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Soon Apple Wallet can store your passport — but you’ll still need the original

By Mark Reif Published June 13, 2025

U.S. Passport photo — Blake Guidry via Unsplash / Unsplash

A U.S. passport is your key to discovering the world. Up to now, passport books and cards have been the norm, but soon, you can store a digital copy on your iPhone. When iOS 26 debuts this fall, Apple Wallet will let you store a digital copy of your passport. However, it can only be used for one type of travel.

How you can use your Apple Wallet U.S. Passport

According to Travel + Leisure, the TSA will accept an Apple Wallet-stored passport as a substitute for a physical ID, and only for domestic travel. That may help streamline travel within the U.S., but travelers will still need a physical passport for international trips. Apple first announced the feature on June 9 at the Worldwide Developers Conference.

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On its website, Apple says: “Digital ID offers a secure and private new way for users to store and present their ID information using their iPhone and Apple Watch. Users can seamlessly create and add a Digital ID to Apple Wallet using a U.S. passport.”

“With REAL ID implementation in effect, at launch, Digital ID provides another way for users to conveniently and securely present an ID in person at select TSA checkpoints for identity verification purposes during domestic travel.”

“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. Like all IDs in Apple Wallet, this new solution takes advantage of the privacy and security features already built into iPhone and Apple Watch.”

Mark Reif has a passion for the outdoors and travel, and telling the stories of his experiences. He’s a lifelong…

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