Why Won’t My iPhone Add My Digital Passport ID? Step-by-Step Guide

Apple’s new Digital ID feature has quickly become one of the most talked-about updates among iPhone users—especially those who travel frequently. With a U.S. passport, you can now create an Apple-issued digital identity card directly in Wallet and use it at supported TSA checkpoints and for age-restricted services. But what exactly is this Digital ID, and why are some people still unable to add their passport? Here’s a clear explanation.

Part 1. What Is Apple Digital ID? (Clear Definition for New Users)

Apple Digital ID is a digitally signed identity credential stored in the Apple Wallet app. Instead of being issued by a state DMV or government agency, this version of Digital ID is generated by Apple using the verified information from your U.S. passport. The goal is to give users a secure, privacy-focused way to confirm identity or age without exposing their full personal details.

Once created, the Digital ID can be used at:

• Select TSA airport checkpoints for U.S. domestic flights
• Retailers or venues that support Tap to Present ID or age verification
• Apps and websites that only require proof of age rather than a full ID
• Future services that adopt Wallet-based identity verification

A key difference between this and a digital driver’s license (mobile DL) is the issuer. Digital DLs come from your state DMV. Apple’s Digital ID, however, relies on your passport to verify your identity, then signs the credential itself. This allows residents of states without digital IDs to still use a secure identity option through Apple Wallet.

Despite its convenience, the Digital ID is not a replacement for a physical passport—a topic we’ll clarify in detail below.

Part 2. How to Add Your U.S. Passport to Apple Wallet (Step-by-Step Guide)

Setting up a Digital ID with your passport is simple, but each step relies on precise scanning, accurate facial capture, and strong device security. Here is the full process with the practical details Apple doesn’t always spell out.

Step 1 — Make sure your device is compatible

Before you start, check:

• 1. iPhone with Face ID (Touch ID devices do not work)
• 2. Latest version of iOS installed(iOS 26.1)
• 3. Apple Wallet enabled and iCloud working
• 4. U.S. passport with an NFC chip (all modern passports include this)

Region settings may also matter. In some cases, the Digital ID option will only appear if your device region and Wallet settings are configured for the United States.

Step 2 — Open Wallet and select “Add to Wallet”

Open the Wallet app, tap the + icon in the top-right corner, and you should see Digital ID or “Add U.S. Passport.” Tap it to begin the identity enrollment.

If the option does not appear, refer to the troubleshooting section below.

Step 3 — Scan the front of your passport

The app will ask you to frame the front cover of the passport. This does not extract data; it simply verifies that you’re holding a valid U.S. passport.

Hold the phone steady and make sure the lighting is even. Avoid reflections from overhead lights.

Step 4 — Read the passport chip using NFC

Next, Wallet will prompt you to place the top edge of your iPhone against the passport’s back cover. The NFC chip is located near the center of the passport, so you may need to slightly adjust the phone’s position until you feel a gentle vibration confirming that the chip was detected.

This step usually takes 5–15 seconds. Do not move the phone until the progress bar completes.

Step 5 — Complete facial verification

Apple will then ask you to perform a series of movement-based identity checks:

• Blink slowly
• Turn your head left and right
• Look up or down
• Smile gently or open your mouth slightly

These small motions confirm that you are a real person, not a photo. Good lighting is important—avoid shadows and backlighting.

Step 6 — Submit for verification

Once the app has gathered the passport data and the facial biometric match, it sends the encrypted request to Apple for validation. Most users report approval within 1–2 minutes, though occasionally it may take longer.

After approval, your Apple Digital ID will appear inside Wallet just like a card. You can then view the supported uses and how much information each verification request will share.

Part 3. Is the Digital Passport ID a Replacement for a Physical Passport?

The short answer is no. The Apple Digital ID created from your passport cannot be used as a travel document for international flights or border control.
Here’s what it can and cannot replace:

What the Digital ID can replace

• Physical ID at certain TSA PreCheck and standard checkpoints
• Age verification at supported merchants
• Identity confirmation for participating apps/websites
• Limited domestic identification where digital credentials are accepted

What it cannot replace

• Your physical passport book
• International travel documentation
• REAL ID or state-issued identification for all scenarios
• Citizenship verification during government processes
• A passport card

Even if every TSA checkpoint eventually accepts Digital ID, international airports and border officers still require the physical passport because it contains security elements, visas, and entry/exit stamps.

Think of the Digital ID as a convenient domestic identity tool, not a government-issued digital passport.

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With just one upload, PixPretty can produce a crisp, passport-style image that meets common ID photo standards without requiring any manual editing. It’s especially helpful if your original selfie has poor lighting, cluttered background, or uneven colors.

Part 4. Troubleshooting: Why Won’t My iPhone Add My Digital Passport ID?

Many users discover that adding a passport to Wallet is not as smooth as expected. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them.

1. “Add U.S. Passport” option does not appear

Possible causes:

• Your iPhone region is not set to United States
• Wallet restrictions enabled
• Older iOS version
• The feature is still rolling out in your area

Fix:
Go to Settings → General → Language & Region → Region = United States.
Restart the device, update iOS, and try again.

2. NFC chip won’t read the passport

This is one of the most frequent problems.

Causes:

• Phone is not aligned correctly
• Passport is old or the chip is damaged
• A thick passport cover is blocking the chip

Fix:
Place the top edge of the iPhone flat against the middle of the passport’s back cover.
Hold still until you feel a vibration. Remove any protective case from the passport.

3. Selfie/liveness detection keeps failing

If the camera cannot capture your face accurately, verification will fail.

Fix:

• Stand facing a window or evenly lit area
• Remove glasses if reflection is strong
• Avoid backlighting
• Keep the phone at eye level

Users report that sitting down and bracing elbows on a table can help stabilize the phone.

4. “Verification unavailable, try again later”

This usually means Apple’s verification servers are temporarily overloaded or your network is unstable.

Fix:

• Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data
• Close Wallet and try again
• Wait 15–30 minutes and retry

5. “Your document cannot be verified”

This happens when the passport chip data does not match the selfie or the passport is too worn.

Fix:

• Clean the passport’s MRZ (the code at the bottom of the ID page)
• Try scanning again with stronger lighting
• If the passport is damaged, renewal may be required

FAQ

1. Can I use Apple Digital ID as a REAL ID alternative?

For TSA domestic flights, yes—at supported checkpoints. But it does not replace a physical REAL ID for all use cases.

2. Can I use Digital ID for international travel?

No. The physical passport is still required.

3. Does the Digital ID store my whole passport?

No. Apple only keeps the data necessary to create the identity credential. The passport image itself is not stored permanently.

4. Can non-U.S. passports be added?

Not at this time. Only U.S. passports are supported.

5. Does the Digital ID work on Apple Watch?

Currently, it must be added and verified on an iPhone. Some uses may allow presentation from Apple Watch later.

6. Is Apple Digital ID secure?

Yes. It uses Secure Enclave, device-side processing, encrypted communication, and only shares minimal data when requested.