Apple is gearing up to make your iPhone even more essential to everyday life. By the end of 2025, the tech giant plans to introduce digital passports within its Wallet app, allowing users to verify their identity at select TSA checkpoints across the United States. This development marks a significant move toward mainstream digital identity and a shift away from traditional, physical documents — at least for domestic travel.
The concept is both simple and revolutionary: instead of reaching for a physical passport or ID, travelers will be able to present their verified credentials directly from their iPhones. The system will rely on Apple’s established model of encrypted data storage and biometric authentication, such as Face ID or Touch ID, ensuring that only the device owner can access or use their digital credentials.
This rollout won’t replace physical passports for international travel anytime soon, and Apple has made it clear this is a step forward, not a complete leap. However, the implications are wide-reaching. As digital wallets expand their capabilities, identity is becoming a more deeply integrated part of our digital ecosystem — just like how payments have shifted from cash to tap-and-go.
Apple’s move also aligns with broader trends in global tech and governance. Several U.S. states have already introduced digital driver’s licenses, and governments worldwide are experimenting with mobile forms of official ID. Apple is simply extending this trajectory — leveraging its security infrastructure to bring trust and convenience into one of the most sensitive parts of life: identity verification.
As with most Apple features, the digital passport experience is expected to be smooth, intuitive, and deeply embedded into the iOS ecosystem. Once active, users will be able to add their passport to Wallet just like a boarding pass or credit card — streamlining their airport journey while reinforcing privacy through strict data controls.
While this won’t change how you travel internationally just yet, it’s a strong signal of what’s to come: a world where your smartphone might carry not just your money, keys, and tickets — but your very citizenship. The passport, long a symbol of national identity, could soon live in your pocket — protected by silicon and secured with your face.
In a significant move to streamline financial services and enhance the integrity of the taxation system, the Government of India has announced that, starting from July 1, 2025, obtaining a new Permanent Account Number (PAN) card will require mandatory Aadhaar authentication. This new directive is set to simplify the process of PAN card issuance and create a more secure and integrated framework for financial transactions across the country.
Why the Change?
The new rule comes as part of the government’s continued push to digitize and modernize the financial and tax systems. Linking Aadhaar with PAN is expected to reduce instances of identity fraud and tax evasion, making the entire process more transparent and secure. It also aims to eliminate the need for multiple documents when applying for a PAN card, as Aadhaar will serve as the primary identity verification.
By linking the Aadhaar number with the PAN, the government aims to ensure a seamless and unified identity system across multiple sectors, ranging from banking to taxation, and even government welfare schemes. This move is in line with the government’s larger vision of Digital India, where data integration and digital identity verification are key pillars.
As of July 1, every applicant for a new PAN card will need to complete an Aadhaar authentication process. This will involve the following steps:
Linking Aadhaar with PAN: Applicants will be required to link their Aadhaar number to their PAN during the application process. This can be done by entering the Aadhaar number on the official website of the Income Tax Department or at a designated PAN application center.
OTP-Based Authentication: Once the Aadhaar number is provided, an OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to the applicant’s registered mobile number linked with their Aadhaar. The OTP will be used for authentication, confirming the identity of the applicant.
Faster and Paperless Process: This integration will allow for a faster, more secure, and paperless process of applying for a PAN card. The Aadhaar database will serve as the primary point of reference for verifying the applicant’s identity, thus reducing delays associated with document verification.
Key Benefits of the Aadhaar-PAN Integration
Enhanced Security: Linking Aadhaar with PAN will significantly reduce the risk of fraudulent activities, including multiple PANs being issued to a single individual, which could be used for illegal or unethical purposes.
Reduced Tax Evasion: The move is aimed at reducing tax evasion, as it will be more difficult for individuals to hold multiple PAN cards under different names. It will also help the government track transactions more efficiently.
Faster Processing: The application process will be much quicker, as there will be no need for physical document verification. The Aadhaar authentication will act as a reliable and instant proof of identity.
Simplified Verification: Linking Aadhaar and PAN will simplify the verification process in several services, including opening bank accounts, filing taxes, and applying for loans or government schemes. It will also make it easier to ensure that welfare benefits reach the intended recipients.
Better Government Service Delivery: The integration will lead to more efficient service delivery by ensuring that public services and welfare schemes are properly targeted and reach the right people.
Impact on Existing PAN Card Holders
For existing PAN card holders, the Aadhaar linking with PAN has been a requirement for some time. However, this new mandate will only impact those who are applying for a new PAN. If you are an existing PAN card holder and have already linked your Aadhaar number, no further action will be needed.
For those who have not yet linked their Aadhaar with PAN, the last date for linking remains March 31, 2025, after which the PAN may become inactive. In case you haven’t linked your Aadhaar with PAN, it is recommended that you do so as soon as possible to avoid disruptions in financial transactions.
How to Link Aadhaar with PAN
Online Method:
Visit the official website of the Income Tax Department.
Go to the ‘Link Aadhaar’ section under the ‘PAN Services’ tab.
Enter your PAN and Aadhaar details along with the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
Click ‘Submit’ to complete the linking process.
Offline Method:
Visit a nearby PAN application center or Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
Submit your PAN card and Aadhaar details for manual verification.
Challenges and Concerns
While this new system promises to make the PAN card application process smoother and more secure, there are concerns regarding privacy and accessibility. Some citizens may face difficulties if their Aadhaar details are not up-to-date, or if their Aadhaar is linked to a mobile number that they no longer have access to.
The government has assured that necessary safeguards will be in place to protect privacy and data security. However, individuals who face issues during the Aadhaar authentication process will have access to support through official channels to resolve their concerns.
Conclusion
The mandatory Aadhaar authentication for new PAN card applications is a significant step in the government’s ongoing effort to modernize India’s financial and taxation systems. The move is expected to not only reduce the risk of fraud but also to bring about greater efficiency and transparency in financial transactions. While existing PAN cardholders have already been urged to link their Aadhaar, this new rule will help create a more secure and integrated digital identity system across the country.
Important Dates
July 1, 2025: Mandatory Aadhaar authentication for all new PAN card applications.
March 31, 2025: Last date to link Aadhaar with existing PAN cards.
