What the Tech: Adding your Real ID digitally to your phone
BY JAMEY TUCKER, Consumer Tech Reporter
For years, travelers have heard the same message: make sure you have a REAL ID before heading to the airport. Now Apple may have found a way around that concern.
With the latest version of Apple Wallet, iPhone users can create a Digital ID using their U.S. passport and store it securely on their phone. In many airports, that digital ID can already be used at TSA security checkpoints.
If you’ve ever wished you could leave your wallet in your pocket and breeze through airport security with your phone, that’s exactly where this technology is headed.
How Apple Digital ID Works
Setting up a Digital ID is surprisingly simple. Open Apple Wallet and tap the plus sign. Choose Digital ID and select U.S. Passport. The iPhone will guide you through scanning the photo page of your passport. You’ll then tap
your phone against the passport’s embedded chip and record a brief video selfie to verify your identity.
Once the process is complete, the information is encrypted and stored securely on your device. Apple says the Digital ID remains protected by Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode, meaning someone who picks up your phone cannot simply access your identification information.
Can You Use It at the Airport?
In many cases, yes. Digital ID is already accepted at TSA checkpoints in hundreds of airports across the United States. Instead of pulling out your driver’s license or passport, you can present your Digital ID directly from Apple Wallet.
Because the credential is based on your U.S. passport, it meets federal identification requirements anywhere a REAL ID is accepted. That could be welcome news for travelers who have delayed updating their driver’s license or
simply want another convenient option when flying.
This Is About More Than Airports
Airport security may be the first major use case, but Apple clearly has bigger plans. The company has already begun using Digital ID for age verification within some Apple services. Rather than sharing a copy of your driver’s license, your device can simply confirm that you are old enough to access a service.
Think about what that could mean in the future. Signing up for a dating app. Ordering alcohol for delivery. Accessing age restricted websites or services.
Instead of handing over personal information like your address, birth date, or driver’s license number, your phone could verify only the information that’s required, such as whether you’re over 21.
Is It Safe?
Many people are understandably cautious about putting identification documents on their phones. But in some ways, a digital ID may actually be safer than carrying a physical passport. If someone finds your passport, they can immediately see your name, date of birth, passport number, and other personal information.
A Digital ID keeps that information encrypted and protected behind your phone’s security features. The data stays on your device and can only be accessed with your approval.
One Important Limitation
Before you leave your passport at home, there’s something important to know.
Not every TSA checkpoint has the equipment needed to accept Digital IDs yet. While support is expanding, it’s not available everywhere. For now, it’s still a good idea to carry your physical passport or another accepted form of
identification when you travel.
Digital ID may be the future of identification, but we’re not quite at the point where you can completely leave your traditional ID behind.
