Apple’s new digital passport feature: What it means for your next flight
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If you’ve ever found yourself at airport security digging through your bag for your ID—while the line behind you starts to sigh—this new update might catch your attention.
Apple is rolling out a new feature that could make domestic travel a bit smoother for iPhone users.
But before you consider ditching your physical documents altogether, here’s what the feature actually does—and what it doesn’t.
This fall, Apple is launching a feature that allows users to upload their US passport into the Apple Wallet app.
That means you may be able to breeze through certain TSA checkpoints using just your iPhone or Apple Watch—no fumbling for your passport required.
But here’s the important part: this isn’t a full replacement for your passport.
According to the TSA, the digital passport feature is currently intended for identity verification at select domestic TSA checkpoints only.
You’ll still need your physical passport if you're flying internationally—or even just crossing the border into Canada or Mexico.
Who can use it—and where
This new feature is only available to iPhone users with the latest iOS update.
Android users are out of luck for now.
And not every airport supports it yet.
Apple and the TSA are gradually expanding the list of approved airports, but it’s still in the early rollout stage.
So if your local airport doesn’t have the capability yet, don’t be surprised.
For now, think of this as a helpful option—not a guaranteed substitute.
Also read: Still don’t have a REAL ID? You may already have what you need
How it works
Using the feature is designed to be simple and secure.
You’ll scan your physical passport with your iPhone’s camera, follow the on-screen steps to verify your identity, and then store it directly in your Apple Wallet.
At the airport, you can simply tap your device at a TSA reader and verify your identity—no physical handoff required.
What about security?
Understandably, many travelers—especially older ones—may be concerned about privacy and data safety.
Apple says they never have access to your personal information, and the data stays locked on your phone.
But you should still take the usual precautions: keep your phone updated, use a strong passcode, and never hand your device to strangers.
Also read: TSA weighs in: What your Costco card can’t do when you fly
No, your Costco card won’t work
The TSA has emphasized that this feature only applies to a valid US passport.
On the other hand, they recently took to social media to address some circulating misinformation about Real ID—jokingly but firmly noting, “We love hotdogs & rotisserie chickens as much as the next person, but your Costco card does not count as a Real ID.”
How this ties into REAL ID requirements
This update follows the REAL ID enforcement deadline, which was in May.
Travelers are now required to present a REAL ID-compliant license or a valid passport to board domestic flights.
Apple’s digital feature may offer added convenience—but it doesn’t replace those requirements.
Apple’s digital passport feature is a promising step toward more convenient domestic travel.
It’s secure, contactless, and may help speed up the TSA process for iPhone users at certain airports.
But don’t toss your physical passport yet.
For international trips—or just to be safe—it’s still best to bring the real thing.
Read next: Travel nightmare: Lost or stolen license? You never know when this might happen.
Would you trust your iPhone to get you through airport security? Or do you still prefer to travel with a physical passport in hand? Let us know in the comments below!
Apple is rolling out a new feature that could make domestic travel a bit smoother for iPhone users.
But before you consider ditching your physical documents altogether, here’s what the feature actually does—and what it doesn’t.
This fall, Apple is launching a feature that allows users to upload their US passport into the Apple Wallet app.
That means you may be able to breeze through certain TSA checkpoints using just your iPhone or Apple Watch—no fumbling for your passport required.
But here’s the important part: this isn’t a full replacement for your passport.
According to the TSA, the digital passport feature is currently intended for identity verification at select domestic TSA checkpoints only.
You’ll still need your physical passport if you're flying internationally—or even just crossing the border into Canada or Mexico.
Who can use it—and where
This new feature is only available to iPhone users with the latest iOS update.
Android users are out of luck for now.
And not every airport supports it yet.
Apple and the TSA are gradually expanding the list of approved airports, but it’s still in the early rollout stage.
So if your local airport doesn’t have the capability yet, don’t be surprised.
For now, think of this as a helpful option—not a guaranteed substitute.
Also read: Still don’t have a REAL ID? You may already have what you need
How it works
Using the feature is designed to be simple and secure.
You’ll scan your physical passport with your iPhone’s camera, follow the on-screen steps to verify your identity, and then store it directly in your Apple Wallet.
At the airport, you can simply tap your device at a TSA reader and verify your identity—no physical handoff required.
What about security?
Understandably, many travelers—especially older ones—may be concerned about privacy and data safety.
Apple says they never have access to your personal information, and the data stays locked on your phone.
But you should still take the usual precautions: keep your phone updated, use a strong passcode, and never hand your device to strangers.
Also read: TSA weighs in: What your Costco card can’t do when you fly
No, your Costco card won’t work
The TSA has emphasized that this feature only applies to a valid US passport.
On the other hand, they recently took to social media to address some circulating misinformation about Real ID—jokingly but firmly noting, “We love hotdogs & rotisserie chickens as much as the next person, but your Costco card does not count as a Real ID.”
How this ties into REAL ID requirements
This update follows the REAL ID enforcement deadline, which was in May.
Travelers are now required to present a REAL ID-compliant license or a valid passport to board domestic flights.
Apple’s digital feature may offer added convenience—but it doesn’t replace those requirements.
Apple’s digital passport feature is a promising step toward more convenient domestic travel.
It’s secure, contactless, and may help speed up the TSA process for iPhone users at certain airports.
But don’t toss your physical passport yet.
For international trips—or just to be safe—it’s still best to bring the real thing.
Read next: Travel nightmare: Lost or stolen license? You never know when this might happen.
Would you trust your iPhone to get you through airport security? Or do you still prefer to travel with a physical passport in hand? Let us know in the comments below!
