TSA approves Real ID alternative for iPhone users — but only for certain types of travel
Your passport's going digital — but don't go tossing the hard copy just yet.
Apple just unveiled a buzzy new feature that'll let iPhone users upload their passport into Apple Wallet this fall, turning their device into a one-stop-shop for jet-setting — at least within U.S. borders.
The new digital passport will be accepted at TSA checkpoints, making those airport security lines just a little less painful.
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3 Apple's latest trick? Turning your iPhone into a passport. The tech giant's rolling out a flashy new feature this fall that lets users stash their passport in Wallet — but don't pack your bags for Paris just yet. It only works for travel in the good ol' U.S. of A.
Boston Globe via Getty Images
'While not a replacement for your physical passport, digital ID can be used for domestic travel and at supported TSA checkpoints,' an Apple spokesperson said during the company's latest splashy event, as reported by USA TODAY.
This means that shiny new digital document won't take you around the world, but it'll breeze you through security on your next short hop — no fumbling in your bag required.
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The rollout comes on the heels of the REAL ID enforcement kicking in this May, which had travelers scrambling to figure out whether their driver's license was compliant — or whether they'd need to whip out a passport just to fly from LAX to LaGuardia.
Now, Apple's hoping to smooth things out by making travel 'just tap and go.'
Along with the digital ID debut, Apple is also giving its Wallet app a travel-friendly facelift — refreshing boarding passes and amping up other in-flight features for the modern road warrior.
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As per SF Gate, Apple recently noted in a statement that their new Digital ID 'offers a secure and private new way for users to store and present their ID information using their iPhone and Apple Watch.'
The company went on to note that users will be able to 'seamlessly create and add a Digital ID to Apple Wallet using a U.S. passport.'
But before you bench the little blue book for good, be warned — the TSA says that the Digital ID presented at TSA checkpoints 'provide identity verification for domestic travel only, and it is not a replacement for your physical Passport.'
The agency continued in a statement to SF Gate, 'It is important to have the physical U.S. Passport available in case it is needed, and a physical U.S. Passport is still required for international travel.'
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3 Don't ditch that little blue book just yet — the TSA says Apple's new Digital ID might get you through domestic security, but it won't fly overseas.
Jenna Hidinger Photo – stock.adobe.com
3 Apple's not stopping at digital IDs — they're giving the Wallet app a major glow-up, upgrading boarding passes and packing in new in-flight perks for today's jet-setting warriors.
Getty Images
Last month, scammers made headlines as they swooped in as frazzled New York flyers raced to meet the Real ID deadline on May 7.
As The Post previously reported, shady websites were duping Americans with bogus promises of fast-track IDs — even though the only legit way to get one was by hauling yourself to the DMV.
Desperate flyers looking for a workaround even began circulating rumors that a Costco membership card would be accepted as a substitute for official documents.
'We love hotdogs & rotisserie chickens as much as the next person but please stop telling people their Costco card counts as a Real ID because it absolutely does not,' the TSA reminded travelers last week.
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