Airports That Support Apple Wallet Id: A Comprehensive Guide

Apple users can now use their Apple Wallet ID at certain airports to pass through TSA security checkpoints. This technology first went live on March 23, 2022, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Arizona. Since then, it has been rolled out in several other states, including Maryland, Colorado, Georgia, and Ohio. This allows travelers to simply swipe their iPhone or Apple Watch instead of showing a physical copy of their ID to security agents, making the process more efficient and secure. However, it is important to note that the availability of this feature may vary by airport and state, and travelers should always carry a physical ID for verification.

Arizona was the first state to accept Apple Wallet ID

Arizona is the first state to accept Apple Wallet ID. In March 2022, Arizona residents with a driver's license or state-issued ID were allowed to add their card to their Apple Wallet. This new technology was first introduced at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, where Arizonans could tap their iPhone or Apple Watch to seamlessly and securely present their ID at select TSA security checkpoints.

Apple announced that Arizona would be the first state to offer this service, with Jennifer Bailey, Apple's vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, stating:

> We’re thrilled to bring the first driver’s license and state ID in Wallet to Arizona today, and provide Arizonans with an easy, secure, and private way to present their ID when traveling, through just a tap of their iPhone or Apple Watch.

The process of adding a driver's license or state ID to an Apple Wallet is simple. Users can tap the + button at the top of the screen in the Wallet app on their iPhone and select "Driver's License or State ID." They will then be asked to take a selfie and scan their physical ID card. As an additional security measure, users will also be prompted to complete a series of facial and head movements.

Once a user's ID has been added to their Apple Wallet, they can present it at participating airport security checkpoints by tapping their device at the Credential Authentication Technology reader. They will then be shown which information is being requested by the TSA and can consent to provide it through Face ID or Touch ID. All information is shared digitally, so users do not need to show or hand over their device.

Apple Watch users must unlock their iPhone first

Apple users can now use their Apple Wallet ID at select TSA checkpoints at airports in certain states. This includes Arizona, Maryland, Colorado, Georgia, and Ohio. Apple Wallet IDs are available in other select regions, too. This technology allows fliers to add their driver's license or state ID to their Apple Wallet app and use their device to get through security. This means travelers can swipe their iPhone or Apple Watch instead of showing a physical copy of their ID.

Apple introduced a feature with the launch of iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4 that allows people wearing masks to unlock their iPhones with a paired and authenticated Apple Watch, without having to enter a passcode. This feature does not use Face ID to recognize and authenticate the user. Instead, there are a specific set of requirements that allow the Apple Watch to authenticate the user's identity. These requirements include having an iPhone X or later with iOS 14.5 or later and an Apple Watch Series 3 or later with watchOS 7.4 or later, which must be paired together. Both WiFi and Bluetooth need to be activated for communication between the iPhone and the Apple Watch, and the Apple Watch needs to have a passcode and wrist detection.

Although it is not as secure as Face ID, Unlock with Apple Watch is a convenient option for those who are tired of having to enter a passcode on their devices while wearing a mask. This feature can also be useful when using Apple Pay to make a purchase while wearing a mask.

Apple Wallet ID is available in select regions

Apple Wallet ID is currently available in select regions and states in the US, including Arizona, Maryland, Colorado, Georgia, and Ohio. The technology first went live on March 23, 2022, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Arizona.

To use Apple Wallet ID at TSA checkpoints, users must have an iPhone 8 or later with iOS 16.5 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 4 or later with watchOS 9.5 or later. For California, Apple Wallet ID requires an iPhone XS or later with iOS 17.5 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 4 or later with watchOS 10 or later. Similarly, for Puerto Rico, an iPhone XS or later with iOS 18.1 or later is needed, along with an Apple Watch Series 6 or later with watchOS 11 or later.

When using Apple Wallet ID at TSA checkpoints, users must authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID before their device presents their information to the identity reader. The TSA identity reader captures the user's image for comparison with the image on their license or ID in Apple Wallet. This process helps protect against tampering and theft, as the data is encrypted and neither the issuing authority nor Apple can see when and where the ID is used.

Apple Wallet ID can also be used at select businesses, venues, and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints at airports in participating locations. Additionally, users can present their Apple Wallet identification at airport security checkpoints by tapping their device at the Credential Authentication Technology reader while being signed in to their Apple ID.

Apple users must still carry a physical ID

Apple users can now use their Apple Wallet ID at select airports across the United States. This technology was first introduced at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Arizona on March 23, 2022, and has since expanded to Maryland, Colorado, Georgia, and Ohio. This feature is available on iPhone models 8 or later that run iOS 15.4, and Apple Watch Series 4 or later running watchOS 8.4 or later.

To use Apple Wallet ID at TSA checkpoints, users must authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. The TSA's identity reader will then capture the user's image for comparison with the image on their license or ID in Apple Wallet. While this technology offers a faster and more secure way to verify identities, it is important to note that Apple users must still carry a physical ID when travelling.

According to the TSA, "All passengers... must continue to carry and have readily available their physical driver's license or identification card, or other acceptable ID listed on the TSA website." This is because, in some cases, gate agents may need to see a physical ID to complete the verification process. Additionally, a dead iPhone battery could cause delays if travellers cannot present their digital ID.

Furthermore, the availability of Apple Wallet ID varies by location and airport. Currently, it is available at select TSA checkpoints in Arizona, Maryland, Colorado, Georgia, and Ohio. In California, Apple Wallet ID requires an iPhone XS or later with iOS 17.5 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 4 or later with watchOS 10 or later. For Puerto Rico, an iPhone XS or later with iOS 18.1 or later is needed, or an Apple Watch Series 6 or later with watchOS 11 or later.

In conclusion, while Apple Wallet ID provides a convenient and secure alternative to physical IDs, Apple users must still carry a physical backup when travelling. This ensures a smooth verification process and avoids potential issues due to technological limitations.

Apple Wallet ID is available on iPhone 8 or later

Apple Wallet ID is a convenient feature that allows users to add their driver's license or state ID to their Apple Wallet app, enabling them to use their iPhone or Apple Watch to pass through TSA security checkpoints at select airports. This technology enhances security and efficiency by allowing travellers to swipe their devices instead of presenting physical identification cards.

It's important to note that Apple Wallet ID is available on iPhone 8 or later models running iOS 15.4 or the latest iOS version. For those using an Apple Watch, it requires an Apple Watch Series 4 or later with watchOS 8.4 or the latest watchOS version. This compatibility ensures a seamless and secure experience when using Apple Wallet ID.

To set up Apple Wallet ID, users can follow these steps:

• Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
• Tap the "Add" button and select "Driver's License or ID."
• Choose your state or region.
• Decide if you want to add your license or ID to just your iPhone or both your iPhone and paired Apple Watch.
• Follow the onscreen instructions to scan the front and back of your license or ID in a well-lit area with a simple dark background.
• Confirm your identity by following the provided steps, which may include taking a Live Photo or a selfie.
• Wait for approval from your state.

Once your Apple Wallet ID is set up, you can use it at select TSA checkpoints by tapping your device at the Credential Authentication Technology reader. You will need to be signed in to your device with your Apple ID and have Face ID or Touch ID turned on for authentication. The TSA will then request certain information, such as your legal name, date of birth, sex, Real ID status, and the issue and expiration date of your ID.

While Apple Wallet ID offers enhanced security and convenience, it's important to be aware of any limitations. As of the latest information, Apple Wallet ID is available at select TSA checkpoints in Arizona, Maryland, Colorado, Georgia, and Ohio. Additionally, specific states like California and Puerto Rico have their own device requirements for using Apple Wallet ID. Always refer to checkpoint signage or official sources to confirm availability before relying solely on Apple Wallet ID during your travels.

Frequently asked questions