How to Show Proof of Your Covid Vaccine on Your Phone

Before you leave the house, don’t forget to take your phone, keys, wallet, mask—and some form of Covid-19 vaccine record.

New York City will require proof of vaccination for many indoor activities, such as dining, gyms and events, starting Aug. 16. Where I live in San Francisco, many bars require vaccine documentation for entry. (If you aren’t vaccinated, there are other reasons to consider it, beyond this new damper on your social life.)

Your phone can already replace most of your wallet: your subway pass, credit card, plane ticket, hotel keys and soon even your driver’s license. It’s a great place to store your Covid-19 vaccine record too.

Digital vaccine options vary from state-to-state. A national vaccine passport hasn’t taken off in the U.S., so states like California and New York are taking things into their own hands. However, going through a state-sponsored passport app probably isn’t necessary, as most establishments are likely to accept either your original CDC vaccine card or a digital scan or photo of it. Washington state’s guidance to businesses, for example, says “originals, copies or photographs on a mobile device are acceptable.”

In other words, before you venture out into the world, get your vaccine card on your phone. Then check to see if there are other passport apps that might make for quicker entry to your favorite spots. Here’s my quick guide: