Ruth Haines
As of 2024, TSA checkpoints at over 250 airports across the United States accept digital IDs stored on mobile phones in addition to physical identification. This includes TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, which uses facial recognition technology to verify a passenger's identity. However, not all digital driver's licenses are compliant with TSA technology. As of 2024, only eight states issue digital IDs that are interoperable with TSA technology. Passengers must ensure their digital IDs are TSA-compliant and that they are departing from an airport that accepts digital IDs. Additionally, passengers under 18 years old do not need to provide identification when travelling within the US, but unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I show my ID on my phone at TSA checkpoints? | Yes, TSA checkpoints at 27 airports across the country now accept digital IDs. |
| What is a digital ID? | A digital ID is an electronic representation of personally identifying information (PII) that may be used to verify the identity of a person. |
| How do I use a digital ID? | Download a TSA-approved digital ID app or use your phone's digital wallet. Add your acceptable state-issued eligible driver's license or identification card to the app or wallet. Scan your Digital ID QR code or tap your mobile device on the digital ID reader. |
| What if I don't want my photo taken? | The photo is optional. You can notify the TSA officer before presenting your ID if you do not want your photo taken. |
| What if I don't have a REAL ID-compliant ID? | Passengers should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices. |
| Do children need to provide identification when traveling within the United States? | TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. |
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What You'll Learn
- Digital IDs are more secure and private than physical IDs
- TSA PreCheck Touchless ID uses facial recognition technology for faster identity verification
- TSA accepts digital IDs at over 250 airports
- Digital IDs are accessible in Google Wallet or via a TSA-approved digital ID app
- A digital ID may be issued by a non-governmental entity
Digital IDs are more secure and private than physical IDs
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is currently accepting digital IDs at over 250 airports across the United States, including Puerto Rico. This means that eligible passengers can now use their smartphones to verify their identity at TSA checkpoints. This can be done through platforms such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or a state-issued app.
Digital IDs are more secure than physical IDs, which can be counterfeited or fraudulently obtained. Digital IDs are also more private because you only share the information that is required to verify your identity, and nothing more. For example, when proving that you are over the age of 21, the verifier will only be able to confirm that you meet the age threshold, without needing to know your date of birth or name. This is known as an "abstract claim". Furthermore, digital IDs reduce the number of passwords and usernames that are available for criminals to steal and misuse, thus increasing security.
Digital IDs also have the potential to modernize checkpoint screening procedures and technologies, reducing points of contact for passengers and paving the way for a more seamless travel experience. For instance, digital IDs can be used in conjunction with facial recognition technology, which can enhance the security screening process and make it faster and more efficient. This technology is voluntary, and passengers can opt out of it.
It is important to note that not all digital driver's licenses are compatible with TSA technology. Currently, only seven states, including Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Georgia, Utah, Iowa, and California, issue IDs that are interoperable with TSA technology. It is also worth mentioning that digital IDs are not mandatory, and passengers can choose to use physical IDs if they prefer.
Overall, digital IDs offer enhanced security and privacy compared to physical IDs, making them a convenient and efficient option for airport security screening.
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TSA PreCheck Touchless ID uses facial recognition technology for faster identity verification
The TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program uses facial recognition technology to enhance the security screening process and provide faster identity verification. This technology is currently available at select airports, including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The program is a collaboration between the TSA and airlines such as Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.
Here's how it works: passengers opting into the program can use their facial biometric data as a secure form of identification. This data is compared to a pre-staged gallery of existing passport or visa photo templates, allowing for efficient and accurate identity verification. The use of facial recognition technology is entirely voluntary, and passengers can choose to opt-out and use standard ID verification methods if they prefer.
To enrol in the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program, passengers must follow specific instructions. For example, Delta Air Lines passengers can opt in by storing their passport information and TSA PreCheck Known Traveller Number in their SkyMiles profile. It is important to note that the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program is separate from the TSA mobile driver's license initiative.
Additionally, the TSA accepts digital IDs at over 250 airports, where passengers can use their mobile devices to verify their identity. This includes the use of TSA-approved digital ID apps or mobile wallets such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet. Passengers can add their eligible state-issued driver's license or identification card to their phones, following the device's setup instructions. This digital ID option provides faster and more secure identity verification while reducing the risk of fraudulent documents.
While the TSA is gradually adopting digital ID options, it is important to note that as of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers are encouraged to carry acceptable alternative forms of ID, such as passports, or enrol for a state-issued REAL ID. The list of acceptable IDs may change, so passengers should check before travelling to ensure they have the appropriate identification.
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TSA accepts digital IDs at over 250 airports
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been rolling out facial recognition technology to modernize the airport security process. This includes the use of digital IDs at over 250 airports, which allow travellers to show a digital version of their identification at TSA security checkpoints.
Digital IDs are available through platforms such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, and state-issued apps. They are more secure than physical credentials, which can be counterfeit or fraudulent, and they also provide more privacy as travellers do not need to share any more information than is required for their identity verification.
To use a Digital ID, travellers must first add their acceptable state-issued eligible driver's license or identification card to their phone using a TSA-approved digital ID app or their phone's digital wallet. They should then follow the set-up instructions provided by the app or wallet before their trip to ensure it is ready to present at TSA checkpoints. At the checkpoint, travellers can scan their Digital ID QR code or tap their mobile device on the digital ID reader.
It is important to note that the use of facial recognition technology and digital IDs is voluntary. Travellers who do not wish to participate can inform a TSA officer, who will then use the standard ID verification process. Additionally, travellers must still carry an acceptable, compliant, physical ID for verification as a backup.
As of February 2025, 14 states and Puerto Rico issue digital IDs that are accepted at TSA checkpoints. These include Arizona, California, Colorado, and Georgia. The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change, so travellers are encouraged to check before their trip.
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Digital IDs are accessible in Google Wallet or via a TSA-approved digital ID app
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced a digital ID system that allows passengers to use their mobile devices to verify their identity at TSA checkpoints. This system is currently available at over 250 airports, including 27 airports that accept digital IDs from all U.S. states. Passengers can use their state-issued eligible driver's license or identification card by adding it to their phone using a TSA-approved digital ID app or their phone's digital wallet, such as Google Wallet.
Google Wallet is a convenient way to store your digital ID and present it at TSA checkpoints for domestic travel at major U.S. airports. It is available on Android mobile devices and supports Maryland-issued mobile driver's licenses and ID cards. To use Google Wallet at TSA checkpoints, passengers need to approach the podium at the first station and consent to providing their mobile identification by turning on Bluetooth and holding their Android smartphone or watch near the second-generation Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) reader device. The CAT-2 reader takes a real-time photograph of the passenger and compares it with the encrypted mobile identity information from Google Wallet and their reservation data. Once the identity is confirmed, the passenger can proceed to security screening without the need for a physical boarding pass.
It is important to note that not all digital driver's licenses are compatible with TSA technology. Currently, only seven states, including Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Georgia, Utah, Iowa, and California, issue IDs that are interoperable with TSA technology. Passengers are advised to check the TSA website for the latest information on acceptable forms of identification and the availability of digital ID systems at their departure airports.
The use of digital IDs offers several benefits, including enhanced security, privacy, and efficiency. Digital IDs are more secure than physical credentials as they are less susceptible to counterfeiting and fraud. They also provide improved privacy as passengers can control the access and use of their digital ID information, which is deleted after verification. Additionally, digital IDs can streamline the screening process by automating the ID and boarding pass verification, reducing points of contact, and eliminating the need for physical documents.
To ensure a smooth experience when using a digital ID at TSA checkpoints, passengers should follow the setup instructions provided by their chosen digital wallet or app before their trip. It is also recommended to carry a physical form of acceptable identification, such as a driver's license or passport, as a backup in case of any issues with the digital ID verification process. By adopting digital IDs, travellers can benefit from a more modern, secure, and efficient airport screening experience.
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A digital ID may be issued by a non-governmental entity
Passengers are encouraged to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling to the airport. TSA accepts REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). Passengers with IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening.
A digital ID is an electronic representation of personally identifying information (PII) that may be used to verify the identity of a person. A mobile driver's license is a type of digital ID issued by a state. It is a digital representation of the information contained in a physical driver's license or ID card that is stored on a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone and read electronically through a secure transaction. The use of a mobile driver's license requires biometric verification prior to each transaction.
A digital ID may also be issued by a non-governmental entity based on information derived from governmental or non-governmental sources. Countries may have a host of other digital ID systems maintained by public or (primarily) private sector entities for their internal use and for unofficial purposes. For example, private-sector-provided IDs may be derived directly from government-recognized sources or issued after identity proofing based on non-governmental sources, such as social media, email accounts, or commercial platforms.
Digital IDs are more secure than physical credentials, which can be counterfeited or fraudulently obtained. They are also more private because only the information needed to verify identity is shared. TSA checkpoints at dozens of airports now accept digital IDs, but they must be compliant with TSA technology. As of August 2024, 27 airports across the country (including one in Puerto Rico) accept digital driver's licenses.
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