Before going through this process, ensure that the devices that will be reading your passes are compatible with:
VAS (Apple)
Smart Tap (Google)
Request an NFC Entitlement from Apple
Step 1: Apply via Apple Developer Program
Log in to your Apple Developer account.
Submit a request for an NFC Certificate via Apple’s Developer Portal.
Step 2: Prepare for Apple’s Questions
Apple wants to understand your business and your use case before granting an NFC entitlement. You do not need all answers immediately, but supplying clear and accurate responses will speed up approval.
Apple Will Ask | What You Should Provide |
Company website | Full URL (example: https://yourcompany.com) |
Years in business | Be honest, even if you are new. Explain your plan. |
Nature of your business | Say exactly what you do (example: Event Ticketing / Membership / Loyalty). |
Primary country of operations | Where you will conduct most of your business. |
Current merchant partnerships | Number of merchants you work with. If you are the merchant, say “N/A” or list your locations. |
Projected merchant uptake in first year | Estimate how many merchants will use Apple VAS in year one. Be ambitious, but realistic. |
Existing engagement / loyalty / CRM programs | If you have them, note whether they are in-house or third-party, and where you are in the integration process. |
Number of NFC-capable terminals in the field | If none yet, that is fine—just state that clearly. |
New vs. existing passes | Will NFC be enabled for new passes only, or also existing ones? If existing, share how many you have issued so far. |
Apple Developer Team ID | Find this in your Apple Developer account. |
Who is developing the passes | Specify that you are using Badge to create and manage your passes. |
Step 3: Wait for Approval
Apple usually takes at least two weeks to approve an NFC certificate.
Make sure your implementation follows Apple’s guidelines, as non-compliant requests can be delayed or rejected.
If you have not heard back after two weeks, contact your Apple Developer Relations Manager or reach out to Badge for help following up.
NFC Enablement in Badge
Apple Wallet
Once approved by Apple, alert your Badge account manager to enable NFC for your passes. When doing so:
Provide the public keys from your device (e.g., terminal or reader) provider
In Apple's words: Use "The public encryption key the Value Added Services protocol uses. Use a Base64-encoded X.509 SubjectPublicKeyInfo structure that contains an ECDH public key for group P256."
Add a new certificate (with the NFC entitlement) for your identifier in Badge.
Google Wallet
Create a new Google Wallet issuer account that can be used to integrate Smart Tap into the Issuer Account in Badge. When doing so:
Create the Google Wallet Issuer account: https://support.google.com/console/answer/11044296
Configure the public key from your terminal provider: https://developers.google.com/wallet/smart-tap/introduction/issuer-configuration#use_the_google_pay_wallet_console
Provide your Issuer Id ("Redemption Issuer ID").
Need help?
If you would like us to review your answers before sending them to Apple, reach out—we are happy to help.