Apple Says a Digital Version of Your Passport Is Coming Soon to iPhones
Apple will soon allow iPhone owners to add digital versions of their U.S. passports to their phones, Jennifer Bailey, vice president of Apple Pay and Wallet, said Sunday.
The digital document will be REAL ID compliant, but you will still need a physical U.S. passport to travel abroad or cross the U.S. land borders with Canada and Mexico.
Apple wants to expand how users can use its online wallet feature for identification purposes. You can already use a digital ID for your driver’s license in some states, and Bailey said Apple wants people to use Wallet for concert tickets, student IDs, house keys, car keys and more.
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Not for international travel
When the feature becomes available, iPhone users will be able to scan their physical U.S. passport to add it to the Wallet app, creating a REAL ID-compliant digital ID. When flying domestically, travelers can show this digital version from their iPhone or Apple Watch, instead of using their physical passport, at participating TSA checkpoints. A REAL ID is required for travel within the United States and to U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico.
However, travelers will not be able to use their digital ID to travel abroad, not even to Mexico or Canada. When crossing borders, you will still need your physical US passport to enter and exit the country.
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Convenience…and risk
While relying on Apple Wallet can be convenient, there are risks, according to the Identity Management Institute, a global identity and access management organization. Possible dangers of digital ID wallets include security breaches, identity theft, and data privacy issues. Losing your device is another major risk.
The organization said people using digital ID wallets should take several precautions, which are good tips for any online activity.
- Use strong, unique passwords or PINs.
- Enable two-factor authentication.
- Keep devices and software up to date.
- Be careful about where you transact digitally. Verify that you are shopping or using your digital ID on legitimate sites.
