Thursday, November 27, 2025

How to Add Your Passport to Apple Wallet and Speed Through Travel

How to Add Your Passport to Apple Wallet and Speed Through Travel

You can now store your passport digitally in Apple Wallet if you live in a supported region. This guide shows you how to set it up and use it for faster, smoother identity checks.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor
November 27, 2025


iOS 26
Think about the last time you stood in a long airport line while shuffling for your passport. 

Imagine presenting a secure digital version from your iPhone with a quick tap. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Add your US Passport to your Apple Wallet.

Apple has begun activating official digital passports inside Apple Wallet for supported regions, and the experience changes how you move through airports, secure buildings, and border control kiosks. 

It feels natural and saves real time.

Add Your Passport to Apple Wallet

Feature Explanation

Apple’s digital passport feature lets you store a verified, government-issued digital replica of your physical passport inside Apple Wallet. 

Your iPhone uses secure hardware-backed identity storage that keeps your passport encrypted and available only after Face ID or Touch ID verification.

The digital passport is not a simple photo. 

It is a cryptographically signed identity credential issued by your government. 

Airports and participating agencies can read it with NFC or through secure on-device verification prompts. 

Apple designed the system so you keep control of when and where the passport is shared. Even the agency requesting verification only receives what is required for that transaction.

What You’ll Gain
  • Faster Identity Checks.
  • Less Time Handling Physical Documents.
  • Reduced Wear on Your Passport Book.
  • Strong Biometric Protection.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

iOS

Create a Digital ID
  1. Ensure you have the latest iOS version, at least iOS 26.1
  2. On your iPhone, open the Wallet app.
  3. Tap the Add Card button.
  4. Tap Driver's License or ID Cards then tap Digital ID.
  5. Choose to add your Digital ID to only your iPhone or to both your iPhone and paired Apple Watch.
  6. Scan your passport photo page. 
  7. Read the passport chip by following the on-screen prompt, which will guide you to place your iPhone near the chip (typically located in the data page or cover of your passport).
  8. Take a Live Photo.
  9. Authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID and follow the onscreen instructions to send your information.
Apple Digital ID

fig. 1 - Digital ID in Apple Wallet


Present Your Digital ID at TSA Checkpoints
  1. Double-click the side button or the Home button. 
  2. Tap your Digital ID.
  3. Hold the top of your iPhone near the ID reader.
  4. On the screen of your device, review the information that will be shared.
  5. Confirm your information:
    • Double-click the side button or hold your finger on the Home button; or,
    • On an Apple Watch: double-click the side button.
  6. A checkmark and Done appear on your device.
Note: Your physical US Passport may still be required if needed for additional identity confirmation.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Secure biometric authentication: Face ID verification prevents misuse and lowers risk of unauthorized access.
  • Speed at controlled checkpoints: Shorter lines at supported airports or buildings when digital ID lanes are available.
  • Reduced physical handling: Business travelers who check in frequently face less wear on their physical passport.

Cons
  • Requires government participation: Availability is still limited to certain countries and airports.
  • Not universal for international travel: Some border crossings still require a physical passport.
  • Contingency planning: Battery loss or device failure means you still need your physical passport as backup.

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Feature Access

Digital passports in Apple Wallet are available in select supported regions where governments have partnered with Apple to issue electronic travel credentials. 

Rollout is ongoing based on regional readiness. For the article’s context you confirmed availability for your audience.

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 9
Saves real time at airports in participating regions and reduces passport handling.

Usability 8
Simple setup and easy presentation, though dependent on regional and airport support.

Wow Factor 9
Turning a traditional passport into a secure digital credential feels transformative.

Total: 26/30 🌟 Excellent
A powerful upgrade for travelers in supported regions with a level of convenience similar to digital boarding passes.

Key Takeaways

Digital passports in Apple Wallet give you a secure, fast, and convenient way to verify your identity at supported airports and agencies. 

You keep control of what is shared, and biometrics protect every use. For regions where it is active, this is one of the strongest travel improvements in years.

Cool Tip Snapshot
  • Feature Name: Digital Passport in Apple Wallet
  • Platform(s): iOS (iPhone / Apple Watch)
  • Quick Benefit: Faster, smoother identity checks at participating locations
  • Access Type: Free in supported regions

Try It Yourself

Add your passport to Apple Wallet today and test the streamlined identity check at your next supported airport. 

Then share this Cool Tip with colleagues, family, and friends, and subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter.


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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.



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