Hajra Naz
Apple has confirmed that users in the United States will soon be able to add their U.S. passport as a digital ID in the Apple Wallet app. This new feature will make it easier for travelers to verify their identity at TSA checkpoints and other secure locations without needing to pull out a physical passport.
The update, originally announced with iOS 26, builds on Apple’s vision to make the Wallet app more than just a payment tool. It’s becoming a secure digital hub for everyday identity, allowing users to carry essential documents safely on their iPhones.
Expanding Digital Identity in Apple Wallet
So far, Apple has rolled out support for state-issued IDs and driver’s licenses in 12 states and Puerto Rico. That already covers nearly one-third of all U.S. license holders. But the new passport-based Digital ID is a big step forward—letting users link their identity directly to their government-issued passport.
Although the feature didn’t launch with iOS 26 as initially planned, Apple says it will arrive in a future software update. When it does, the digital passport will not replace your physical passport, but it will serve as a faster, secure option for domestic airport screening.
Read More: Apple Announces ‘Apple ’Card’—Its Own Credit Card
Why It Matters Now
The timing is crucial. Since Real ID enforcement began in May, many state driver’s licenses no longer meet TSA security standards. That means some travelers now need to show alternative identification—and the new Apple Wallet feature could be the perfect solution.
The digital passport ID will let iPhone users breeze through TSA checkpoints more quickly. Combined with digital boarding passes, it could make airport security lines shorter and more efficient.
Apple’s Broader Wallet Ecosystem
Apple’s push into digital identity fits into a bigger story. The company has spent the last decade transforming Apple Wallet into a multi-purpose digital companion.
At the Money 20/20 USA conference, Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s VP of Apple Pay and Wallet, revealed new stats that show just how far Apple has come.
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Apple Pay is now active in 89 global markets, with over 11,000 banks and payment networks supporting it—including 15 major U.S. networks.
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Around 90% of U.S. retailers now accept Apple Pay, up from only 3% at launch 11 years ago.
Beyond payments, Apple Wallet now supports:
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Car keys for 29 automakers and 300+ vehicle models.
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Hotel room keys in over 65,000 rooms across major hotel chains.
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Transit passes in 800 cities across 250 regions worldwide.
In total, over 2 million hotel keys have already been added to Wallet—showing that Apple’s digital ecosystem is becoming essential for travelers and commuters alike.
A Glimpse Into the Future
Apple’s focus on secure, privacy-first digital identity could change how people travel and interact with institutions. If successful, this move could lead to global passport integration, digital visas, or even identity verification for international travel—all within the Wallet app.
With strong encryption, Face ID authentication, and on-device storage, Apple aims to make digital identification not just convenient but trustworthy. As Apple continues expanding into digital identity, Wallet could become as important to travel as the passport itself.
FAQs
1. What is the new Apple Wallet passport feature?
It’s a digital ID that lets you store your U.S. passport in the Apple Wallet app for use at TSA checkpoints.
2. Can I travel internationally with this digital passport?
No, it’s only for domestic use right now, mainly for airport security checks within the U.S.
3. When will the feature launch?
Apple hasn’t given an exact date but said it will come in a future iOS 26 update.
4. Will the digital passport replace my physical one?
No, you’ll still need your physical passport for international travel.
5. Is the digital ID safe?
Yes. Your data is encrypted and stored on your device, protected by Face ID and Apple’s privacy standards.
