Airport Security Just Got Faster: How to Add Your Driver's License and Passport to Your Phone

From credit cards and car keys to event tickets and transit passes, your phone can now hold all the physical objects you once crammed inside a pocket, wallet, or purse. But did you also know you can add your state-issued driver's license and passport ?

Several states let you quickly store digital versions of your identification on the Apple Wallet , Google Wallet , or Samsung Wallet app to get through TSA checkpoints a little faster. Certain states also have third-party ID apps. Here's what you need to know before you add your own.

Which US States Support Digital Driver's Licenses?

There are 22 states and territories that allow digital IDs. In total, 17 are compatible with Apple Wallet, 13 with Google Wallet, nine with Samsung Wallet, and six only use a state-developed third-party app. Your digital ID is not intended to replace physical credentials, but it can be used to quickly move through supported TSA checkpoints at airports (with a Real ID) and other locations.

• Apple Wallet :Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Virginia, and West Virginia.

• Google Wallet :Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia.

• Samsung Wallet :Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado (Galaxy Watch support), Georgia (Galaxy Watch support), Iowa, Maryland, North Dakota, and West Virginia.

• Third-Party app:Alaska (Mobile ID only), Arkansas (Mobile ID), California (DMV Wallet), Colorado (Mobile ID), Iowa (Mobile ID), Louisiana (LA Wallet only), Kentucky (Mobile ID only), New York (Mobile ID only), Utah (Mobile ID only), Virginia (Mobile ID only), and West Virginia (Mobile ID).

• Unsupported States:Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington, Washington, D.C., Wisconsin, Wyoming

How to Add an ID or Passport to Your Wallet App

To add your Driver's License or passport to your phone, you'll need to set it up in your Wallet app. The exact steps are different with each app, though the process is similar:

• Apple Wallet:Tap the Add Card( +) button, then Driver's License or ID Cards. Select Driver's License to add your state-issued ID or Digital ID to add your passport. You'll also have the option to add the ID to a connected Apple Watch.

• Google Wallet:Tap Add to Wallet > ID, then Driver's license or state IDto add your state-issued ID. You can also tap ID Passto create a digital version of your passport. You can also enroll in TSA PreCheck Touchless ID .

• Samsung Wallet:Open the Quick accesstab, then tap the plus ( +) sign, and choose Digital IDs. From here, you can add your driver's license or select Samsung ID with Clearto add your passport.

Once you've made your selections, follow the instructions through the process. You'll be asked to scan the official documents. For a state-issued ID, this will include the front and back of the physical card. For a passport, you're asked to scan the document's chip. Next, you'll need to verify your identity to the ID issuer by taking a series of photos or videos of your face.

This process isn't instantaneous. Once finished, you'll need to wait for confirmation from the ID issuer that you've been approved. You should get a notification on your phone. If your application is rejected, you can try again. The California Department of Motor Vehicles recommends a number of practical adjustments, such as taking the photo on a plain background, using consistent and ample lighting, and making sure your phone isn't in low power mode.

Which Phones Support Digital IDs?

In order to add an ID or passport to your phone, you'll need to meet a few requirements. Take note that more devices support a driver's license than passports:

• iOS:For an ID, you'll need an iPhone 8 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 4 or later. If you want to save your passport, it will require an iPhone 11 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 6 or later.

• Android:For Android devices, you need to be running Android 9 or higher. Samsung specifically calls out the S20 or newer, Z Flip and Z Fold 5G or newer, the A53 or A54, or Watch 6 series paired to a device running Android 15 or higher. Samsung ID with CLEAR requires Android 14 or higher, and works on the S21 or newer, Z Flip 3 and Fold 3 or newer, and A53, A54. The Galaxy Watch is not supported.

What Can You Do With a Digital ID?

For now, the practical uses for a digital driver's license or passport on your phone are a bit limited. Apple, Google, and Samsung bill these features as quick and easy ways to verify your age or identity through an app or at more than 250 supported TSA checkpoints. However, you are still expected to carry your physical documents on your person. It's also crucial to note that this is not a replacement for a Real ID, which is now required to board domestic flights in the United States.

The actual benefits will vary on where you live. In California, for instance, you can only use it at select airports, like LAX and SFO, so if you're due to fly out from another location, this won't be of much help. You also won't find much support for digital passports outside the United States, with only Google Wallet listing support for additional regions (Brazil, Singapore, Taiwan, UK)

Are Digital Driver's Licenses and Passports Safe?

A digital driver's license is convenient, but is it safe? As one Redditor asked about Connecticut's digital ID effort: "Why would you want to give your unlocked phone to a cop?" Everyone's comfort level is different, but as the video above demonstrates, you scan or tap your own phone at a TSA checkpoint, so you shouldn't have to hand over your phone. Since you're still expected to carry your physical ID, you can always just present that instead if you're concerned about mobile security.

Apple, Google, and Samsung make note that your digital ID is not tracked by these companies, and no data leaves your device without your consent. That means neither the company nor any local government can see when or where you share your information. You will also be required to set up some kind of security measure on your phone. On iPhone, that means Face ID or Touch ID, and two-factor authentication for your Apple account . Android phones require at least a PIN.

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