Last autumn, Apple launched a new Digital ID feature in the Wallet app. This feature can now officially be used as an age verification method in certain situations on the iPhone. Here’s what it means.

Apple’s Digital ID Accepted at TSA Checkpoints and the Promise of More

Apple Wallet has been supporting identification and driver’s licenses for years. However, U.S. states have been quite slow to collaborate on this feature.

Therefore, with iOS 26, Apple developed an alternative solution called 'Digital ID.'

Here’s Apple’s definition:

Digital ID provides a secure and private way for users to create an ID in Apple Wallet by pulling information from U.S. passports and allows them to present their ID with their iPhone or Apple Watch.

Essentially, while states are working to implement digital driver’s licenses, Apple is enabling every iPhone user to create a Digital ID using a U.S. passport.

Upon its launch, the Digital ID was accepted at TSA security checkpoints in over 250 U.S. airports for domestic flights.

Apple has promised that more use cases will come in the future. “In the future, users will be able to present their Digital ID for identity and age verification at selected additional businesses and organizations, in person, in apps, and online,” it said.

Now, the first part of this promised expansion has arrived.

Digital ID Can Now Be Used for Age Verification for Apple Account and Apple Services

Age verification for apps and online services is a hot topic in legislation and public discussions. Some recent notable examples include the UK’s Online Safety Bill and Discord’s controversial age verification practices.

In the U.S., there is also a movement for age verification at both state and federal levels.

And according to a recent Apple support document, the Digital ID is now ready to be used for certain age verification purposes.

The document bears the title “If you are asked to confirm that you are an adult” and includes instructions on what to do if you encounter an age verification prompt when creating a new Apple Account or using Apple services.

Apple states that you may be asked to confirm that you are an adult when creating a new Apple Account, updating your device’s software, trying to change certain security settings, or downloading or purchasing apps rated 18+.

Many age verification methods are supported, including the following:

Use a verified method: You can use your driver’s license or government-issued ID or a credit card to confirm that you are an adult. Passports, debit cards, and gift cards are not supported*. […]

*A Digital ID in Apple Wallet created using a U.S. passport can be used to confirm that you are an adult.

According to that italicized line, the Digital ID has been officially recognized as a verified age verification method for Apple Accounts and Apple services.

This means users will not need to share another, potentially more sensitive form of identification. They can simply use their secure, private Digital ID from Apple Wallet.

Currently, there are likely not many users with a Digital ID who need to prove their age to Apple. This is because the earliest policy changes have occurred abroad, not in the U.S. However, looking at how trends are going, it is highly likely that this will change soon.

Have you used your Apple Wallet Digital ID at an airport or for age verification? Let us know in the comments.