Apple Wallet Expands: Digital IDs and Passports Coming Soon

Streamlining Security and Convenience for iPhone Users

Apple Wallet is transforming how we manage identification. Soon, you’ll be able to use your iPhone to store not just driver’s licenses, but also digital passports, simplifying travel and everyday verification. This expands the utility of your mobile device, promising a new era of convenient digital credentials.

Digital Driver’s Licenses Expand

Currently, a select number of states permit the use of digital driver’s licenses within Apple Wallet. This allows users to navigate TSA checkpoints using their iPhones, leading to a quicker security experience. Users in supporting regions can add their driver’s license to Apple Wallet following simple steps.

To add your ID, open Apple Wallet, tap the “Add” button, then select “Driver’s License or ID.” After choosing your location, follow the prompts to scan your ID and verify your identity. The process requires a selfie for confirmation.

States Supporting Digital IDs

Only a handful of states currently support digital IDs via Apple Wallet. Each state’s implementation of Mobile Driver’s License systems influences this. States such as Arizona, California, and Colorado currently offer this functionality. Other states are expected to join the list, expanding availability.

iOS 26: Digital Passports and More

Coming later this year with iOS 26, Apple Wallet will include digital passport integration. This feature will enable iPhone users to create a digital version of their passport for domestic travel identity verification. Though not replacing physical passports for international travel, it should streamline security at numerous TSA checkpoints.

Apple indicated that the digital ID from your passport will work “in apps and in person,” although specifics remain limited. This move mirrors what’s available on Android through Google Wallet.

Streamlining Age Verification

iOS 26 also introduces an easier method for age verification through your digital ID. This feature, “Verify with Wallet,” will simplify transactions like alcohol purchases. For example, when ordering wine via delivery services like Uber Eats, the driver can verify your age using your stored digital ID, streamlining the process. Supported platforms include Chime, Turo, Uber Eats, and U.S. Bank.

The increasing adoption of digital IDs reflects a broader trend toward mobile identity verification. According to a recent report, over 70% of U.S. adults now use mobile devices for banking and financial transactions, reflecting the growing comfort and convenience of digital services (Statista 2024).

How to Add Your ID

If you upgrade iPhones, transferring your ID is simple. During initial setup, tap “Wallet,” select your ID, and follow the steps to move your license to your new device.

The Future of Digital IDs

The expansion of digital IDs within Apple Wallet signals a major shift in how we handle identification. As more states and services adopt these technologies, users can anticipate increasingly streamlined and secure experiences, moving towards a future where physical wallets become less essential.