Key Points
- Apple confirmed its digital passport feature for iPhone is coming later this year to Apple Wallet.
- The digital passport works at select TSA checkpoints for domestic travel identity verification only.
- You'll still need your physical passport for international travel and border crossings.
Introduction
Your iPhone is about to become even more essential for travel. Apple has confirmed that its long-awaited digital passport feature will launch later this year, allowing U.S. passport holders to store a digital version in Apple Wallet for use at TSA checkpoints during domestic travel. Jennifer Bailey, Apple's vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, reiterated the timeline during her keynote at the Money20/20 USA conference in Las Vegas this week. While this won't replace your physical passport for international trips, it's another step toward streamlining the airport security experience.
What Apple Announced
During the Money20/20 conference, Bailey confirmed the digital passport feature is arriving "soon" for iPhone users. Apple's iOS 26 website states the feature will launch "later this year," though the company no longer mentions whether a specific software update like iOS 26.1 or iOS 26.2 will be required, suggesting it might roll out via a server-side update instead.
Once available, you'll be able to create a digital version of your U.S. passport in the Wallet app and present it at TSA checkpoints in select U.S. airports for identity verification during domestic travel. Apple emphasizes the feature is secure, private, and REAL ID compliant.
How It Will Work at Airports
The digital passport follows the same framework Apple established with digital driver's licenses, which currently work in 14 states. When you reach a participating TSA checkpoint, you'll tap your iPhone or Apple Watch near the identity reader, authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID, and the system will verify your identity.
The key limitation: this digital passport cannot be used for international travel or border crossing purposes. Apple explicitly states it's not a replacement for your physical passport. You'll still need to carry your actual passport book when flying internationally or crossing borders, but for domestic flights within the U.S., the digital version should streamline the security process.
Beyond Airport Security
Apple says the Digital ID feature will also work for age and identity verification in apps, online shopping, and retail stores. This means your digital passport could potentially verify your age at bars or when purchasing age-restricted items, similar to how some states' digital driver's licenses already function.
The feature is currently limited to U.S. passports only, though Apple may expand to additional countries in the future. This makes sense given the complexity of international passport standards and the need for bilateral agreements between countries.
What This Means for Your Travel Strategy
If you're someone who frequently uses airport lounges or travels with premium credit cards, adding a digital passport to your iPhone creates one less item to fumble with at security. Combined with mobile boarding passes and programs like Clear, the airport experience continues to get more streamlined.
The digital passport works particularly well for domestic award travel bookings. When you're redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards points for domestic flights, having your identification already on your phone means faster movement through security, especially during peak travel times. If you're new to maximizing points for travel, check out our complete guide to Chase points to understand how these programs work together.
For frequent business travelers who pack light, the digital passport reduces the risk of misplacing your physical passport during domestic trips. However, you'll still need to carry your physical passport for international travel. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred offer valuable travel protections and earn bonus points on flights, making them excellent companions for both domestic and international trips.
Current Digital ID Availability
Apple already offers digital driver's licenses in 14 states through Apple Wallet: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, and Utah. These digital IDs work at TSA checkpoints equipped with CAT-2 technology at numerous airports nationwide.
The digital passport feature will work similarly but serve travelers from all states who hold U.S. passports, significantly expanding the potential user base. Android users gained digital passport capability in Google Wallet last year, so Apple's rollout brings parity to iPhone users who prefer the Apple ecosystem.
What You Still Need to Know
Several details remain unclear. Apple hasn't specified which airports will support the digital passport at launch, though it will likely begin with airports that already have CAT-2 identity verification technology for digital driver's licenses. The TSA has been expanding this technology across major hubs, so coverage should grow over time.
It's also unknown whether there will be any restrictions on who can use the digital passport feature. Digital driver's licenses require users to verify their identity through a multi-step process including facial recognition scans, and the digital passport will likely have similar security requirements.
What we do know: you should continue carrying your physical passport as backup. Technology fails, phones die, and not all TSA checkpoints will support the digital version immediately. Consider this feature a convenience enhancement rather than a complete replacement for your physical documents.
Preparing for the Rollout
When the digital passport feature launches later this year, setup will likely mirror the process for digital driver's licenses. You'll open the Wallet app, tap the plus button, select the option to add your passport, and follow the verification steps. Expect to scan your physical passport using your iPhone camera and complete facial recognition verification.
If you travel frequently and want to maximize your efficiency through security, consider combining the digital passport with other streamlining tools. The American Express Platinum Card offers statement credits for Clear membership, which uses biometric verification to expedite security even further. Many premium travel cards also reimburse Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees. The Capital One Venture X provides up to $120 in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credits every four years, creating a complete ecosystem of expedited travel benefits.
For travelers deciding between cards, our Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Reserve comparison breaks down which option delivers the best value based on your travel frequency. Both cards earn bonus points on travel purchases and include trip protection benefits that complement the streamlined security experience the digital passport provides.
FAQ
Can I use the digital passport for international flights?
No. Apple explicitly states the digital passport cannot be used for international travel or border crossing purposes. You must carry your physical passport for any international flights or when crossing borders. The digital version only works for domestic TSA checkpoints within the United States.
Will this work with my Apple Watch?
Based on how Apple's digital driver's licenses currently work, yes. You should be able to add your digital passport to Apple Watch and use it at TSA checkpoints by holding your watch near the identity reader and authenticating with your passcode or biometric verification.
Do I still need to carry my physical passport for domestic flights?
Technically no, once the feature launches and your local airport supports it. However, carrying your physical passport as backup is strongly recommended. Not all TSA checkpoints will support digital passports immediately, technology can malfunction, and your phone battery could die at an inconvenient time.
What if I'm traveling with family members who don't have iPhones?
Each traveler needs their own digital passport on their device. However, some family members might still use physical passports while others use digital versions at the same TSA checkpoint. The TSA is equipped to handle mixed document types during the security process.
Conclusion
Apple's digital passport feature represents another incremental improvement in making travel more convenient for iPhone users. While you'll still need your physical passport for international trips, having a digital option for domestic travel removes one more item from your carry-on concerns. Combined with mobile boarding passes, expedited security programs, and the right travel credit cards, it's part of the broader trend toward a wallet-free travel experience.
The feature should launch later this year, though Apple hasn't provided a specific date. When it does arrive, expect a gradual rollout across airports as TSA checkpoints add support. For now, keep carrying your physical passport and consider it a bonus when the digital version becomes available at your home airport.
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