Own an iPhone? Apple says you can forget your passport when travelling domestically in the US

Apple has launched Digital ID, a new way for users to show their identity information at checkpoints.

The new Apple Wallet add-on is now available in beta. Users can create a Digital ID by using information from their US passport.

The Digital ID will be accepted for identity verification at more than 250 airports in the US for domestic travel and can be displayed on an iPhone or Apple Watch at a TSA checkpoint.

The company notes that this type of identification doesn’t replace a physical passport and thus can’t be used for international travel.

How to add a Digital ID to Apple Wallet?

Users with a US passport can add their information to Apple Wallet by clicking on the Add button at the top of the screen. This is where they’ll be asked to select a driver’s license or ID card. Once they select Digital ID, they’ll be shown further instructions on how to complete the setup of their Digital ID.

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The process also includes the user scanning their physical passport and reading the chip embedded at the back of the passport to verify the document's authenticity. The user will also have to provide their selfie and “a series of facial and head movements.”

Once the setup is done, the user’s Digital ID will be added to their Wallet.

Where can Apple’s Digital ID be used?

Users can display their Digital ID by accessing the Apple Wallet and selecting "Digital ID," which can then be shown to an identity reader.

The company states that in the future, this type of identification can be used at “select businesses and organizations” for identity and age verification in person, in applications, and online.

Apple has been expanding the use of its Wallet, having previously added the ability to add a driver’s license and state ID to 12 states.

How safe is Apple Digital ID?

According to the company, Apple Wallet’s Digital ID information is encrypted, with passport data stored locally on the device.

Apple also can’t see or track when and where the user used their ID and what kind of information was shown.

To access the Digital ID, biometric authentication is used to make sure that only the owner of the Digital ID can use it.

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