CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA — In a tech-forward move aimed at streamlining airport identification, Apple has announced that iPhone and Apple Watch users will soon be able to upload their U.S. passport information into Apple Wallet. The feature, expected to launch this fall, will allow users to present a Digital ID at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints across the United States. However, the digital ID will not replace a physical passport for international travel, federal officials have clarified.
Unveiled as part of Apple’s broader iOS 18 update, the new feature aligns with the company’s goal of transforming the iPhone into a central hub for secure identity verification, boarding passes, and travel essentials.
“While not a replacement for your physical passport, digital ID can be used for domestic travel and at supported TSA checkpoints,” said an Apple spokesperson, as reported by USA TODAY.
What Is Apple’s Digital Passport ID?
The Digital Passport ID is a secure, encrypted version of your U.S. passport, designed specifically for integration into the Apple Wallet. Users will be able to scan their passport, verify their identity through Face ID or Touch ID, and store the digital version directly on their Apple devices.
Once stored, the ID can be used for domestic air travel at select TSA checkpoints that are equipped with digital identity scanners. This includes major airports such as:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Chicago O’Hare International (ORD)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
While Apple has not released an official list of supported airports, the TSA website notes that Apple Wallet IDs are gradually being accepted in more locations.
TSA and Homeland Security Clarify Limitations
Despite the convenience of the new feature, the TSA and Department of Homeland Security have emphasized that a physical U.S. passport remains mandatory for all international travel.
“It is important to have the physical U.S. Passport available in case it is needed,” the TSA stated in an interview with SF Gate. “A physical U.S. Passport is still required for international travel.”
The clarification comes amid growing confusion about digital IDs and Real ID compliance, particularly in the wake of the May 7, 2025 deadline for Real ID enforcement across U.S. states.
Apple Wallet Redesign to Enhance Travel Integration
Along with the new digital passport feature, Apple is also redesigning the Wallet app to improve usability for frequent travelers. The updated interface will offer:
- Enhanced boarding pass storage
- Real-time gate updates
- Loyalty card integration
- Trip tracking via connected travel apps
This design overhaul reflects Apple’s ambition to create a fully integrated digital travel assistant, where users can handle all trip logistics—from ID to boarding gate—from a single interface.
Apple has also ensured that all identity data stored in Wallet is end-to-end encrypted, meaning even Apple cannot access or view personal documents. This aligns with the company’s longstanding commitment to privacy and data security.
No, Your Costco Card Isn’t a Real ID
The rollout of digital ID features has been met with some confusion online. Following the Real ID enforcement deadline, rumors circulated on social media that Costco membership cards or other club cards could be used at airport checkpoints.
The TSA responded with good humor but firm correction via social media:
“We love hotdogs & rotisserie chickens as much as the next person, but please stop telling people their Costco card counts as a Real ID—because it absolutely does not.”
Such rumors underscore the need for accurate public information as identity verification methods continue to evolve with technological advancements.
Why This Matters for Travelers
The new digital passport feature may not replace physical documentation, but it represents a significant convenience upgrade for domestic flyers, particularly those seeking a contactless airport experience.
As the TSA continues to integrate Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) scanners, digital IDs stored in Apple Wallet could speed up verification processes and reduce the need for passengers to fumble for physical documents during check-in and security.
It’s part of a broader industry trend toward touchless travel, aimed at improving hygiene, efficiency, and passenger satisfaction in the post-pandemic era.
Limitations and Eligibility
To use the new Digital Passport ID feature, users must:
- Be U.S. citizens with a valid passport
- Own an iPhone 8 or newer, or Apple Watch Series 4 or later
- Run the upcoming iOS 18 or watchOS 11
- Enroll in Face ID or Touch ID for authentication
Users must also be traveling from a TSA-participating airport and should carry their physical passport at all times during travel, especially when connecting to international destinations.
What’s Next?
While Apple has not announced international compatibility, discussions are underway between U.S. agencies and foreign governments to explore biometric and digital identity standards that could support broader implementation of mobile passports in the future.
Until then, Apple’s digital ID is best viewed as a convenient supplement, not a substitute, for travelers navigating domestic flights and TSA checkpoint screenings.
Conclusion
Apple’s upcoming Digital Passport ID is a promising innovation in mobile travel identity, offering smoother airport experiences at home. But as federal authorities warn, travelers heading abroad should still pack the physical passport—for now, the world still runs on paper.
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