Say Goodbye to Passports? Apple’s Digital ID Is Changing Travel

Apple has introduced a major shift in digital identity verification with the launch of its new Digital ID. The feature, now available in beta across major U.S. airports, allows iPhone and Apple Watch users to create a verified identity in Apple Wallet using their U.S. passport. While still in its early stages, the move signals a future where travelers may no longer need to carry physical ID cards for domestic flights.

Apple’s Digital ID is designed to let users present their identity securely and seamlessly through their devices. Instead of handing over a physical passport or driver’s license, travelers can verify their identity by authenticating with Face ID or Touch ID at TSA checkpoints. This approach is intended to streamline airport security and reduce reliance on traditional documents.

The setup process is intentionally simple. Users scan their passport’s photo page, read its embedded chip, take a selfie, and complete a short facial movement verification. Once approved, the Digital ID automatically appears in Apple Wallet. At the airport, travelers can present their Digital ID without unlocking their device or handing it over, making the process faster and more secure than conventional checks.

Apple emphasizes that privacy remains the foundation of this system. All passport information is stored locally on the device, protected by end-to-end encryption. Apple itself cannot access, store, or track where or when a Digital ID is used. Before sharing any personal details, users are shown exactly what information is being requested and must explicitly authorize every interaction using biometric authentication.

The beta rollout includes more than 250 TSA security checkpoints, allowing Digital ID use for domestic air travel within the United States. Although it cannot yet replace a physical passport for international flights or border crossings, Apple’s expansion hints at a steady shift toward a global digital identity ecosystem.

In the coming phases, Apple aims to extend Digital ID verification to online services, retailers, and apps that require age or identity confirmation. This could eventually lead to a world where physical ID cards, passports, and licenses become secondary, replaced by secure digital verification integrated directly into everyday devices.

For now, Digital ID marks a significant step toward a digital-first future in travel, offering faster airport screening and greater control over personal data while laying the groundwork for broader adoption across industries.