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Apple Wallet Digital ID: How to Add Your Passport (And What Indiana Travelers Need to Know)

Updated: Feb 19

images of how to add passport and driver's license to apple wallet

Apple Wallet isn’t just for boarding passes and credit cards anymore. With Digital ID, you can securely store identity credentials on your iPhone — and even present them at select TSA checkpoints for domestic travel.


If you live in Indiana, here’s the important update:

Indiana does NOT currently support adding an Indiana driver’s license to Apple Wallet.


However, Indiana residents can create a Digital ID using an unexpired U.S. passport and use it at select TSA checkpoints, in supported apps, and online.

Here’s everything you need to know — step by step.


What Is Digital ID in Apple Wallet?


Digital ID allows you to securely store identity information derived from your U.S. passport inside Apple Wallet.


You can use it to:

✔ Present ID at select TSA checkpoints for domestic flights

✔ Verify your identity in supported apps

✔ Verify identity online in Safari

✔ Share only the required information — nothing extra


Your Digital ID is encrypted, protected by Face ID or Touch ID, and Apple cannot see when or where you use it.


Important: Digital ID is NOT a replacement for your physical passport and cannot be used for international travel or border crossings.


Some States Can Add Their Driver’s License


Several states currently allow residents to add their driver’s license or state ID directly to Apple Wallet.


As of now, those states and territories include Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia.


Indiana is not on this list yet.


If Indiana becomes supported in the future, residents would be able to add their license directly through the Wallet app in a similar way.


What You Need to Create a Digital ID (Passport Version)


Before starting, make sure you have:

  • iPhone 11 or later (or Apple Watch Series 6 or later)

  • The latest version of iOS or watchOS

  • Face ID or Touch ID enabled

  • Bluetooth turned on

  • An Apple Account with two-factor authentication turned on

  • An unexpired U.S. passport

  • Your device region set to United States


You can only create a Digital ID on one Apple Account at a time.


Step-by-Step: How to Add Your Passport to Apple Wallet


Step 1: Open Wallet

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.


Step 2: Tap the Plus Sign

Tap the “+” (Add Card) button in the top corner.


Step 3: Select ID Option

Tap Driver’s License or ID Cards.


Step 4: Tap Digital ID

Select Digital ID (this is where passport-based ID is created).


Step 5: Choose Device Placement

Choose whether to add it to your iPhone only or to both your iPhone and paired Apple Watch.


Step 6: Scan Your Passport

Follow the on-screen instructions to scan the machine-readable portion of your passport photo page. Use good lighting, a simple background, and make sure the image is clear and in focus.


Step 7: Read the Passport Chip

Place your iPhone on the passport chip as directed on-screen.


Step 8: Take a Live Photo

You’ll be prompted to take a Live Photo for identity verification.


Step 9: Authenticate & Submit

Use Face ID or Touch ID to authenticate and submit your information.

Once approved, your Digital ID will appear in your Wallet.


How to Add It to Apple Watch Later


If you didn’t add it during setup:

  1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.

  2. Tap My Watch.

  3. Tap Wallet & Apple Pay.

  4. Find Digital ID under “Other Cards on Your Phone.”

  5. Tap Add and follow the prompts.


Step-by-Step: How to Use Your Digital ID

At TSA Checkpoints (Domestic Flights Only)


  1. Double-click the side button (Face ID iPhone) or Home button (Touch ID iPhone).

  2. Tap your Digital ID.

  3. Hold the top of your iPhone (or Apple Watch display) near the identity reader.

  4. Review what information will be shared.

  5. Provide consent by double-clicking the side button (Face ID), holding your finger on the Home button (Touch ID), or double-clicking the side button on Apple Watch.


When successful, you’ll see a checkmark and “Done.”


Always confirm your airport supports Digital ID at the checkpoint.


In Apps


  1. Tap Verify with Apple Wallet.

  2. Review the requested information.

  3. Authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID.

  4. Approve sharing.


Online (Safari)


  1. Tap Verify Identity.

  2. Review what will be shared.

  3. Authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID.

On Mac or iPad, verification will appear on your nearby iPhone signed into the same Apple Account.


Privacy & Security


Digital ID is encrypted and stored securely on your device. Biometric authentication is required, Apple cannot track usage, and you control exactly what information is shared.


Final Thoughts for Indiana Travelers


While Indiana is not yet supporting driver’s licenses in Apple Wallet, the passport-based Digital ID is a great option for frequent domestic travelers.


As travel becomes more seamless and digital, tools like this make the airport experience smoother — and anything that simplifies security lines is a win.


If you have upcoming travel and want to make sure you’re fully prepared, I’m always here to help.


Nikol Allee

Owner, Alleeways Travel

+1 (317)-828-4950



 
 
 

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