In a move that subtly redefines personal identification, Apple has quietly rolled out a significant new feature within its Wallet application: Digital ID. This innovation allows users to create and present a verifiable digital identification directly from their iPhone or Apple Watch, leveraging the security and convenience Apple users have come to expect. For a substantial segment of the U.S. population, this means their physical passport can now serve a dual purpose, extending its utility beyond international borders and into everyday domestic verification scenarios, all while prioritizing user privacy and data security. This development marks a significant step in the ongoing digital transformation of essential personal documents.

Apple's Digital ID feature, available starting November 12, 2025, enables users to create a digital version of their identification using information extracted from their U.S. passport. This digital ID can then be stored and presented securely within Apple Wallet. At its initial launch, the acceptance of this Digital ID is rolling out in beta form at TSA checkpoints across more than 250 U.S. airports, facilitating in-person identity verification for domestic travel. This new capability is particularly impactful for individuals who may not possess a REAL ID compliant driver's license or state identification, offering them an alternative method for identity presentation. It is important to note that Digital ID is not a substitute for a physical passport and cannot be used for international travel or border crossings.

The introduction of Digital ID has several key implications. Firstly, it significantly enhances convenience for U.S. passport holders, transforming a document primarily used for travel into a readily accessible form of identification for various domestic purposes. This is especially beneficial in scenarios where a physical ID might be inconvenient or impractical to carry. Secondly, it democratizes digital identification, extending this secure option to a broader user base beyond those with compliant driver's licenses or state IDs. Jennifer Bailey, Apple's vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, highlighted the user enthusiasm for having IDs on devices, a sentiment Digital ID aims to build upon by including passport holders. This expansion of Wallet's capabilities underscores Apple's commitment to integrating essential personal information into its ecosystem with a strong emphasis on user control and privacy.

Creating a Digital ID in Apple Wallet is a straightforward process initiated by tapping the Add button (+) in Wallet on an iPhone, selecting 'Driver's License or ID Cards', and then choosing 'Digital ID'. The setup involves a multi-step verification process designed for security. Users will scan the photo page of their physical passport and then use their iPhone to read the embedded chip on the passport to authenticate the data. A selfie is then taken for facial verification, accompanied by a series of facial and head movements to further confirm the user's identity. Once verified, the Digital ID is added to the Wallet.

Presenting the Digital ID is equally seamless. Users can access their Wallet by double-clicking the side or Home button and selecting their Digital ID. They then hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near an identity reader. Crucially, users review the specific information requested for the transaction and authenticate the presentation using Face ID or Touch ID. This ensures that only the necessary information is shared and that the user explicitly authorizes each instance of presentation. Apple emphasizes that the Digital ID, like all data in Apple Wallet, is encrypted and stored on the device. Apple itself cannot access when, where, or what data is presented. Biometric authentication acts as the sole gatekeeper, guaranteeing that only the owner can present their ID, and users are not required to unlock, show, or hand over their device.

Apple's Digital ID feature represents a significant evolution in how we manage and present our personal identification. By integrating U.S. passports into Apple Wallet, Apple is not only offering a more convenient way to prove identity domestically but is also setting a precedent for the broader digitization of official documents. The emphasis on user control, encryption, and biometric authentication addresses critical privacy concerns, making this a compelling advancement for Apple users. As acceptance widens beyond TSA checkpoints, Digital ID has the potential to become an indispensable tool for a wide array of identity verification needs, further solidifying the role of smartphones as central to our digital lives.

Sources verified via Apple of November 12, 2025.