A digital revolution in travel identification is on the horizon, but for now, travelers should keep their physical passports close. Apple has introduced a new feature that will allow iPhone users to upload their passport into Apple Wallet starting this fall. This addition aims to transform the iPhone into an all-in-one travel companion, simplifying domestic journeys for frequent flyers within the United States.
Unveiled during Apple’s latest tech showcase, the digital passport feature promises to streamline airport experiences by making TSA checkpoint procedures more efficient. “While not a replacement for your physical passport, digital ID can be used for domestic travel and at supported TSA checkpoints,” an Apple spokesperson explained, according to USA TODAY.
This innovation signals a step forward in digital identity technology but comes with limitations. Despite the convenience it offers at TSA lines for domestic travel, the feature won’t substitute for traditional documents when it comes to international trips. The new digital passport won’t grant entry to foreign countries, but it will make getting through security for a flight from one U.S. city to another less cumbersome. Travelers will no longer need to dig through their bags to find their IDs at the airport.
The timing of Apple’s digital ID release is particularly notable, coming shortly after the enforcement of the REAL ID Act in May. The rollout caused confusion and concern among travelers trying to figure out whether their driver’s licenses met the updated security requirements or whether they’d need to present their passport just to fly within the U.S. For many, this meant extra trips to the DMV or scrambling to get their documents in order.
With its new feature, Apple is aiming to simplify travel even further, describing the experience as “just tap and go.” Alongside the debut of the digital ID, Apple is revamping its Wallet app to be more travel-friendly. The updates include enhancements to boarding passes and the addition of in-flight features tailored for modern travelers.
In a statement shared by SF Gate, Apple said that the new Digital ID “offers a secure and private new way for users to store and present their ID information using their iPhone and Apple Watch.” The process of setting it up will also be straightforward. According to Apple, users can “seamlessly create and add a Digital ID to Apple Wallet using a U.S. passport.”
However, travelers are advised not to retire their physical passports just yet. Despite Apple’s digital leap, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) emphasizes that a Digital ID is strictly for domestic purposes. “It is important to have the physical U.S. Passport available in case it is needed, and a physical U.S. Passport is still required for international travel,” the TSA stated in a message to SF Gate.
In other words, the iconic blue U.S. passport will still be a necessity for global travel. A photo widely circulated captures a person holding both a passport and a boarding pass, reinforcing the idea that for now, these traditional documents remain an essential part of any international travel plan. As convenient as it may be to use a phone at security, travelers still need to hold onto their physical credentials.
Apple’s Wallet app is also undergoing a significant transformation beyond just digital IDs. The company is providing what some might call a “major glow-up,” by improving how boarding passes function and incorporating new perks aimed at frequent travelers. These changes reflect Apple’s intention to make the Wallet app a comprehensive tool for all stages of travel—from ID verification to in-flight convenience.
The buzz around digital ID adoption arrives amidst recent challenges that travelers have faced concerning the REAL ID deadline. Last month, as the May 7 deadline approached, some New York travelers became targets for scammers who exploited the confusion. According to a report from The New York Post, deceptive websites were offering fake promises of fast-tracked REAL IDs. These sites lured anxious travelers who didn’t realize that the only legitimate way to obtain a REAL ID was by physically visiting the Department of Motor Vehicles.
This rush led to all sorts of misinformation circulating online. In one bizarre example, a rumor gained traction that Costco membership cards could serve as an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID. The TSA, needing to step in and set the record straight, issued a public reminder. “We love hotdogs & rotisserie chickens as much as the next person but please stop telling people their Costco card counts as a Real ID because it absolutely does not,” the agency said last week.
Clearly, there’s still a lot of public confusion around what qualifies as valid identification for air travel. Apple’s digital ID feature may help streamline the experience and reduce reliance on physical cards for domestic flights, but clear communication and realistic expectations remain critical. The digital passport might make check-ins at U.S. airports faster and more convenient, but it’s not a silver bullet for all identification woes.
As Apple pushes forward with innovations in digital identification, it’s signaling a broader trend toward mobile-first travel solutions. However, the advice remains consistent from both Apple and government agencies: travelers should keep their physical passports handy. Whether for backup at TSA or for that long-awaited international vacation, the physical document still plays an irreplaceable role in the world of travel.
Apple’s move to digitize passports within its Wallet app marks a bold step into the future of travel. It enhances convenience for domestic flyers and reimagines how travelers interact with airport security. But despite the promise of a “tap and go” future, one thing is clear — your trusty physical passport isn’t going anywhere just yet.