Apple Launches Digital ID

Apple on Wednesday announced the launch of its digital ID, advertising it as a way to “present an ID in Apple Wallet.”

“Digital ID offers a secure and private way for users to create an ID in Apple Wallet using information from their U.S. passport, and present their ID with iPhone or Apple Watch,” Apple stated in a release.

“The launch follows the capability for users to add an eligible driver’s license and state ID to Apple Wallet. If users do not have a U.S. passport to create their Digital ID, they can still add an eligible driver’s license to Apple Wallet,” it continued.

“With the launch of Digital ID, we’re excited to expand the ways users can store and present their identity — all with the security and privacy built into iPhone and Apple Watch,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.

“Since introducing the ability to add a driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet in 2022, we’ve seen how much users love having their ID right on their devices. Digital IDs brings this secure and convenient option to even more users across the country, as they can now add an ID to Wallet using information from their U.S. passport,” Bailey added.

Apple launches Digital ID in the U.S., letting users add IDs like a passport to Apple Wallet and use them at TSA checkpoints in 250+ airports for domestic travel. pic.twitter.com/UVv2yAtk0G

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) November 12, 2025

A closer look:

* Image from Apple *

More from Apple:

Apple today announced the launch of Digital ID, a new way for users to create an ID in Apple Wallet using information from their U.S. passport, and present it with the security and privacy of iPhone or Apple Watch. At launch, Digital ID acceptance will roll out first in beta at TSA checkpoints at more than 250 airports in the U.S. for in-person identity verification during domestic travel, with additional Digital ID acceptance use cases to come in the future.

Digital ID gives more people a way to create and present an ID in Apple Wallet even if they do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID. Digital ID is not a replacement for a physical passport, and cannot be used for international travel and border crossing in lieu of a U.S. passport.

Many social media users said Apple’s Digital ID should be avoided at all costs.

Apple launches Digital ID in the United States

There’s only one response to this, “F*ck no”

Do not use this. Don’t let anyone you know use this. The more traction this gets, the more easily it will be adopted by banks and the government https://t.co/SIJTnQQ2SU

— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) November 12, 2025

Apple introduce their new Digital ID”

This is the Biggest Tech Firm in the US introducing a Digital ID – so many Phones & iPads

It’s becoming clear that America is about to embrace/have forced on them Digital ID.

Resist it – it’s the last bastion of freedom. pic.twitter.com/lgxVgRmSy0

— Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) November 13, 2025

Well, Apple just rolled out “Digital ID.” The surrender of privacy is about to hit warp speed. This is step one of your digital leash, gift-wrapped as convenience.

Once it’s “normalized,” it’s irreversible.
Then it’s “optional.” Until it’s not. pic.twitter.com/HUKsG0SsEX

— Jason Bassler (@JasonBassler1) November 13, 2025

Umm… no thanks.

Apple officially announced and launched the Digital ID feature today enabling U.S. users to add a digital version of their passport to Apple Wallet at select TSA checkpoints in over 250 U.S. airports.

Drop a for digital ID. pic.twitter.com/nrLjzpCX0W

— MJTruthUltra (@MJTruthUltra) November 12, 2025

Here’s a visual of how the Digital ID will work:

JUST IN: Apple Unveils Digital ID – Your Identity Now Lives Inside Your Phone as Wallets Turn Into Surveillance Tools pic.twitter.com/AgApKc7IEe

— MAGAgeddon (@MAGAgeddon) November 12, 2025

Axios noted:

Setting it up requires an iPhone 11 or later or Apple Watch Series 6 or later, the latest software, Face ID or Touch ID, an unexpired U.S. passport and two-factor authentication on an Apple Account, Apple explains.

In the Wallet app, users add a Digital ID by scanning their passport’s photo page and embedded chip, then verifying with a live selfie and head movements.

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Once approved the ID appears in Wallet and can also be synced to an Apple Watch.

At checkpoints, travelers double-click the side button, select their Digital ID, and hold the top of the iPhone or the face of the Apple Watch near a TSA identity reader.

A prompt shows what information will be shared, and travelers confirm using Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode. A checkmark appears when verified; TSA agents don’t need to handle the device.