- Apple has unveiled a Digital ID feature as part of its Wallet app
- The tool lets you present passport information at US airports
- It can only be used for domestic flights, not international
Apple just launched Digital ID, which the company describes as “a new way for users to create an ID in Apple Wallet using information from their US passport and present it with the security and privacy of iPhone or Apple Watch.”
But how exactly will this new feature work in the real world? Where can you use it and which places don’t accept it? We’ve delved into the details to find out everything you need to know.
First of all, Digital ID is stored in Apple’s Wallet app, which means you can retrieve it with a quick double-click of the side button on your iPhone. We’ll explain how to create a digital ID shortly, but the process is relatively straightforward.
One of the main intentions of Digital ID is to give you a way to verify your identity at a US airport. Apple says it’s rolling out in beta to over 250 airports in the US, and it lets you quickly prove your identity without having to pull out your passport.
It will also eventually be something you can use for online age verification and ID, although it’s not available yet.
Note that Digital ID will only be valid for domestic flights within the US, not international flights. And while this is a digital identification method that can be used at TSA checkpoints in airports, Apple says it’s not intended to replace your passport. It “cannot be used for international travel and border crossings in lieu of a US passport,” Apple says, so make sure you still have your passport with you if you plan to cross the border.
While it’s limited to air travel for now, Apple says there will be “additional use cases for digital ID acceptance in the future.” Apple’s Wallet app can already store digital copies of your driver’s license and state ID, with Digital ID’s pass features connecting those items on your iPhone.
If you’re concerned about privacy and security, Apple insists that your digital ID is encrypted. Your pass data is stored on your device rather than in the cloud, and Apple “can’t see when and where users present their ID or what data was presented.” Digital ID can be used without having to unlock your iPhone, and you can review all the information displayed to TSA agents before proceeding. Everything is also secured with Face ID or Touch ID.
How to create and use a digital ID
To get started and add your digital ID to your iPhone, open the Wallet app and tap the + button at the top of the screen. Select either Driving license or ID card, then select Digital ID and follow the on-screen instructions.
Then, using your iPhone’s camera, scan the photo side of your passport and the chip embedded on the back. Then take a selfie for confirmation. Once that’s complete, you’ll be prompted to “perform a series of facial and head movements,” somewhat like those required when setting up Face ID on your iPhone. Once you complete this step, your digital ID will be added to your wallet.
When you go to use it, simply double-click your iPhone’s side button to bring up the Wallet app, select the digital ID, show it to the TSA officer or ID reader, then use Face ID or Touch ID to verify.
Apple adds that “In the future, users will be able to present their Digital ID at additional select businesses and organizations for identity and age verification in person, in apps and online,” though it’s not available yet.
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