How Apple's new Digital ID feature could help save time at TSA
Travelers headed to the airport for Thanksgiving, or anytime this holiday season, can now use the new Apple Digital ID for a frictionless TSA experience.
Apple and Android phones both allow users to create a digital ID on their device that serves as a Real ID and can be used at more than 250 TSA checkpoints in the U.S.
To create an Apple Digital ID, users must add their passport information to their Apple Wallet app. Once authenticated, it's stored and ready to use at the airport.
Google Wallet also requires passport information to create an ID Pass, which like Apple's Digital ID can be used as a Real ID. Detailed instructions on how to add an ID Pass can be found here.
Importantly, travelers are not allowed to use their Digital ID or ID Pass for international travel.
The Transportation Security Administration also states on its website that travelers should always carry a physical and acceptable form of ID with them as a backup.
How to use Apple Digital ID, Google Wallet ID Pass at the airport over the holidays
With the Apple Digital ID ready to go, users will double tap to activate the ID in the wallet and accept a prompt on the phone before tapping against a scanner machine. The information is encrypted on the phone and companies can never see where it's been used or the data that's shared.
To use the feature, iPhones must be updated to iOS 26.
For anyone looking to streamline the step even further, the feature can also be used on Apple Watch.
To use an ID Pass in a Google Wallet at a TSA checkpoint, make sure the device is unlocked, then hold the back of the phone near the tap point and hit "continue" to proceed, waiting for the blue check mark to appear to ensure the information was shared successfully.
You can also use the QR code in your ID Pass by holding it up to the scanner and tapping "share" when prompted. In both instances, Google Wallet will authenticate you before allowing you to proceed.
Seventeen states also allow travelers to use driver's licenses stored on their phone either in a digital wallet or in their own state apps, which TSA says it accepts.
