Apple has rolled out a new feature allowing iPhone users to create a Digital ID in the Wallet app, using details from their U.S. passport. This modern approach aims to simplify how we show identification, particularly during travel.
To set up your Digital ID, you’ll need:
- An iPhone 11 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 6 or newer.
- iOS version 26.1 or later.
- Face ID or Touch ID enabled.
- A valid U.S. passport that hasn’t expired.
- Your device must be set to the United States region.
It’s simple to create your Digital ID. Open the Wallet app, tap the plus sign, and select Driver’s License or ID Cards. Follow the prompts to scan your passport and take a selfie for verification. During this process, your phone will also read the chip on your passport to ensure everything is authentic.
Once you’re set up, you can use your Digital ID at select TSA checkpoints in over 250 U.S. airports for age and identity verification. However, remember that it can’t replace your physical passport for international travel.
Apple emphasizes security. Your Digital ID data is encrypted, so your personal information stays safe. You won’t need to unlock your device or hand it over when presenting your ID.
Experts suggest that this move could pave the way for broader digital identification methods in the future. For instance, a recent survey highlighted that over 60% of people are comfortable with digital IDs, indicating a growing trend toward tech-driven solutions.
This feature builds upon Apple’s existing driver’s license option available in 12 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. Other countries, like Japan, have also started integrating their ID systems into mobile wallets.
For more details, check out Apple’s support document here.
As technology evolves, Digital IDs could soon be accepted in stores and online, making everyday transactions easier than ever. The future looks promising for digitally secure identification!
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