Apple has now launched Digital ID on iPhone, a new feature that lets users add a US Passport-based ID to their Apple Wallet. It will be available to access via iPhone or Apple Watch. The rollout of this feature will start in beta at US airport TSA checkpoints. The company says that more places will soon accept Digital ID over time.
Apple will let you add your IDs to the iPhone wallet
Apple says that the Digital IDs will serve as another option for people to store their documents on their iPhones. During their recent announcement, the company stated, “Digital ID gives more people a way to create and present an ID in Apple Wallet even if they do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID.”
Jennifer Bailey, the Vice President of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, added, “With the launch of Digital ID, we’re excited to expand the ways users can store and present their identity — all with the security and privacy built into iPhone and Apple Watch.” (via Apple)
Adding these Digital IDs to an iPhone is a simple procedure. The user will have to open their Apple Wallet on iPhone and then tap the Add button. They can choose from a Driver’s License or ID Card, and then select Digital ID. It will require further authentication, and once done, the Digital ID will be stored and added to the iPhone’s Wallet.
As of right now, the feature has just launched and is currently in a limited beta at TSA checkpoints. It is being tested at more than 250 US airports for joint person ID checks on domestic flights. Apple has made it clear that Digital ID on iPhone is “not a replacement for a physical passport” and can not be used for international travel or border crossings. The company also notes that people who don’t have a US passport can still add an eligible driver’s license to their Wallet, where that option is supported.
In order to show the ID at a checkpoint, the device can be held near an identity reader. The user must use Face ID or Touch ID to authorise sharing. Apple says that there is no need to hand over the phone or unlock it.
Originally reported by Preksha Sharma on Mandatory.
