Travel is evolving and technology plays a key role. This summer, TSA launched a new feature that promises to make your airport experience faster and more comfortable: the digital passport on your phone. What is it, how does it work, and what should you keep in mind? Here I explain it to you in four key points.
What is the digital passport and how is it used?
The digital passport is an electronic version of your passport that you can store on your phone, inside the wallet app. Both Apple and Google already offer this feature: Apple calls it "Digital ID" and Google "ID Pass." You just scan the passport page, hold your phone near the NFC chip, and record a video selfie to verify your identity.
Once registered, your identification is protected by the phone's hardware and is only displayed after unlocking it with Face ID, fingerprint, or password. At airport checkpoints that have the technology, you only need to hold your phone close so the agent can verify your data without taking out the physical passport.
Where can it be used and what are the limitations?
Currently, this technology is available at more than 250 checkpoints in U.S. airports, such as Los Angeles and Boston. However, not all airports or all lines have digital readers yet, so it's essential to carry your physical passport with you.
In addition, the digital passport only works for security checkpoints within the U.S. When it comes to international flights, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and foreign authorities still require the physical passport. That's why, even if you use the digital version to speed up the TSA process, the paper passport remains mandatory for crossing borders.
Who can access this technology?
To use the digital passport, you need to be a U.S. citizen with a valid passport. You also need a compatible phone: Android 9 or higher or an iPhone with iOS 26 (currently in beta version). The feature is available only at airports participating in the pilot program, which covers approximately 80% of domestic flights.
Also, some states allow you to add your digital driver's license to the mobile wallet, which will serve as valid identification until 2026, when the official identification rules change.
Practical tips for travelers
To use the digital passport, open the wallet, scan your passport, hold your phone near the NFC chip, record a selfie, and wait for approval. It's quick and simple.
Remember to always carry your physical passport and valid license or identification. Technology can fail or airport staff might not be fully familiar with the system, which can cause delays. Of course, never trust only your phone's battery to show your identification.
The future looks promising, with plans to integrate this technology at international borders and allow instant renewals from your phone. For now, the best option is to use the digital passport as a complement to speed up your passage through domestic airports, without leaving the traditional document behind.