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Digital IDs in Apple Wallet: Where are they actually accepted?

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The rollout of digital IDs in Apple Wallet is gaining momentum. The feature just expanded to its twelfth state this month, with the addition of West Virginia. You can view the full list of states and territories with Apple Wallet support for digital IDs and driver’s licenses here

Once your state adds support for Apple Wallet IDs, however, the next big question is where you can actually use that new digital ID. Things are a bit patchwork right now, but here’s what you need to know.

TSA checkpoints

The primary place where digital IDs in Apple Wallet are accepted is at TSA checkpoints. When you go through security at a supported airport, instead of pulling out your physical ID, you can tap your digital ID in Apple Wallet on the TSA machine to securely share necessary information with TSA.

TSA says that digital IDs are currently accepted at “more than 250 TSA checkpoints” around the United States. The TSA used to keep an updated map of all the airports with support for digital IDs in Apple Wallet, but unfortunately, that map was removed from the TSA website at some point this year. Here is an archived version of the map. You can see that select airports across almost all 50 states offer support for digital IDs.

Keep in mind, however, that your mileage may vary. Only certain TSA checkpoints inside each airport offer Apple Wallet ID support, and some airports that are listed might not have those checkpoints open at all times of day. Apple says that travelers “should refer to checkpoint signage to confirm availability.”

Still, chances are that if you’re visiting a major airport in the United States, you’ll probably be able to find a TSA checkpoint with support for your Apple Wallet driver’s license.

The TSA’s since-removed map of airports where you can use Apple Wallet IDs

Other businesses

Outside of TSA checkpoints, support for digital IDs in Apple Wallet is far more limited. Apple says that acceptance is “available at select merchants.” This can include restaurants, liquor stores, sporting and concert venues, and more. Unfortunately, there’s no central database tracking these types of locations.

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