Traveling through U.S. airports could soon get a lot smoother. Apple says an upcoming Apple Wallet feature will let users create a digital ID using their U.S. passport, which can be presented at select TSA checkpoints for domestic flights. The capability was previewed as part of the iOS 26 rollout but is slated to arrive in a future software update.
This move builds on Apple Wallet’s evolution beyond payments and tickets into a secure hub for digital identity. Government ID support in Wallet is already available in 12 states and Puerto Rico, covering roughly a third of U.S. license holders. While the new passport-linked Digital ID won’t replace a physical passport, it’s designed to speed you through airport security alongside existing digital boarding passes.
The timing matters. With Real ID rules beginning enforcement in May, many state-issued IDs no longer meet TSA requirements on their own. A digital ID associated with a passport could help travelers clear checkpoints more efficiently where supported.
The forthcoming feature was announced by Jennifer Bailey, VP of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, during the Money 20/20 USA conference. She also highlighted how widely Apple Wallet is used today:
– Apple Pay is live in 89 markets, supported by more than 11,000 banks and networks, including 15 domestic networks.
– In the U.S., 90% of retailers now accept Apple Pay, up from just 3% at launch 11 years ago.
– Wallet has expanded into non-payment essentials: transit passes, car keys, hotel keys, and more.
– Transit support spans 250+ regions and 800 cities worldwide.
– Over 2 million hotel room keys have been provisioned in Wallet, covering more than 65,000 hotel rooms.
– Car Key now works with 29 manufacturers and over 300 vehicle models.
What this means for travelers is simple: Apple Wallet is becoming a one-stop, travel-ready companion. Keep an eye out for the software update that enables passport-based Digital IDs, and be ready to use it at participating TSA checkpoints for faster, more convenient domestic travel.
