Apple unveils ‘Digital IDs’ for seamless travel: How they work

Apple has launched Digital IDs, a new way for iOS users to store a digital version of their government-issued identity verification in Apple Wallet in an attempt to make domestic travel a little more manageable.

Primarily, the new development is designed to streamline the process of traveling, and these IDs can be employed for in-person identity verification at more than 250 airports globally.

The rollout is just available for Apple users, and it marks the first time information contained in a passport can be used to refer to an ID in Apple Wallet.

Apple Vice’s President, Jennifer Bailey was of the view that Digital IDs are the most secure and convenient option to more users across the country, and users can now add an ID to Wallet using information about their U.S. passport.

It is advised that travelers can still carry a physical form of ID with them.

Users can add Digital ID to their Apple Wallet as follows:

• An iPhone 11 or an Apple Watch Series 6 later.
• The latest version of iOS or watchOS installed.
• Face ID with Bluetooth turned on.
• Apple Account with two-factor authentication enabled.
• An unexpired U.S. passport.
• A U.S. based Apple device.
• Open the Apple Wallet
• Tap the add (+) button located at the top of the screen.
• Select the driver’s license or government-issued ID card option.
• Upload scans of a valid U.S. passport.
• Complete a series of facial and head movements.
• Digital ID will be added to Apple Wallet upon verification.

The new feature is more secure identification, required to comply with specific prompts, including using their iPhones to scan the embedded chip in the back of their passports to verify the data’s authenticity.

Nonetheless, the evolution prompted a secure and encrypted digital credential, positioning the iPhone not just as a wallet, but as the ultimate proof to their identity.