Apple's TSA-approved digital ID is now available in five states, with more to follow soon.

The era of searching for your driver's license at security checkpoints is gradually coming to a close.

In 2022, Apple officially introduced digital state IDs within the iPhone Wallet app, starting with Arizona and Maryland.

Since then, the tech giant has expanded this technology to three additional states (Colorado in 2022, Georgia in 2023, and Ohio in 2024) as part of a nationwide rollout. We will outline the details below.

Loyalty 101: Top methods to accumulate airline miles

Adding a digital ID to your iPhone

To incorporate a digital ID into your iPhone, launch the Wallet app and tap the "+" icon in the upper right corner. Then, choose "Driver's License or State ID" and follow the prompts to complete the setup and verification steps.

Verification is managed by each state, and you will likely need to perform a series of facial and head movements during the setup to validate your identity.

After your submission is approved by the state, a digital ID will be generated and saved on your iPhone. You can also sync the ID to your Apple Watch for convenient access while on the move.

Keep in mind that you'll require an iPhone 8 or newer (operating on iOS 16.5 or above) or an Apple Watch Series 4 or newer (running WatchOS 9.5 or later) to add a digital ID to your device.

Your personal details will remain confidential during the setup, and for added security, you won't have the option to take a screenshot of your digital ID.

Utilizing your digital ID at TSA checkpoints

Once your state ID is saved on your iPhone, you can present it at designated Transportation Security Administration checkpoints across the country. (A map of supported screening lanes can be found on the official TSA website.) Here's how it functions.

When you arrive at the front of the security line, you will be prompted to tap your iPhone near the identity reader. Your iPhone will then ask you to perform either a Touch ID or Face ID scan, confirming that you're willing to share your identity information with the TSA.

After you authenticate on your iPhone, the identity reader will capture your photo to ensure it matches the one on your ID. Then, you’ll be ready to go.

You won't need to show or hand your device to the TSA agent—everything is handled digitally and without contact.

Please note that the TSA requires all travelers to carry their physical driver's license, ID card, or another acceptable form of identification (and to have it easily accessible) when going through the airport. A TSA officer may request a physical ID to finalize verification.

State and TSA support

Apple's new digital ID is now available in five states:

• Arizona (since March 23, 2022)
• Maryland (since May 25, 2022)
• Colorado (since Nov. 9, 2022)
• Georgia (since May 18, 2023)
• Ohio (since July 31, 2024)

Select TSA security checkpoints at various airports across the nation are equipped to accept Apple’s digital ID. As more states implement digital IDs, the TSA will introduce compatible identity verification machines at additional airports, the agency recently announced in a statement.

Apple is actively collaborating with other states to roll out this technology. The company has confirmed that the following states and territories will provide digital ID in the upcoming weeks and months:

• Connecticut
• Hawaii
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Mississippi
• Oklahoma
• Puerto Rico
• Utah

We hope this list will grow to encompass more states.

Conclusion

It's exciting to witness the rollout of Apple's new digital IDs and their upcoming expansion.

The tech giant introduced this innovative feature during its developer conference in June 2021, and I’ve been looking forward to experiencing it ever since. Although the initial launch is limited to five states, more will be added soon.

Apple's digital ID certainly offers more convenience than rummaging through your bag for your physical card, but it still involves a few steps at the airport identity reader. You'll need to authenticate your device and capture a photo, which can take some time. (Clear members with access to digital IDs will probably still prefer using the dedicated Clear lane for quicker security access.)

Digital IDs represent the latest upgrade to the iPhone Wallet app. In recent years, Apple has collaborated with Hyatt to launch digital room keys that enable you to bypass the check-in counter.