Apple aficionados are now able to use paperless proof of ID for domestic US flights, thanks to a new feature to be rolled out by the US tech giant, announced on 9 June 2025. The digital ID can be created in Apple Wallet from this autumn, following the launch of the new iPhone operating system.
The United States Transportation Security Administration will accept the Apple ID for boarding internal US flights only, so passengers journeying internationally will still need to present physical passport documentation.
Even domestic flyers hoping to use the product should double check that it functions properly with their device before relying on it. Generally, the service demands an iPhone 8 or higher, equipped with iOS 16.5 or later. In California, the ID will only work on iPhone XS or later, with iOS 17.5 or beyond. The same goes for Puerto Rico, where in addition, users will requires iOS 18.1 at least.
US Passport 🇺🇸 in Apple Wallet! iOS 26 with Digital ID where you can use it for name & age verification for domestic travel and more . at WWDC #WWDC2025 #WWDC25 pic.twitter.com/2zqHaTC7Kl
— Shervin Shares (@ShervinShares) June 9, 2025
Apple explains how the system will work on its website, pointing out the steps users will have to follow. “When you use your license or ID at a TSA checkpoint, you need to authenticate with the Face ID or Touch ID associated with your license or ID before your phone presents your information to the identity reader.”
It goes on: “Depending on where you present your license or ID, there might be additional requirements. For example, when you present your license or ID to the TSA, their identity reader captures your image for comparison with the image presented from your license or ID in Apple Wallet.”
US rules on travel ID are changing fast. Recent developments include new, so-called Real ID regulations that came into force in early May 2025. As a result, taking a domestic flight involves possession of standardised state-issue IDs and driving licenses if would-be passengers are expecting to use those to get airside. Passports are also an acceptable form of identification on domestic journeys.
Other changes on their way include updates to Apple’s digital boarding pass apps, which have been in existence for some time but are set to gain terminal mapping assistance. The “Find My” luggage tracking feature will also allow users to see how any AirTagged items of luggage are progressing as they make their way through airport conveyor belts and security points.
Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet are also widely accepted but the TSA notes on its website that “Travelers should always carry a physical and acceptable form of ID.”
