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Digital Passport in Apple/Google Wallet is now available

I just got an email telling me that I can now add my passport to Apple Wallet. I happened to have it handy so I went through the process and it's pretty simple.

You first scan the photo page and then once it reads that, you have to go to the last page where the chip is and lay it there so that it recognizes that. Then it takes you through a number of facial poses. At the end it tells you you're done but it still has to be verified. I believe this is also available for Google Wallet and I'm assuming that the process is about the same.

Just remember that you cannot use it at this time for overseas travel; only for domestic. But if you don't have a real ID yet, you can use it for that. Here is the caveat:

To create a Digital ID in wallet you must have an authentic and unexpired U.S. passport and an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26.1 or later, or Apple Watch Series 6 or later with WatchOS 26.1 or later. Digital ID in Wallet can only be used at select TSA checkpoints in the U.S. to verify identity for domestic travel. It is not a replacement for a physical passport and cannot be used to perform functions of a passport like international travel and border crossing. You will still need an authentic and unexpired physical U.S. passport for such functions.

UPDATE: Just an FYI, it took about 5 minutes for it to verify my passport and it's now on my phone and my Apple watch. Also, I just noticed that it does not have my last name on there. It has my first and middle name but only the initial of my last name. I am assuming this is for privacy and security reasons.

Posted by
5818 posts

Oh interesting! I will have to try it later today! I found it under the Plus sign / Drivers License and ID Cards / Digital ID.

I keep it on my phone, but this would be easier, I think. Thank you!

Posted by
9035 posts

I've had my passport in Google wallet for most of a year. I think it is a good idea, just not really sure if or when it would ever be of use. I always have my Real ID or passport on me, I suppose if I am traveling domestically and lose my wallet, I have a back-up.

Posted by
3658 posts

I read about this yesterday and am planning to add it this weekend.

Posted by
10958 posts

Paul, it's always easier for me to show my phone than to have to dig in my bag and find my driver's license or passport. That's why I love having it in my digital Wallet. I plan on using it at MSP in January when I head down to Florida!

Posted by
3466 posts

Thanks Mardee! I need to renew my passport, then will add it to Apple Wallet.
Bookmarking your post so I remember how to add.
Kathy

Posted by
10958 posts

Kathy, once you start the process, Apple gives pretty explicit instructions. I found it pretty easy, although I was a little thrown by the mandates to close my eyes, smile and look down, lol! That was during the photo recognition part of it. 😂

Posted by
5818 posts

I mainly often need my passport number (which I don’t have memorized and don’t want to mess up on). I think it will be an easier way to access that.

I also use my passport for domestic flying - will be interested to hear about the process, Mardee.

Posted by
10958 posts

I will post an update here and let you know, TTM.

And that's a good point about being able to easily access the number. I just checked and to get there, you just click on the card, then click on the "i" for information in the top right-hand corner, and then click on "Physical Passport Information." It will then give you all the details on your passport (although you do have to use Face ID to get to that point).

Posted by
18303 posts

Accessing the ID information in Google Wallet is a little different.

To set up your Passport as ID you must have a four digit pin to unlock the phone. You will use this to access the ID information.

First click on the three dots in the upper right hand corner, then click on "ID pass info," enter your pin.....et voila......your information.

Posted by
16406 posts

although I was a little thrown by the mandates to close my eyes, smile and look down, lol! That was during the photo recognition part of it. 😂

Oh no. Does it try to correlate your actual face with your passport picture? If so I need to try to add it looking like I’ve been pulled through a knothole backwards!

Thanks for the info!

Posted by
10958 posts

Frank, good to know—thanks! I would imagine that Apple Wallet also has a pin option. Mine is just automatically set up to use Face ID so that's what I went with.

Oh no. Does it try to correlate your actual face with your passport picture? If so I need to try to add it looking like I’ve been pulled through a knothole backwards!

Hahahahaha!!! I know what you mean, Pam!