Travelers across the United States are still facing long lines at airport security, especially on busy days when more than 150,000 passengers may lack a REAL ID‑compliant driver’s license. Apple’s Digital ID, added to the Wallet app in late 2025, promises a modern alternative by allowing users to store a digital version of their U.S. passport on their iPhone.
How the feature works
Setting up Apple Digital ID takes only a few minutes. Users open the Wallet app, tap the plus sign, select “Digital ID,” choose “U.S. Passport,” scan the photo page, hold the phone near the passport to read the embedded chip, and complete a video selfie for identity verification. Once encrypted and stored on the device, the ID can be presented at participating TSA checkpoints by double‑clicking the side button, selecting Digital ID, and authenticating with Face ID.
Real‑world testing at airports
To see whether the technology lives up to its promise, I tried Apple Digital ID at three different airports. At one location the process was seamless: the TSA reader accepted the digital credential, and I cleared security without reaching for a physical license. At a second airport the scanner repeatedly failed, forcing me to pull out my driver’s license after a lengthy wait. The third airport did not support the feature at all, and the TSA agent directed me to use my traditional ID.
TSA agents I spoke with confirmed that they rarely see passengers using Digital ID and that many travelers are still unaware of the option. Apple states that the feature is accepted at more than 250 airports, but availability varies by checkpoint and equipment, and it is limited to domestic flights.
Beyond the airport
Retailers and restaurants have been slower to adopt the technology. In grocery stores, convenience shops, and bars, staff still request a physical driver’s license to verify age or identity. The digital credential does not currently replace a physical ID for alcohol purchases or other age‑restricted transactions.
Security and privacy considerations
Apple emphasizes that Digital ID offers privacy advantages. The encrypted data resides only on the iPhone, and Face ID or Touch ID must be used before any information is shared. Users also see exactly what data the TSA request includes before approving it. However, the digital ID does not substitute for a passport on international trips, and loss of the phone could still pose challenges if biometric authentication fails.
Practical advice for travelers
While Apple Digital ID can streamline the security line when it works, it is not yet reliable enough to abandon a physical driver’s license or passport. Travelers should keep their traditional ID as a backup, especially when flying from airports where the feature is untested or unsupported.
Overall, Apple’s Digital ID is a promising step toward a paper‑less travel experience, but broader adoption by TSA checkpoints and retail establishments is still needed before the old‑fashioned wallet becomes obsolete.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
