Digital US passports are coming to Apple Wallet, but don’t ditch your old passport yet
Apple is gearing up to revolutionize the travel experience for iPhone users by introducing digital passport integration into Apple Wallet by the end of 2025. This significant enhancement comes as part of Apple’s long-awaited Digital ID program, which aims to simplify the way users manage their identities while traveling. During the recent Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple confirmed that the new feature will allow travelers to create a digital ID using their U.S. passports with the upcoming iOS 26.1 or 26.2 updates, expected to roll out later this year. This move is particularly exciting for frequent flyers who often feel flustered when asked for physical identification documents, as it promises to streamline the airport security process.
The digital passport feature will enable users to verify their identities at select Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints using just their iPhones. Instead of handing over their devices, travelers will authenticate their identities using Face ID or Touch ID and then simply hold their iPhones near a designated scanner. This system utilizes the secure electronic machine-readable chip technology found in modern passports, allowing for encrypted digital verification. However, it’s important to note that while this digital passport will facilitate domestic travel, it will not replace the need for a physical passport, especially for international journeys. Apple emphasizes that the digital passport serves as a convenient supplementary option rather than a substitute, ensuring that travelers still carry their traditional passports when flying abroad.
The introduction of digital passports marks a significant step forward in Apple’s Digital ID program, which has been gradually expanding since its inception four years ago. Currently, digital IDs in Apple Wallet are limited to a select number of U.S. states, but the passport feature will be available to all U.S. citizens, contingent upon the supporting technology being in place at participating TSA checkpoints. As Apple continues to enhance its mobile wallet capabilities—previously enabling users to store digital hotel keys and transit cards—the digital passport integration is poised to further streamline the travel experience, potentially encouraging more airports to adopt the necessary technology. In a world where travel can often be stressful, these digital innovations promise to offer users a more efficient and less cumbersome journey through airport security, making it particularly beneficial for families traveling with children.
Apple’s next move in the digital travel era is almost here. By the end of 2025, iPhone users will be able to add their U.S. passports to Apple Wallet, a major expansion of its long-gestating but slow-to-roll-out Digital ID program.
Apple confirmed
during its annual Worldwide Developers Conference last summer that it is adding digital passport support to Apple Wallet. Those with an iPhone will be able to create a digital ID using their passport with either the iOS 26.1 or 26.2 update, both of which are expected to be released before the end of the year. The timing was confirmed by the following footnote on the
Apple website
.
APPLE
This is yet another bit of good news for travelers who routinely get flustered when asked to show their passport or driver’s license. By adding the digital passport feature, all you have to reach for is your iPhone to scan the passport. However, don’t ditch your old-school blue passport just yet. We’ll try to answer your questions below.
How does it work?
APPLE
The new passport feature will allow travelers to verify their identities with just their iPhones at certain Transportation Security Administration checkpoints at U.S. airports. Travelers won’t be required to hand over their phones; they will simply authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID, then hold their device near a scanner for confirmation. The integration builds on the same secure electronic machine-readable travel document chip technology found in modern passports, offering encrypted digital verification directly from the device.
According to Apple and the TSA, the digital passports will only be accepted for certain domestic travel and ID checks, not for international border crossings (at least, for now). That leads us to probably the biggest question people have.
Do you still need your physical passport?
As exciting as it may be for travelers looking to carry fewer documents, the digital passport does not mean you can leave your physical passport at home. You still need to bring it with you, just as people with digital state IDs still
must carry their physical identification
when traveling through TSA checkpoints.
Apple is pitching the feature not as a replacement for your old passport, but as a convenient backup or complementary ID option for U.S. citizens flying domestically to use at certain TSA checkpoints. Essentially, it’s about a little bit of added convenience, not substitution, when you’re at the airport. And, as we mentioned earlier, travelers will still need to pack the old-school blue book passports for any overseas trip.
Expanding the Digital ID program
APPLE
The digital passport rollout represents the next phase of Apple’s Digital ID program, which has grown slowly but steadily over the past four years. Until now, use of digital driver’s licenses in Apple Wallet has been limited to a patchwork of cooperating states and territories. The passport feature, by contrast, applies to all U.S. citizens, regardless of where they live, although using it will depend on whether you’re at an airport with TSA checkpoints that have the supportive technology.
Currently, Apple Wallet supports digital IDs in the following 11 U.S. states and territories:
Arizona
California
Colorado
Georgia
Hawaii
Iowa
Maryland
Montana
New Mexico
North Dakota
Ohio
Puerto Rico
This list will continue to expand as more states adopt Apple’s secure framework for identity verification. Still, even in participating states, users are advised to carry their physical IDs alongside their digital ones, reflecting Apple’s cautious approach to adoption and compliance standards. Again, think complementary tech — not replacement.
Bottom line
For frequent flyers, Apple’s passport integration is yet another step toward streamlining the check-in and security experience, especially at airports with supported TSA checkpoints. You’ll be able to move through domestic checkpoints a bit faster without needing to pull out your printed credentials since you’ll be able to simply authenticate through your iPhone or Apple Watch. You can expect the feature to arrive via iOS 26.1 or 26.2 later this year.
Apple’s move toward digital-first travel identity follows in the footsteps of Google, which launched passport integration in Google Wallet in late 2024. Over the past decade,
Apple has transformed its mobile wallet
into a one-stop shop for travel, allowing users to do everything from adding digital hotel room keys to storing transit cards for easy bus and subway access in New York City. The passport feature represents the latest step in transforming the way we travel and one that will hopefully prove popular enough that it spurs more airports to upgrade their own checkpoint technology.
As stressful as travel can be, any time you can save with a digital shortcut is welcome. People who travel with children should also welcome this because it will mean one less thing they have to carry through security.
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
