What you need to know before you start
Apple Wallet can store a digital copy of your passport that you can show to border agents, airline staff, or other officials who request it. The process takes about five minutes, but it only works on newer iPhones and iPads, and only if your country's government has made passport data available through Apple's system.
Right now, the United States, European Union countries, and a handful of others support digital passports in Wallet. If your country is not on that list yet, you cannot add your passport through this method — you will need to carry your physical passport or use your country's own digital ID app if one exists.
Apple stores the passport data on your device itself, not on Apple's servers. When you show your passport to someone, they scan it with their own device, and the data stays on your phone. You control what information gets shared each time.
Key Takeaways
- Digital passport support in Apple Wallet is only available in certain countries; check Apple's official list to see if yours is included.
- You need an iPhone XS or newer, or an iPad Air (3rd generation) or newer, running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
- The process requires your physical passport, a photo of yourself, and access to your country's passport issuing authority through Apple's system.
- You can add multiple passports to one device, and you can remove a passport from Wallet at any time without affecting your physical document.
Check if your country supports digital passports in Wallet
Before you begin, confirm that your country has made passport data available through Apple Wallet. Visit Apple's official support page for digital ID and passport information, or open the Wallet app on your device and look for an option to add a passport — if nothing appears, your country is not yet supported.
The list of supported countries changes as governments add their systems to Apple's platform. If your country is not listed now, check back periodically, as more are being added. In the meantime, your physical passport remains the standard form of identification for travel and border crossings.
Make sure your device meets the requirements
Digital passport support requires a relatively recent device. You need an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or any newer iPhone model. If you have an iPad, you need an iPad Air (3rd generation) or newer, or an iPad Pro from 2018 or later.
Your device must also be running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Open Settings, tap General, then tap Software Update to check your current version and install any updates if needed. You also need to have Face ID or Touch ID set up on your device, since these are used to authorize passport access.
Gather your documents and information
Have your physical passport ready before you start. You will need to enter information from it, including your passport number, date of birth, and passport expiration date. You will also need a recent photo of yourself — this can be a photo you take with your device's camera during the setup process, or an existing photo from your photo library.
Make sure you are in a well-lit space if you plan to take a new photo. The photo should show your face clearly and match the requirements for passport photos in your country (usually a plain background, neutral expression, and direct gaze at the camera). If you use an existing photo, it should be recent and clearly show your face.
Add your passport through the Wallet app
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner, or look for an option that says "Add to Wallet" or "Add Passport." Select "Passport" from the list of document types.
Choose your country from the list that appears. The app will then guide you through a series of screens asking for information from your passport — your name, date of birth, passport number, and expiration date. Enter this information exactly as it appears in your passport.
Next, you will be asked to take or upload a photo of yourself. If you take a new photo, hold your device at eye level and follow the on-screen instructions. The app may ask you to move your head slightly or adjust the lighting. Once the photo is accepted, you will need to verify your identity using Face ID or Touch ID.
After verification, the app will contact your country's passport authority to confirm your information. This step happens in the background and usually takes a few seconds, though it may take longer depending on your internet connection. Once confirmed, your digital passport appears in Wallet and is ready to use.
Understand how to use and share your digital passport
When you need to show your passport, open Wallet and tap your passport. Your device will ask you to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode before displaying the information. This means someone cannot simply grab your phone and see your passport data.
When an official or agent scans your passport, they use their own device to read the data. You can see what information is being shared on your screen before the scan completes. If you do not want to share your passport at that moment, you can cancel the scan and your data stays on your device.
Your digital passport works alongside your physical passport, not instead of it. You should always carry your physical passport when traveling internationally, as not all border agents or officials may accept the digital version yet.
Remove or update your passport in Wallet
If you want to remove your digital passport from Wallet, open the Wallet app, tap and hold your passport, then tap the trash icon or "Remove." This does not affect your physical passport — it only removes the digital copy from your device.
If your passport expires or you get a new one, you can add the new passport to Wallet by repeating the steps above. You can keep multiple passports on the same device if you have them (for example, if you hold dual citizenship). To remove an old passport after adding a new one, use the same removal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my phone is lost or stolen?
Your passport data is stored on your device and protected by Face ID or Touch ID. If your phone is lost, you can remotely erase it using Find My iPhone, which will delete the passport data along with everything else on the device. Your physical passport is unaffected, and you can add your digital passport to a new device once you get one.
Can I use my digital passport for domestic flights?
This depends on your country and airline. Some countries and airlines accept digital passports for domestic travel, while others still require a physical passport. Check with your airline before your flight to confirm what forms of ID they accept.
Do I need internet to show my passport?
No. Once your passport is added to Wallet, you can display it without an internet connection. However, you do need internet to initially add your passport to your device, since the app must contact your country's passport authority to verify your information.
Can someone else add my passport to their device?
No. The process requires your physical passport and a photo of you, and it uses Face ID or Touch ID to verify your identity. Someone else cannot add your passport to their device without your passport and your biometric authentication.
What if my country is not on the supported list?
Check back periodically, as more countries are being added to Apple's system. In the meantime, carry your physical passport for travel and identification. Some countries offer their own digital ID apps that you can download separately from the App Store.