As more states accept digital documents at TSA checkpoints, you may be wondering, "How do I add my ID to Apple Wallet?" Well, the first question you must ask is whether your region supports Apple Wallet IDs. As of this writing, only Maryland and Arizona acknowledge Apple Wallet IDs.

Once you've confirmed that your state accepts Wallet IDs, you can add your driver's license or state ID, but keep in mind that Apple Wallet requires verification from your state's motor vehicle administration. As such, before attempting to clear an airport security checkpoint, allow sufficient time for your ID to be "green lit."

How to add your driver's license or state ID to Apple Wallet

Before diving into these guidelines, make sure that your iPhone is updated to the latest version of iOS. Courtesy of the Maryland Department of Transportation, here are the step-by-step instructions on how to add your ID to Apple Wallet:

1. Open the Wallet app.

2. Tap on the plus (+) button.

3. Look for the "Driver's License or State ID" option and select your state. If you don't see your state, this means it's not a participant of the Apple Wallet ID program. If you do see your state (e.g., Maryland or Arizona), tap on it.

4. Choose whether you'd like to add your ID to your iPhone only or iPhone and Apple Watch.

5. Scan the front of your ID. Make sure it's placed on top of a simple dark background in a well-lit room.

6. Scan the back of the ID under the same conditions.

7. Tap "Continue."

8. You'll land on a page that says, "Additional Verification." Tap "Continue" again.

9. Follow the on-screen instructions to take a photo (for fraud-prevention purposes).

10. Next, tap on "Continue with Face ID," which sends your selfie and ID info to your state's issuing authority.

11. Tap "Done."

Once you're verified, you'll receive an Apple Wallet notification telling you that your digital document is good to go for select airport security checkpoints. Be sure to check out our in-depth guide on what it's like to clear TSA with an Apple Wallet ID.

As more states support Apple Wallet IDs at TSA checkpoints, you may be wondering, "How does this process even work? Do I have to hand over my phone to TSA agent? I don't want to do that!" Worry not, if your state supports Apple Wallet IDs, no one will be touching your phone but you!

As of this writing, only two states acknowledge Apple Wallet IDs: Arizona and Maryland. Hawaii, Colorado, Mississippi, Ohio and Puerto Rico are some of the states and regions that are poised to accept Wallet IDs in the near future.

So what should you expect once your state or region accepts Wallet IDs at TSA checkpoints? Read on to get an in-depth look at the process.

How Apple Wallet IDs work at TSA checkpoints

First, you must, of course, add your driver's license or state ID to Apple Wallet. Simply open the Wallet app, tap on the plus (+) button, tap your state, and finally, tap on "Add to iPhone" to kick off the scanning process. 

You'll be prompted to take a photo of the front and the back of your ID. You'll also be asked to take selfies at various angles for verification purposes. Finally, your information will be sent to your state's motor vehicle authority to vet your credentials. Once you're approved, you'll receive a notification — and you'll be ready to take on TSA.

What happens when you arrive at a TSA checkpoint?

Before you whip out your iPhone at a TSA agent all willy nilly, check for signage that confirms that the airport security checkpoint accepts Wallet IDs. Once you've done that, you'll be prompted to tap your iPhone against something called a CAT-2 reader, a device designed to scan and analyze photo documents.

CAT-2 units, according to AppleInsider, are linked to the Secure Flight database, which determines iPhone users' pre-screening status (e.g., TSA PreCheck) and flight information. After you've tapped your iPhone against the CAT-2 reader, you'll receive a notification on your device with a summary of information that is being shared with airport security. Next, you'll need to use Touch ID or Face ID to verify your identity.

The CAT-2 unit then validates your identity by cross-referencing it with the data you provided when you booked your flight. You should also know that TSA will take a live picture of you to determine whether it matches your Wallet ID photo. Once these are collected and verified, you're free to go.

Throughout this process, you don't need to show nor hand over your device to a single breathing soul.

Is my data safe?

One concern iPhone users may have with this method is privacy. As Apple pointed out in a Newsroom blog post, unlike physical documents, Wallet IDs will only present necessary information to TSA. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to see the information airport security is requesting before agreeing to share it.

"Additionally, driver's license and state ID in Wallet is presented digitally through encrypted communication directly between the device and the identity reader, so users do not need to show or hand over their device."

As I mentioned earlier, a Face ID or Touch ID prompt will appear to ensure that you are the authorized owner of the device. As usual, your data will be sent to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), but it will delete your information in under 24 months.

TSA-approved Apple Wallet IDs are available on iPhone 8 or newer and it must be running iOS 15.4 or later.

Apple is working with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to clear iPhone and Apple Watch owners with Wallet-stored IDs, but keep in mind that not all checkpoints support the digital-document tech yet.

As of this writing, the new, convenient feature is only available in two states. Don't worry, though. The Cupertino-based tech giant announced that four more states, as well as the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, are gearing up to support Wallet-stored IDs soon (h/t Apple Insider).

Which states support Apple Wallet IDs?

You may be wondering, "Which checkpoints will acknowledge my Apple Wallet-stored ID?" After all, the last thing you'd want to do is raise eyebrows at a TSA checkpoint. 

In March of this year, Apple announced that Arizona is the first state to welcome its TSA-approved Wallet IDs. Residents of The Grand Canyon State can add their driver's licenses (or state IDs) to Apple Wallet and skate through select Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport TSA checkpoints with their iPhones or Apple Watches.

In late May, Maryland joined Arizona, allowing residents to present their TSA-approved, Wallet-stored IDs at select airport security checkpoints. "It's as simple as holding your device near the identity reader, confirming the information requested, and you're done," Maryland's official website stated. "Your information is presented digitally to the identity reader, so you'll never need to show or hand over your device."

To reiterate, Maryland and Arizona users don't need to physically hand over their devices to TSA agents. Instead, they'll need to present their iPhones or Apple Watches to a CAT-2 unit, a scanner that analyzes digital IDs. According to AppleInsider, CAT-2 is electronically connected to a Secure Flight database that confirms travelers' flight details and pre-screening status (e.g., TSA PreCheck).

Other states and regions that are poised to hop on the Apple Wallet ID bandwagon soon are Colorado, Hawaii, Mississippi, Ohio and Puerto Rico. It's also worth noting that American Airlines is also accepting digital IDs on iOS and Android.

According to TSA's official website, it is currently experimenting with Apple Wallet IDs in the following airports:

• Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Gulfport Biloxi International Airport (GPT)
• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

We're still a long way from all 50 states accepting TSA-approved Wallet IDs, but Apple is taking a major leap toward a future where we no longer have to dig for our physical documents. We can simply tap-and-go, making life much easier for frequent travelers.

Driver's licenses and state IDs aren't the only documents you can add to Apple Wallet. Check out our step-by-step guide that explains how users can add their COVID-19 vaccine records to Apple Wallet.

"How to add vaccine card to Apple Wallet" is a question that's been circulating among iPhone users after the Cupertino-based tech giant rolled out the iOS 15.1. The new, hotly anticipated update comes with a slew of exciting new features, including SharePlay and ProRes video recording for iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max users.

But perhaps the most useful iOS 15.1 perk is the ability to add one's COVID-19 vaccination card to Apple Wallet. If you have no idea how to do it, don't worry. We have easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions on how to add this crucial document to your Apple device.

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How to add vaccine card to Apple Wallet

To add your COVID-19 vaccine card to Apple Wallet, you must have the QR code associated with it. For example, my COVID-19 vaccine provider is CVS, and I was able to find my QR code online by visiting this link. Now that you've got your QR code ready to go, let's get started with the tutorial.

1. Pull up the Camera app and frame the viewfinder so that the QR code is centered. 

2. Your iPhone will recognize the QR code and a small yellow banner titled "Health" should appear. Tap on it.

3. The Health app will launch and a window saying, "You can secure store your vaccination record in the Health app and quickly asset it from Wallet." Tap on Add to Wallet & Wealth.

4. A verification page will appear saying, "Vaccination Added." Now your COVID-19 card is stored in your Health app and you can view it in Apple Wallet.

To view your COVID-19 vaccine card on Apple Wallet, tap on the app, scroll down and tap on the red "Vaccination Card" banner. 

Tap on it and your COVID-19 records will appear.

To view your COVID-19 vaccine card on the Health app, tap on "Show records" under Immunizations.