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Traveling Soon? You Can Now Use Your iPhone as Your Real ID—Here’s How to Add Your Info

If you’re a frequent flier, you probably know how useful your phone can be while traveling. It gives you instant access to your tickets, provides real-time notifications about changes and disruptions to your travel plans and lets you pay for things on the go with just a swipe. And thanks to Apple’s new Digital ID, you can now use your phone’s digital wallet to store your identifying travel documents too.

This is particularly useful for the jet-setting crowd, especially if you haven’t had a chance to make it to the DMV to get your Real ID yet. With Digital ID, you can store your passport in your iPhone’s digital wallet, allowing you to travel freely and in full compliance with the new Real ID requirements for flying in the U.S.

So what, exactly, is Digital ID—and how can it make travel more convenient? Ahead, we’re laying out all the details, including how you can get it, where you can (and can’t) use it and what you need to know before you fly.

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What is a Real ID?

Real ID has been in the works for decades, but it’s been mired in delays and has only recently been fully rolled out. The Real ID Act is a federal law, passed in 2005, that established a set of security standards for state-issued identification, including driver’s licenses. State-issued ID cards must meet these security standards to be accepted for things like air travel and entry into some federal government buildings.

The initial Real ID rollout date was set for 2008, but the government postponed it several times. Finally, the Real ID requirements went into effect in the spring of 2025. That means travelers need a Real ID–compliant identification to board domestic flights in the U.S.

Never quite made it to the DMV for your new ID? You’re not alone. Until you update your driver’s license (or other state-issued identification) to comply with Real ID requirements, you can use a U.S. passport when traveling. This is where Apple’s Digital ID feature can be useful.

Is the Digital ID feature on iPhones new?

The ability to upload your ID to your iPhone isn’t new. Apple Wallet has supported certain state-issued identification documents, such as driver’s licenses, since 2022. Not all states participate in this, though the list (which you can view on the TSA’s site) is growing.

Digital ID, launched in November 2025, expands on this a bit. Now, iPhone users can upload a U.S. passport to their Apple Wallet and present it at TSA security checkpoints in lieu of a Real ID. This is a boon for travelers who don’t yet have a Real ID–compliant driver’s license and for people whose state IDs aren’t yet compatible with Apple Wallet.

What documentation do you need in order to access this feature?

To use the new Digital ID feature, you’ll need a valid, unexpired U.S. passport. For the initial upload to your Apple Wallet, you’ll need to use a physical passport.

If you’re uploading your driver’s license to Apple Wallet, all that’s required is a state-issued identification (most likely your driver’s license, if you have one) from a participating state. You’ll scan the front and back of your license and take a selfie for authentication.

How do you add a Digital ID to Apple Wallet?

Setting up a Digital ID is pretty simple and involves scanning your passport’s photo page and biometric NFC chip, then verifying your identity with a selfie and a series of head movements. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open Apple Wallet on your iPhone.
  2. Tap the plus sign at the top of the screen.
  3. Tap “Digital ID.”
  4. Select “Add to iPhone and Apple Watch” or “Add to iPhone Only.”
  5. Scan the photo page of your passport.
  6. Place your iPhone on your passport NFC chip.
  7. Take a selfie when prompted.
  8. Do a series of movements to confirm your identity.
  9. Submit for verification.

Where can you use your Digital ID to travel?

You can use your Digital ID at more than 250 airports in the United States. As the TSA continues to upgrade its security checkpoints, the number of airports accepting Digital ID should increase in the coming years.

Because it’s not yet available everywhere, you’ll need to do a little planning. If you intend to use your Digital ID for airline travel in the U.S., check the websites of your departure airports and make sure their security checkpoints currently support it. (As of now, the TSA hasn’t released a list of the 250 airports that accept Digital IDs, so airport checks are your best option.)

Where can’t you use Digital ID to travel?

Don’t expect to bring your Digital ID passport on your next globe-trotting adventure—it’s intended only for domestic flights within the United States. It is not an acceptable form of identification for passing through security checkpoints for international flights or border crossings, including when re-entering the U.S. For that, you will still need a physical passport.

Does this mean you can leave your driver’s license or passport at home when you travel?

That’s a negative. Because Digital ID isn’t available at every U.S. airport, both the TSA and Apple recommend that travelers still carry a physical Real ID when traveling (whether it’s a compatible state ID or a valid U.S. passport).

There may come a time in the future when you can fly without carrying any physical documents, but it’s not here just yet, so keep your ID on you just in case. It’s also a good idea to screenshot your travel documents as additional backup.

What are the limitations of using your iPhone as a Digital ID?

Digital ID is no doubt convenient, especially if you don’t have a Real ID yet. (Note to self: Schedule a time to brave the DMV to get one.) However, even at airports that accept Digital ID, there are some limitations to consider when using it for travel.

Your device may not be compatible

Only certain iPhone and Apple Watch models support Digital ID. To upload your passport to your Apple Wallet, you’ll need an iPhone 11 or newer device running iOS 26.1 (which Apple released on Nov. 3, 2025) or an Apple Watch Series 6 or later running watchOS 26.1.

No, this probably won’t be an issue for most users, considering the iPhone 11 is six years old. But it’s something to be aware of.

Your battery could die

A low or dead battery is an ever-present hassle when traveling, but it can go from a minor annoyance to a serious problem quickly if you’re relying on your phone for your travel documents. This is another reason why you should always carry a physical copy of your necessary documents when flying. (And don’t forget that travel charger!)

Your phone might get lost or stolen

When you’re traveling, loss and theft are ever-present threats. And your iPhone isn’t an exception. That’s another reason to always pack a physical copy of your necessary travel documents (ideally in a spot where they’re unlikely to disappear with your other things).

It should go without saying, but exercise vigilance when traveling and always keep a close eye on your belongings, especially in busy, crowded places such as transit terminals. Consider using AirTags and setting up features like Find My iPhone to help you locate and recover your stuff in case it does go missing.

You may not be able to scan your passport

Creating a Digital ID in your Apple Wallet requires you to scan your physical passport. If your passport is old and worn out, your phone may have trouble properly scanning the photo page and NFC chip.

Pro tip: Create your Digital ID well before you get to the airport. It’ll give you the necessary time to renew an old, worn-out passport (even if it isn’t expired) before any travels.

You may be concerned about privacy

Apple devices use pretty robust security measures to protect user information, but privacy-conscious travelers may understandably be skeptical about uploading personal documents to their Apple Wallets. Digital ID data is encrypted and stored locally on the device, not in the cloud, so you shouldn’t need to worry about cybercriminals gaining access to your personal information.

Although Apple’s new Digital ID feature isn’t without limitations, it’s a handy way to use your iPhone to make your trip through security checkpoints a little less headache-inducing (at participating airports, at least). This is a particularly handy option for travelers who don’t have a Real ID or whose state IDs aren’t yet compatible with Apple Wallet. Just remember to bring a physical copy of your travel documents (just in case!) and check out these other air-travel trips before heading off on your next adventure.

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Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing, and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

  • Apple: “Apple introduces Digital ID, a new way to create and present an ID in Apple Wallet”
  • Apple: “Use your Digital ID in Apple Wallet”
  • Apple: “Add your ID to Wallet on iPhone”
  • TSA: “Participating States and Eligible Digital IDs”

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