Apple launches Digital ID using U.S. passports for airport verification

Apple announced Digital ID on November 12, 2025, enabling users to create identification credentials within Apple Wallet by extracting information from physical U.S. passports. The feature launches initially as a beta deployment at more than 250 TSA checkpoints across U.S. airports for domestic travel identity verification.

Digital ID addresses a gap in the existing driver's license and state ID program that Apple introduced in 2022. Users without REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or state identification documents can now generate wallet-based credentials using passport data. The system is not designed to replace physical passports and cannot facilitate international travel or border crossing functions.

"Since introducing the ability to add a driver's license or state ID to Apple Wallet in 2022, we've seen how much users love having their ID right on their devices," Jennifer Bailey, Apple's vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, stated in the announcement. "Digital IDs brings this secure and convenient option to even more users across the country, as they can now add an ID to Wallet using information from their U.S. passport."

The creation process requires an iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26.1 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 6 or later with WatchOS 26.1 or later, along with an authentic unexpired U.S. passport. Users initiate the setup by tapping the Add button in Wallet, selecting Driver's License or ID Cards, then choosing Digital ID. The system prompts users to scan the photo page of their physical passport using the iPhone camera, followed by a chip reading process that authenticates data embedded on the passport's back cover.

Facial verification forms a critical component of the authentication protocol. Users must capture a selfie during setup, then complete a series of prompted facial and head movements. These movements, which might include instructions to smile or turn the head in specific directions, must be held until the iPhone vibrates to confirm capture. Apple recommends positioning in well-lit areas with neutral backgrounds, removing sunglasses, masks, hats, or other accessories, and maintaining device steadiness throughout the process.

The technical architecture reflects broader industry movement toward privacy-preserving digital identity verification. Digital ID data remains encrypted on the device itself, with passport information stored locally rather than transmitted to Apple's servers. The company cannot observe when or where users present their credentials, nor can it access the specific information disclosed during verification transactions.

Presentation mechanics mirror existing Apple Wallet ID functionality. Users double-click the side button or Home button to access Digital ID, position their iPhone or Apple Watch near an identity reader, review requested information on the device screen, and authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID. The system implements data minimization protocols, presenting only information necessary for specific transactions after user review and authorization.

The beta deployment at TSA checkpoints represents the initial use case, with future expansion planned for select businesses and organizations requiring age or identity verification in physical locations, applications, and online platforms. This expansion timeline remains unspecified in the announcement materials.

Apple's driver's license and state ID program has expanded to 12 states and Puerto Rico as of November 2025. Recent additions include Montana, North Dakota, and West Virginia within the six months preceding the Digital ID announcement. The feature also launched internationally for the first time in Japan, supporting My Number Card integration on iPhone.

Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia currently support ID in Wallet functionality. Device requirements vary by jurisdiction. California requires iPhone XS or later with iOS 17.5 or later, while Puerto Rico mandates iPhone XS or later with iOS 18.1 or later. Apple Watch compatibility similarly varies, with Puerto Rico requiring Series 6 or later running watchOS 11 or later.

The privacy architecture addresses concerns that emerged during European age verification system deployments. Unlike centralized verification databases that became targets for security breaches, Apple's implementation maintains all credential data on individual devices. Neither issuing authorities nor Apple possess visibility into presentation history or disclosed information patterns.

Biometric authentication using Face ID or Touch ID ensures exclusive owner access to Digital ID credentials. Users enabling accessibility features including Voice Control, Switch Control, or AssistiveTouch can utilize passcodes instead of biometric authentication for both setup and presentation functions.

The implementation distinguishes between Digital ID created from passports and driver's licenses or state IDs added to Wallet through existing state issuing authority programs. Digital ID serves as a supplementary option rather than a replacement for state-issued mobile credentials. Users possessing both can maintain multiple credentials within Wallet, selecting the appropriate one based on specific verification requirements.

Apple's technical approach aligns with W3C Digital Credentials API standards that enable privacy-preserving identity verification workflows. The system employs ISO/IEC 18013-5 and 18013-7 standard-compliant protocols for presenting digital identity documents both in person and online. These standards incorporate cryptographic signatures ensuring data integrity, device binding preventing credential cloning, and session encryption protecting personally identifiable information during credential presentation.

Physical ID requirements persist despite digital credential availability. Digital ID cannot replace physical passports for international travel, border crossing, or interactions with law enforcement requiring traditional identification documents. Users must maintain authentic unexpired physical U.S. passports to perform passport-specific functions.

The beta designation for TSA checkpoint deployment indicates ongoing testing and refinement of Digital ID functionality. Travelers should verify checkpoint signage confirming Digital ID acceptance before attempting to use the feature for airport security screening. The gradual rollout across more than 250 airports suggests infrastructure requirements for identity reader hardware and TSA personnel training.

Transfer procedures between devices follow established Wallet credential migration protocols. When setting up a new iPhone, users can select their Digital ID during Setup Assistant, then follow onscreen instructions to confirm the transfer. This moves the credential from the previous device to the new one, maintaining the one-device-per-Apple-Account limitation.

Timeline

• 2022 - Apple introduces driver's license and state ID support in Wallet
• October 3, 2025 - WebKit announces Digital Credentials API support in Safari 26
• November 12, 2025 - Apple launches Digital ID using U.S. passport information
• 2026 - EU Digital Identity Wallet scheduled for mandatory implementation

Summary

Who: Apple introduced Digital ID functionality for iPhone and Apple Watch users possessing U.S. passports.

What: Digital ID allows creation of Apple Wallet identification credentials using information extracted from physical U.S. passports, verified through device-based scanning and facial authentication.

When: Apple announced Digital ID on November 12, 2025, with beta deployment beginning at TSA checkpoints following the announcement.

Where: The feature launches at more than 250 U.S. airport TSA checkpoints for domestic travel identity verification, with future expansion to select businesses and online platforms.

Why: Digital ID provides identification credential options for users without REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or state IDs, expanding Apple Wallet's identity verification capabilities while maintaining privacy-preserving architecture that stores credentials on devices rather than centralized databases.