From our friends at SF Gate, TSA approves the mobile passport in certain airports. This supplements the mobile ID’s that the TSA started accepting last year. The great thing is that with a mobile ID (either a state drivers’ license or your passport), you can pass through airport security and these id’s are REAL ID compliant!
“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,” Apple said in a statement.
The new feature is eligible at all major California airports, including San Francisco International Airport, Oakland International Airport, San Jose Mineta International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport. However, TSA warns that a traveler should still bring their physical passport or other Real ID document in case it is needed.
Please note the Digital ID presented at TSA checkpoints provide identity verification for domestic travel only. You can not use Digital ID for international travel! For that you will need your physical U.S. Passport.
The new digital passport follows the launch of the mobile driver’s license, which expanded to Google Wallet and Apple Wallet in 2024. Google Wallet has had digital passports available since late 2024.
Our recommendation is to set up your Digital Passport and Mobile ID in case you lose your physical ones. I can attest that if your wallet is stolen while you are traveling, it is a major headache to fly home without your identification.