Apple Digital ID Launches: Store Passport on iPhone & Skip Airport Lines
Apple launches Digital ID for iPhone & Apple Watch. Store passport or driver’s license and speed through TSA security at 250+ U.S. airports.
image for illustrative purpose
A new capability to facilitate airport security processing of U.S. travelers was presented by Apple on Wednesday. The Digital ID of the company enables the owners to keep a digital copy of their passport or qualified driver's license in the Apple Wallet app on their iPhone or Apple Watch.
The starting date on November 12 for the adoption allows the travelers to show their identification straight from their gadgets at TSA screenings in more than 250 U.S. airports. Apple further reassures that this feature cannot replace the physical passports and will not be allowed for international flights or border crossings.
Travelers with a non-REAL ID compliant license or state ID can still get through security checks by linking their U.S. passport information under the Digital ID feature. Apple mentioned that the procedure aims to minimize the handling of physical IDs leading to a fast, secure validation method at the checkpoints.
At the TSA checkpoints in the allied airports, Digital ID will be accepted henceforth. Although no full location list has been made public by Apple, the rollout of the project will be gradual with the company closely coordinating with the TSA to broaden the range of locations.
Digital ID Activation Requirements
There are certain requirements that travelers must fulfill in order to be able to access the feature:
iPhone 11 or newer, or Apple Watch Series 6 or newer, running the latest iOS or watchOS
Enabled Face ID or Touch ID and powered Bluetooth
An active Apple account with 2-step verification
A U.S. passport that is not expired
Device registered in the United States.
Steps to Set Up Digital ID
To add a Digital ID to Apple Wallet, follow these steps:
1. Open Apple Wallet and tap the add (+) button.
2. Select “driver’s license or government-issued ID.”
3. Choose “Digital ID” and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Upload scans of a valid U.S. passport.
5. Complete a selfie verification and head movement steps.
After the verification process is done, the Digital ID becomes available in Apple Wallet and can be used at the designated TSA checkpoints.
Users who do not possess a U.S. passport can still use a state-issued driver’s license or ID as an alternative. In that case, Apple requires a photo page from the physical passport to be sent for verification purposes during the setup process.
