How Apple’s New Digital ID Is Set To Streamline U.S. Travel By Allowing Secure Storage Of Passports And Driver’s Licenses Directly On Your IPhone Or Apple Watch

Published on November 22, 2025

Apple’s new Digital ID feature is transforming the way U.S. travelers manage their identification, offering a secure and convenient alternative to physical passports and driver’s licenses. By allowing users to store these critical documents on their iPhones or Apple Watches, the feature aims to reduce the anxiety of forgetting physical IDs during domestic travel. Although currently limited to certain states and airports, Apple’s Digital ID promises enhanced security with encryption and biometric protection, providing a safer and more efficient way to travel. However, its limitations, particularly for international travel, mean that physical IDs are still necessary for many situations.

Apple’s Digital ID: A Convenient, Yet Limited, Solution for Travelers

The frustration of realizing that a passport or driver’s license has been left behind during a trip can be a nightmare, particularly at airport security. Apple’s latest feature, Digital ID, aims to alleviate this travel anxiety by allowing users to store their passport and driver’s license digitally on their iPhone or Apple Watch. Launched alongside an expanded version of the previous driver’s license feature, the Digital ID promises to streamline the travel process and reduce the chances of being caught without identification. However, its usefulness remains limited, and travelers should carefully consider its scope and potential pitfalls.

What is Apple’s Digital ID?

Apple’s Digital ID builds on its earlier technology that allowed users to store their U.S. driver’s licenses and Real IDs in the Wallet app. The company has now expanded this capability to include U.S. passports, allowing them to be stored digitally on Apple devices. Since 2022, users have been able to use their digital driver’s licenses and Real IDs at eligible TSA checkpoints for domestic travel within the U.S., and the digital passport function adds another layer of convenience for travelers.

How to Add Your Passport or Driver’s License to Apple Wallet

Adding a driver’s license or passport to Apple Wallet involves scanning the physical versions of these documents, making it necessary to have them on hand to create the digital copies. Apple provides instructional videos to guide users through the process, ensuring that the digital versions are accurately captured. However, the key limitation here is that the digital IDs cannot be created without the physical copies of the documents, and users must scan these directly into the app to store them digitally.

Will TSA Accept Apple’s Digital ID and Passport?

The acceptance of Apple’s Digital ID depends on the location. Currently, only 13 states and Puerto Rico accept digital driver’s licenses for TSA screenings at domestic airports. These states include Arizona, California, Colorado, and others. As for the digital passport, over 250 U.S. airports are reported to accept digital versions for domestic flights. However, travelers must check if their specific airport and airline support this feature.

The TSA maintains an online list of the types of mobile IDs accepted at each checkpoint, so travelers can reference it to ensure that their digital ID will be accepted before heading to the airport. However, the digital passport feature is still in the early stages and is limited to domestic travel, meaning international flights are not yet supported.

Can Digital IDs Be Used for International Travel?

At this stage, Apple’s Digital ID is not valid for international travel. The digital passport feature can only be used within the U.S. for domestic flights. Apple would need to work out agreements with other countries and international travel authorities, such as the European Union, to make the digital passport accepted for international flights. If a traveler loses their U.S. passport while abroad, the digital version is unlikely to be of any help, as it is currently not recognized outside of the U.S. borders.

Benefits of Using Apple’s Digital ID

Despite its limitations, there are benefits to using Apple’s Digital ID, particularly for domestic travelers. If a traveler forgets their physical ID but has a digital version stored on their phone or watch, they can still board their flight at participating airports. Additionally, there is potential for broader applications of this technology, such as quicker online bookings where travelers wouldn’t have to manually input their identification details. Over time, digital IDs may also serve as a convenient tool for age verification at bars, clubs, and alcohol retailers.

The most significant advantage, however, may lie in the security aspect. Apple’s Digital ID is cryptographically signed, ensuring that it cannot be forged or replicated by anyone other than the issuing state. Furthermore, the use of biometric authentication, such as Face ID or Touch ID, adds an additional layer of security, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to access the digital ID in case of theft.

Can Physical IDs Be Left Behind?

While the convenience of a digital ID is appealing, Apple cautions that the digital version should not be viewed as a complete replacement for physical identification. Travelers should still carry their physical ID in case it is required by non-TSA entities, such as law enforcement. Additionally, technical issues with mobile devices could pose challenges. For example, if a phone runs out of battery or breaks, the traveler would be unable to access their digital ID, which could lead to travel disruptions.

In some cases, like car rentals, Apple’s Digital ID may be accepted through certain apps, but major companies, such as Enterprise, have explicitly stated that they do not accept digital IDs at this time. Therefore, travelers should verify with service providers beforehand to ensure they are able to use their digital identification.

Privacy Concerns

Apple has stated that the data associated with Digital IDs is encrypted, offering protection from tampering or theft. The combination of biometric security and encryption ensures that the digital ID remains secure. However, privacy experts have expressed concerns over potential future changes to the way this data is used or stored. As with any technological advancement, there is a risk of “feature creep,” where tech companies gradually add more features that could compromise user privacy or introduce invasive practices.

Other Digital ID Options

Apple is not the only company offering digital ID solutions. Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet also allow users to store digital versions of their driver’s licenses and passports for use at TSA checkpoints, but these digital IDs are similarly limited to domestic flights and cannot be used for international travel. Some U.S. states have also developed their own apps to support digital IDs, and these are accepted at TSA checkpoints. However, the feature is still evolving, and travelers should be aware of which specific platforms and locations support their digital identification.

Apple’s Digital ID feature offers a promising step toward more convenient and secure identification for travelers, but it comes with limitations. It can help travelers avoid the inconvenience of forgetting physical identification during domestic flights, but its use is currently restricted to certain states, airports, and use cases. As the feature expands, there may be more potential for travelers, especially with online bookings and everyday activities like age verification. However, the absence of support for international travel, technical vulnerabilities, and privacy concerns may limit its usefulness for some travelers. As it stands, travelers should keep their physical IDs on hand, at least for the foreseeable future.