA, double-click the side button to open Wallet, choose Digital ID, hold your device near the TSA identity reader, review the requested information, and approve with Face ID or Touch ID. With Google Wallet, the process is similar: open Google Wallet, tap your passport, hold your device near the TSA reader, review the requested information, and confirm with your device unlock method, such as fingerprint or PIN.
Kurt’s Takeaways
Digital ID offers a modern solution to navigate crowded TSA lines with ease. It leverages the security features of iPhone and Apple Watch, keeping your passport information securely stored on your device. Use it for domestic travel and keep your physical ID as a reliable backup.
Would you trust a digital passport for your next TSA screening? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
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