While Samsung may be lagging behind some other Android phone makers in pushing hardware boundaries, the company’s ecosystem features are still what make Galaxy phones such a compelling option for many people. Samsung’s latest Samsung Wallet integration, which now lets users add their passport digitally, might just become another standout feature.
You can now use a digitally stored passport inside Samsung Wallet at most TSA checkpoints across the U.S. And if you want to set up your passport in Samsung Wallet, here’s how to get started.
How to add your passport to Samsung Wallet
The setup process is honestly pretty straightforward. All you need is a compatible Galaxy phone (running Android 9 or above) with the Samsung Wallet app installed and a valid U.S. passport. If you already have those, here’s how to get started:
1. Open the Samsung Wallet app on your Galaxy phone.
2. In the app, tap the Quick Access tab (the middle tab) at the bottom.
3. Tap the + (plus) icon in the top-right corner.
4. Select Digital IDs.
5. Tap Samsung ID with CLEAR.
6. Select Get card and follow the on-screen instructions to add your passport to Samsung Wallet.
During the setup process, you’ll likely be asked to scan your passport and complete a face verification process through CLEAR. Once everything is verified, your digital passport ID will be securely stored inside Samsung Wallet.
It is, however, worth noting that the feature is still rolling out gradually and doesn’t seem to be available on all Samsung Galaxy phones in the U.S. just yet. My colleague Nicholas Sutrich, for example, still hadn’t received the feature at the time of writing, so it likely seems to be a server-side rollout happening in phases behind the scenes.
What else you should know about Samsung Wallet’s TSA-approved passport ID
Look, Samsung isn’t the first company to add support for storing passports digitally. Google has offered similar functionality inside Google Wallet for a couple of years now. But if you want a digital ID solution on a Galaxy phone backed by Samsung Knox security, Samsung Wallet is probably the better fit.
Once you add your passport to Samsung Wallet, you can verify your identity at supported TSA checkpoints using your phone instead of handing over a physical document. Depending on the airport setup, you’ll either tap your phone on a compatible TSA reader or scan a QR code.
Samsung says all IDs stored in the app are protected by Samsung Knox, and users will need to authenticate using a fingerprint or PIN before the ID can be accessed.
According to Samsung, Digital ID with CLEAR is currently supported at more than 250 airports across the U.S. You can also check whether your airport supports the feature through the TSA compatibility page.
Some limitations to keep in mind
Moreover, beyond airports, Samsung says the feature can be used for identity verification at select sports venues, including places like BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
There are still some important limitations, though. It’s worth noting that this doesn’t replace your actual passport, and TSA still recommends carrying a physical ID while traveling. In fact, you might even need a physical boarding pass, depending on the airport’s requirements.
The feature is currently designed primarily for domestic identity verification at participating TSA checkpoints in the United States, and you’ll still need your physical passport for international travel.
That said, this is honestly one of the most useful additions Samsung has made to Galaxy phones in years. Samsung Wallet already supports credit cards, gift cards, car keys, concert tickets, and driver’s licenses, and it’s great to see the company expanding its support to even more important forms of identification.