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You can now add your international passport to your iPhone. Thanks to the new Apple's feature—Digital ID—that let it happen. It's worth noting that Apple recently launched a feature called Digital ID in the Apple Wallet app, which allows users in the U.S. to create a digital version of their government ID using information from a U.S. passport.
At launch it’s in beta and will be accepted at over 250 airport checkpoints operated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for domestic travel. However, it's also important to note that the Apple Digital ID is not a replacement for a physical passport and cannot yet be used for international travel or border-crossing.
Despite the fact that the applications are limited, Apple said that all users IDs added to the Wallet are encrypted and stored on-device. In other words, only ID owners can have access to their ID data and information on the device. The company further emphasized that it cannot see when or where you present your ID or what data was shared.
Prior to this, Apple already supported adding eligible driver’s licenses or state-IDs in Wallet in some U.S. states. Well, I can say that was the beginning of the end for physical wallets. Because now, the passport option Apple has just added to the Digital ID in Wallet opens up for broader coverage.
Aside the fact that it streamlines domestic travels and reduce the need to hand over physical cards in certain contexts, it's also a significant step toward making digital identity more mainstream in the sense that your iPhone, iPad, Mac computer, or Apple Watch can now carry one of your main ID credentials.
How to Add Passport to Digital ID in.l Apple Wallet
Before I walk you through how to add your international passport to your Apple Wallet, allow me walk you through all the things you need to know:
- First of all, it's important to note that, according to Apple, the main purpose of the Digital ID is for flying domestically. Don’t count on your Digital ID for international travel—you’ll still have to carry your physical passport to verify your identity outside the United States.
- However, Apple said—in the future—you'll be able to use the Digital ID for other purposes, such as booking flights and hotels, and as well as opening new bank accounts.
- In addition to that, you must have a real, physical international passport to be able to use this feature. Having your state ID or driver's license uploaded already doesn't guarantee you access at the TSA if your don't upload your real passport ID.
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Adding ID to Apple Wallet
The setup process is simple. You scan your passport’s photo page and chip with your iPhone, take a selfie, complete some facial and head motion verification, then click on submit. Once the submission is approved the, passport Digital ID is added to your Wallet—and optionally your Apple Watch.
When using the Digital ID in person, all you need to do is: open the Apple Wallet on your iPhone or Watch, and select your Digital ID card. Next, hold the iPhone or Watch near a reader, review what information is requested and authenticate the actions using your Face ID or Touch ID depending on the type of Apple device you're using.
However, it's important to note that in addition to needing a valid U.S. passport, an Apple Watch Series 6 or later with WatchOS 26.1, or an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26.1 or later will be required as well to carry out the operation smoothly.
