Travelers can now digitize their passport or eligible driver's license information in their Apple Wallets with a new Digital ID feature that Apple launched Wednesday.
Digital ID, which is not a replacement for a physical passport, allows more people "to create and present an ID in an Apple Wallet even if they do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID" using information from their U.S. passport, the Cupertino-based tech company announced in a news release.
Users can securely store and present their identity using their iPhone or Apple Watch with the Digital ID.
According to Apple, the Digital ID roll out in beta can be used to verify a person's identity at more than 250 airports nationwide to pass through TSA checkpoints for domestic travel.
Additional Digital ID acceptance use cases will be rolled out in the future, the company said.
A physical passport will still be required at immigration and wherever else they're required by law.
"Digital ID leverages the privacy and security features of iPhone and Apple Watch to help protect against tampering and theft," Apples said. "Digital ID data is encrypted and stored only on the device, and Apple cannot see when, where, or how an ID is used."
"Face ID or Touch ID ensures only the owner can present their ID, and users review exactly what information is shared before it's sent," it continued. "There's no need to unlock, show, or hand over the device, and users are only ever sharing the information necessary."
Jennifer Bailey, Apple's vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, said the company has already "seen how much users love having their ID right on their devices," referring to a similar 2022 launch that allowed users to add a driver's license or state ID to Apple Wallet.
If a user does not have a valid U.S. passport, they can still create a Digital ID in Apple Wallet using an eligible driver's license.
For iPhone users with a U.S. passport, tap the Add (+) button at the top of the screen in Wallet and then select "Driver's License" or "ID Cards."
Select "Digital ID" and follow the instructions to start the setup and verification.
Next, scan the photo page of the physical passport.
Users will be asked to "use their iPhone to read the chip embedded on the back of their passport to ensure the data's authenticity."
There will be a prompt to take a selfie for verification, and as an added security step, users will be prompted to complete a series of facial and head movements during setup.
Once verified, the Digital ID is added to Wallet.
When presenting Digital ID in person, double-click the side button or Home button to access Apple Wallet, select Digital ID.
Next, hold the iPhone or Apple Watch near an identity reader, review the personal information being requested, and use Face ID or Touch ID to authenticate.
"In the future, users will be able to present their Digital ID at additional select businesses and organizations for identity and age verification in person, in apps and online," Apple said.
