Transportation Security Administration Adopts New Apple Technology Over Real ID Choice
Simplifying Airport Travel with Apple's Digital ID
Embrace the future with Apple's upcoming Digital ID, allowing you to store and present your ID information directly on your iPhone. This innovative technology, confirmed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), can replace your physical ID for identity verification at domestic flights, offering a handy, private solution.
Your Digital ID functions as an alternative to the REAL ID, granting you access through TSA checkpoints at over 250 airports with ease, using platforms like Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or state-issued apps.
While Apple's Digital ID is not a substitution for a physical passport, it's important to note that it is exclusively valid for domestic travel and TSA checkpoints. An original passport remains essential for international trips and border crossings.
At Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, a representative clarified that users will still require their physical passport to set up their Digital ID.
In addition to Digital IDs, Apple unveiled a revamped boarding pass feature incorporating live activities. These real-time updates will keep you and your loved ones apprised of your flight status, providing welcome convenience for all travel enthusiasts.
Expected to be implemented by various airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, this feature will also provide features like Find My to help locate your travel essentials, maps to aid navigation through airports and new cities, and access to essential airline services.
If you're unsure whether you have a REAL ID, our guide can help you determine this, while providing information on obtaining one if needed. Remember that a REAL ID is distinguished from an enhanced driver's license, and you can find more details about these differences here.
But, hey, be warned: charging your phone at the airport could put a damper on your journey. Learn why it's best to avoid doing so!
Additional Info:
Apple's Digital ID, set to roll out this fall, lets U.S. passport holders add their ID details to the Apple Wallet. Once activated, this digital ID will be recognized by the TSA for identity verification purposes during domestic flights, providing an alternative to physical REAL IDs or driver's licenses.
Using the Digital ID at TSA checkpoints requires authentication via Face ID or Touch ID, which captures and compares images for verification. However, specific models and iOS versions are required in California and Puerto Rico. Generally, the latest iPhone 8 or later with iOS 16.5 or higher suffices for most users.
It's crucial to remember, though, that a Digital ID is not a substitute for a physical passport, essential for international travel and border crossings. Moreover, a physical passport is necessary to establish a Digital ID for domestic flights.
Adopting the future might help manage your lifestyle more efficiently, as Apple's Digital ID permits you to store and present your identification details on your iPhone, compatible with platforms like Apple Wallet. This technology, suitable for domestic flights, can offer a sleek, private travel solution with real-time updates on your flight status through the revamped boarding pass feature. However, it's essential to carry a physical passport for international travel and border crossings, as required for setting up the Digital ID and necessary for a valid passport in international trips.
