What is a Digital ID or Passport & How Does it Work?
- daria@journeysofalifetime
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now accepts digital identifications (REAL ID or passport) from Apple, Google and Samsung wallets in many states. In addition, some states have their own apps for storing digital identifications that are accepted by TSA. These forms of identification are now being accepted at over 250 select airports across the United States to verify your identity at TSA checkpoints. (See complete list of states where digital identification is accepted at some airports below)
It is important to note that you are still currently required to carry a physical identification while traveling.
What is a Digital Identification or Passport?
A digital ID is an official, state‑ or agency‑issued version of your ID (REAL ID or passport) stored in a secure wallet or app on your phone that TSA can read electronically at security checkpoints instead of you having to hand over the physical card.
A TSA-acceptable digital ID is not just a photo of your REAL ID or passport. It is a mobile version of your ID that is stored in an approved platform such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or a state app.
Apple and Google Wallets currently support digital passports as well as other forms of identification like a drivers license or state identification. Samsung and state apps (like California DMV Wallet App) do not currently support digital passports, only state identifications or drivers licenses.
When Can You Use Digital IDs and Passports at Airports?
A digital ID can be presented at security screenings in the United States for domestic flights at airports that are equipped with the technology to process it (see more information about participating states below). You cannot use them for international travel. For that you need to present a physical passport (with some exceptions at airports that use facial recognition, although you still need to carry your passport).
Can You Leave Your Physical ID or Passport at Home When Flying Within the United States if You Have a Digital ID?
No. While you will not be required to present a physical identification every time you fly domestically in the United States, travelers who opt to show the digital version of their identification are still required to have a physical copy of compliant identification on hand in case they are asked for verification or a specific machine is not able to process it. This will be the rule while the system is rolled out over the coming months and years.
How Does It Work?
When you use a digital ID, TSA is processing the digital version of your identification to verify who you are instead of requiring that you present the physical copy. At airport security checkpoints, you hold your phone or a QR/scan code to a reader, consent on your phone, and TSA’s system verifies your identity by checking the digital credential and comparing a live camera image of your face to the ID photo.
On it's website, TSA says "TSA sees only the necessary information to verify your identity, providing a faster, more secure travel experience while reducing the risk of fraudulent documents."
These States Accept Digital Identification
It's important to check the specific airport in each state, but below are the states that accept digital identifications and which wallets they accept as of this writing. It is also important to check the wallet you want to use to make sure it is compatible with the ID you want to upload (as mentioned, currently only Apple and Google Wallets support passports while the others support state identifications). The TSA keeps an updated list of the states that the apps the accept on it's website.
Arkansas: Arkansas Mobile ID, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet
Arizona: Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet
California: California DMV Wallet App, Apple Wallet, Google Wallet
Colorado: Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet
Georgia: Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet
Hawaii: Apple Wallet
Illinois: Apple Wallet
Iowa: Iowa Mobile ID app, Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet
Louisiana: LA Wallet
Maryland: Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet
Montana: Apple Wallet, Google Wallet
New Mexico: Apple Wallet, Google Wallet
New York: NY MiD app
North Dakota: Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet
Ohio: Apple Wallet
Puerto Rico: PR Móvil, Apple Wallet, Google Wallet
Utah: GET Mobile App
Virginia: VA MiD app
West Virginia: WV MiD app, Apple Wallet, Samsung Wallet
How to Get Your Identification or Passport in a Digital Wallet
Here are links to upload your identification or passport into a digital wallet:
—Daria Dimitroff, December 2025
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