Apple to Add US Passport & Digital IDs to Wallet - Coming Soon!

Apple to Launch Digital ID Feature in Wallet

Apple has announced an upcoming enhancement to its Apple Wallet, enabling U.S. users to generate a digital identification card utilizing their passport.

This digital ID will be accepted at designated TSA checkpoints for streamlined domestic travel.

Expanding Wallet Functionality

Initially revealed alongside the iOS 26 release, this feature signifies Apple’s broadening vision for Wallet.

It’s evolving beyond a simple payment and ticketing system to become a secure repository for a user’s digital identity.

Current Government ID Support

Currently, Apple Wallet supports government-issued IDs in 12 states and Puerto Rico.

This coverage extends to approximately one-third of all U.S. driver’s license holders.

However, the passport-based Digital ID functionality was not immediately available with the initial iOS 26 launch.

Apple indicated its arrival would follow in a subsequent software update.

Streamlining Travel with Digital IDs

These new digital IDs will not supersede the necessity of a physical U.S. passport for travel.

However, they are intended to expedite the passage of travelers through TSA checkpoints, complementing Wallet’s existing digital boarding pass capabilities.

Addressing Real ID Requirements

The timing of this launch is particularly relevant given the recent enforcement of Real ID regulations, which began in May.

These regulations have rendered many existing state-issued IDs insufficient for use at TSA checkpoints.

Announcement at Money 20/20 USA

The impending release of passport-linked Digital IDs was formally announced on Sunday by Jennifer Bailey, Vice President of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.

The announcement took place at the Money 20/20 USA conference, where Bailey also shared additional data regarding Wallet’s growing adoption rates.

Apple Pay Global Reach and Adoption

Apple Pay is now operational in 89 countries worldwide.

It is supported by over 11,000 banks and financial networks, including 15 domestic networks.

Furthermore, 90% of retailers in the U.S. now accept Apple Pay, a significant increase from the 3% acceptance rate at its launch 11 years ago.

Beyond Payments: Expanding Wallet Features

Bailey also highlighted the expanding range of non-payment functionalities within the Wallet application.

These include the ability to store digital car keys, transit passes, and hotel room keys.

Transit options are available in more than 250 regions and 800 cities globally.

Over 2 million hotel room keys have been provisioned, supporting access to more than 65,000 hotel rooms.

Additionally, 29 car manufacturers and over 300 vehicle models currently support Car Key functionality within Wallet.