Introduction
While we recognize that you may not be developing iOS apps or using other features of the Apple Developer Program, the only way Apple allows you to create and manage certificates for Apple Wallet passes is by having an Apple Developer Account. This is not ideal, but it’s the only way to issue passes securely.
Fortunately, once you’ve created and issued your certificate, you won’t need to log in to your Apple Developer account again until it’s time to renew the certificate a year later. This means it’s a one-time setup to sign up for the account and generate your certificate.
Before you can issue commercial Apple Wallet passes, you must upload your Apple Certificate to your PassKit account. This certificate is issued from within your own Apple Developer Account, which is required to create and manage passes securely.
Key Reasons
Apple requires an Apple Developer account to create and manage Pass Type Identifiers (Pass Type ID) because passes used in Apple Wallet are tied to the Apple ecosystem and require specific security and management features that are part of the developer program. Here’s why:
Security and Authenticity
Apple Wallet Passes are cryptographically signed using a certificate tied to a Pass Type ID. This ensures:
The pass issuer’s identity is verified.
Pass holders can trust that the pass has not been altered since it was signed.
Apple requires every issuer to use their own Pass Type ID and corresponding certificate to maintain security and authenticity.
Centralized Management
The Apple Developer account provides a centralized platform to manage certificates, identifiers (like Pass Type IDs), and other resources. This ensures that only authorized entities can create and distribute passes.
Pass Grouping in Apple Wallet
Pass Type IDs determine how passes are grouped in the Apple Wallet app and Notification Center. By using your own Pass Type ID, you ensure your passes are not grouped with those of competitors, maintaining a consistent and professional experience for your customers
Cost and Time Considerations
To create a Pass Type ID and its corresponding certificate, you need an Apple Developer Account. Here’s what you need to know:
Cost: $99 per year.
Timeframe: The process typically takes 1–2 days to complete.
Once you have your account, you can create your Pass Type ID, generate the certificate, and upload it to the PassKit platform.
Refer to this article for step-by-step instructions.
Bonus
If you already have an Apple Developer account, you can issue an Apple certificate immediately—with no additional costs or waiting time. Once set up, you can issue more certificates as needed.
A single Apple Developer account can create an unlimited number of certificates. If you have multiple projects and want to use different certificates for each, you can do so within one account. For more details, refer to this article.
Annual Renewal
Important: Your certificate must be renewed every year to ensure your passes continue to work seamlessly. Failure to renew will prevent you from issuing new passes or updating existing passes.
Is there another way?
Unfortunately, there is no alternative to creating and managing a Pass Type ID without an Apple Developer account. The developer account is mandatory for accessing the tools and resources needed to create, sign, and manage passes. Even if you're not developing iOS apps, the Wallet functionality is considered part of the broader developer ecosystem.
Next Steps
Ready to get started? Sign up for an Apple Developer Account today. Once your account is set up, you can create your Pass Type ID and certificate, and upload them to PassKit to start issuing passes.