Ruth Haines
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has started accepting mobile IDs at several airports across the United States. Mobile IDs are digital driver's licenses that can be stored on a smartphone or smartwatch and used as a form of identification at TSA checkpoints. While the TSA has been testing digital ID acceptance since early 2022, the number of airports and states participating in the program has been gradually increasing. As of 2025, TSA scanners accept mobile IDs from at least twelve states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, New York, Ohio, and Utah. The use of mobile IDs is expected to enhance airport security, reduce touchpoints, and provide greater privacy protections for travellers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of states that accept mobile IDs | 9 |
| States that accept mobile IDs | Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, New York, Utah |
| Number of airports that accept mobile IDs | 27 |
| Airports that accept mobile IDs | LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Miami International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Denver International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Phoenix, BWI, CLE, Columbus International Airport, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport |
| Devices that can be used | iPhone, Apple Watch, Android devices |
| Mobile wallets that can be used | Apple Wallet, Google Wallet |
| Additional requirements | TSA PreCheck, use of a TSA PreCheck lane |
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What You'll Learn
Mobile IDs are accepted at TSA checkpoints in 27 US airports
Mobile IDs are now accepted at TSA checkpoints in 27 US airports. This means that eligible Americans can use their digital driver's licenses at dozens of destinations, with that number continuing to grow.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been testing digital ID acceptance since early 2022. In March 2022, Arizona became the first state to allow passengers to use their state-issued mobile driver's license or mobile identification card in Apple Wallet for airport security screening. Since then, Colorado, Maryland, Georgia, Utah, Iowa, California, and Louisiana have followed suit.
To use a digital driver's license at a TSA checkpoint, your flight must be departing from one of the airports where the agency's Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) is available. Instead of presenting a physical driver's license, you would scan your mobile ID with the CAT-2 reader to validate your identity.
Mobile IDs are currently accepted at major airports across the country, including LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Miami International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Denver International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport.
To obtain a TSA-compliant digital ID, you must download your state's mobile ID app and add your driver's license or state ID to your smartphone. This allows you to present your mobile ID to the TSA officer instead of a physical ID and boarding pass.
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Mobile IDs are accepted in nine states
Mobile IDs are now accepted at TSA security checkpoints in
To use a mobile ID at a TSA checkpoint, travellers must first
The process of using a mobile ID at a TSA checkpoint is straightforward. When travellers arrive at the airport, they will need to
The acceptance of mobile IDs at TSA checkpoints is a significant development in
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Mobile IDs are accepted at major airports including JFK and Miami International Airport
Mobile IDs are gradually being accepted at airports across the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been testing digital ID acceptance at select checkpoints since early 2022.
As of July 2024, the TSA accepts mobile IDs from nine states: New York, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, and Utah. This means that eligible residents of these states can use their mobile IDs at TSA checkpoints in place of a physical ID.
Major airports that accept mobile IDs include John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City, Miami International Airport, LaGuardia Airport in New York City, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Denver International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport.
To use a mobile ID at TSA checkpoints, individuals must download their state's mobile ID app and add their driver's license or state ID to their smartphone. It is important to note that not all digital driver's licenses are compliant with TSA technology. For example, travelers cannot simply store a photo of their physical driver's license in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet and use it at the airport. Instead, their state must have mobile IDs that are compliant with the TSA's Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) readers.
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Mobile IDs are accepted at TSA PreCheck
To use a mobile ID at TSA PreCheck, travelers must download their state's mobile ID app and add their driver's license or state ID to their smartphone. They can then present their mobile ID to the TSA officer, who will verify their identity using Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2). It's important to note that travelers should always have a physical form of acceptable ID as a backup, as a mobile ID may not always be verifiable.
The process of using a mobile ID at TSA PreCheck is straightforward. Travelers can scan their Digital ID QR code or tap their mobile device on the digital ID reader. They have the option to decline the photo associated with their mobile ID, but they must notify the TSA officer before presenting their ID. The TSA uses facial recognition technology to verify the identity of travelers on a voluntary basis, and the photos and personal data are deleted immediately after identity verification.
The acceptance of mobile IDs at TSA PreCheck is part of the TSA's efforts to modernize the travel experience and enhance airport security measures. By utilizing digital IDs, the TSA can improve the accuracy and reliability of passenger identity verification, making the security screening process more secure and efficient. As technology evolves, we can expect further advancements in digital ID systems, making travel even more convenient and secure.
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Mobile IDs are more secure and convenient
Mobile IDs are a more secure and convenient way to verify your identity and access your accounts. They are a digital form of identification that can be used for contactless payments, logging into accounts, and accessing buildings. Mobile IDs are more secure because they are harder to fake and offer enhanced privacy features. They also provide a single sign-in for various digital accounts, reducing the risk of cyberattacks. The use of Mobile IDs is becoming increasingly common, with large retailers like Walmart adopting this technology for customer safety. Leading financial institutions are also using Mobile IDs to protect their customers from fraud and theft.
Mobile IDs are also more convenient than physical IDs. They can be used for identity verification during airport security screening, making the process smoother and more accessible. In the US, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts mobile IDs at checkpoints in 27 airports across the country, including Puerto Rico. States like Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Georgia, Utah, Iowa, Louisiana, New York, and California have introduced mobile driver's licenses, with more states expected to follow.
Mobile IDs offer a range of benefits to citizens. They simplify identity verification processes, provide access to new services, and give users more control over their personal information. Citizens can use Mobile IDs to obtain medical prescriptions, claim government benefits, conduct financial transactions, and more. The technology also benefits businesses and government agencies by providing a trusted digital identity to verify the identities of citizens.
The adoption of Mobile IDs addresses the missing link between security and convenience. With the world becoming increasingly digital, Mobile IDs offer a safer way to access public and private services. They enhance user privacy and provide a trusted and verifiable identity, making them an effective solution to today's cybersecurity challenges. Mobile IDs are a step towards a more connected world, where individuals can manage their online identities securely and conveniently.
The future of Mobile IDs looks promising, with the potential for even wider adoption and use cases. As technology evolves, advancements in digital ID systems will further enhance the travel experience and strengthen security measures. Mobile IDs are set to revolutionize digital accessibility, privacy, and security, offering a more streamlined and secure way to manage personal information.
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Frequently asked questions
No, currently, only select airports within the continental US will allow you to use your mobile ID. These include Phoenix, BWI, Reagan National, LaGuardia, Miami International, and Los Angeles International Airport.
You will need to download your state's mobile ID app and add your driver's license or state ID to your smartphone. At the TSA checkpoint, you will need to take out your phone and scan it on the identity reader. You will then confirm your data, and it will be processed digitally.
Yes, you will need to be enrolled in TSA PreCheck and use a TSA PreCheck lane to use your mobile ID.
