Jazmin Li
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is currently accepting digital IDs at over 250 airports in the US, including one in Puerto Rico. Passengers can use a TSA-approved digital ID app or their phone's digital wallet to present their ID at TSA checkpoints. Digital IDs are considered more secure and private than physical IDs, as they are harder to counterfeit and allow users to control the information they share. Passengers can also opt for facial recognition technology for identity verification, although this is not mandatory. While digital IDs are becoming more widely accepted, it's important to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling, as not all digital driver's licenses are compliant with TSA technology.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is it mandatory to show ID on my phone to TSA at the airport? | No, it is not mandatory. TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is voluntary. |
| Which airports accept digital IDs? | As of 2024, 27 airports across the US and Puerto Rico accept digital IDs. These include ATL, DTW, LAX, LGA, JFK, SLC, and DCA. |
| Which states' digital IDs are accepted by the TSA? | Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Georgia, Utah, Iowa, California, and Louisiana. |
| What type of digital ID is accepted by the TSA? | Digital IDs that are compliant with the 6 CFR Part 37: Minimum Standards for Driver's Licenses and Identity Cards. |
| What is the process for verifying my identity with a digital ID? | You can add your eligible driver's license or identification card to your phone using a TSA-approved digital ID app or your phone's digital wallet. At the TSA checkpoint, scan your Digital ID QR code or tap your mobile device on the digital ID reader. |
| What happens to my photo and personal data after identity verification? | Your photo and personal data are deleted after your identity is verified. They are not used for law enforcement, surveillance, or shared with other entities. |
| Are there any age requirements for presenting an ID at the TSA checkpoint? | TSA requires adult passengers (18 and older) to show valid identification at the airport checkpoint. Children under 18 are not required to provide identification when traveling within the US, unless they are unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck. |
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What You'll Learn
Digital IDs are more secure and private than physical credentials
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is currently accepting digital IDs at over 250 airports across the United States, including one in Puerto Rico. This means that eligible passengers can use a digital driver's license in lieu of a physical ID.
Digital IDs are considered more secure and private than physical credentials. Firstly, digital IDs are more secure because they cannot be counterfeited or fraudulently used in the same way that physical IDs can be. Secondly, digital IDs are more private because they only share the information that is necessary to verify your identity, and nothing more. For example, if you need to prove you are over 21, a bouncer can confirm this with a reader device for a QR code or a tap via NFC. The bouncer will never know your address, name, or date of birth.
Additionally, digital IDs can increase ease and security by reducing the number of passwords and usernames available for criminals to steal and misuse. Digital identities can also ease recovery after a natural or man-made disaster, as a digital identity can provide the proof needed to start insurance and assistance processes as soon as possible. Furthermore, digital IDs can eliminate the need for multiple usernames and passwords, providing a single source of identity across all online uses.
However, it is important to note that not all digital driver's licenses are compatible with TSA technology. It is not as simple as storing a mobile version of a physical driver's license in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Instead, it must be compliant with TSA technology. As of December 2023, only eight states issue IDs that are interoperable with TSA technology: Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Georgia, Utah, Iowa, California, and Louisiana.
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Digital IDs are accepted at 250+ airports
Digital IDs are now accepted at over 250 airports, allowing travellers to verify their identity at TSA checkpoints. This can be done through platforms such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet, or a state-issued app.
To use a Digital ID, you must add your acceptable state-issued eligible driver's license or identification card to your phone using a TSA-approved digital ID app or your phone's digital wallet. It is important to follow the set-up instructions from your device wallet or app before your trip to ensure it is ready to present at TSA checkpoints.
At the TSA checkpoint, you can scan your Digital ID QR code or tap your mobile device on the digital ID reader. It is important to note that the photo is optional, and if you decline, you must notify the TSA officer before presenting your ID. The TSA officers use biometric cameras to assist them with identity verification, and your photo and personal data are deleted after your identity is verified.
Digital IDs are more secure than physical credentials, as they cannot be counterfeited or fraudulently used. They are also more private, as you only share the information needed to verify your identity. Additionally, digital IDs can enhance the security and experience of passengers, modernizing checkpoint screening procedures and technologies.
It is important to note that not all digital driver's licenses are compatible with TSA technology. While several states now issue digital driver's licenses or mobile IDs, only a few states issue IDs that work with TSA technology. As of December 2023, these states include Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Georgia, Utah, Iowa, and California.
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Facial recognition technology is voluntary
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced facial recognition technology as an option for identity verification at select airports. This technology enhances security and improves traveller convenience by automating the ID and boarding pass verification process. It is important to note that participation in facial recognition is entirely voluntary, and travellers have the right to decline. If a traveller chooses not to participate, they will undergo the standard manual ID credential check by a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) without any negative consequences or delays. Travellers who wish to opt-out of facial recognition can notify the TSA officer before presenting their ID.
To use facial recognition technology, travellers must provide their consent for the TSA to access their digital identification information. This information is used to create a secure biometric template of the traveller's live facial image, which is then matched against a gallery of pre-staged photos provided to the government, such as passport or visa photos. The TSA only uses this information for identity verification and enhancing transportation security. All photos and personal data are deleted after a positive ID match, and images are not used for surveillance, law enforcement, or shared with other entities.
Digital IDs, such as mobile driver's licenses, are becoming increasingly accepted by the TSA as a more secure and private alternative to physical credentials. These digital IDs can be stored in mobile wallets, such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet, or a state-issued app. However, not all digital driver's licenses are compatible with TSA technology, and travellers should ensure their mobile IDs are compliant. As of 2024, only eight states, including Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Georgia, Utah, Iowa, California, and Louisiana, issue mobile IDs that are interoperable with TSA systems.
To use a digital ID at TSA checkpoints, travellers must add their acceptable state-issued driver's license or identification card to their phone's digital wallet or a TSA-approved app. They can then scan their Digital ID QR code or tap their mobile device on the digital ID reader. It is important to follow the setup instructions provided by the app or wallet before travelling to ensure a smooth process at TSA checkpoints. While digital IDs enhance security and privacy, travellers must still carry a physical ID for verification as a backup.
In conclusion, facial recognition technology and digital IDs offer travellers a faster, more efficient, and secure screening experience at airports. However, participation in facial recognition is strictly voluntary, and travellers who decline will receive an alternative identity verification process without any negative repercussions. Travellers can refer to signage at checkpoints, passenger-facing screens, and TSA.gov for more information on their rights and privacy protections. The TSA is committed to protecting traveller privacy and ensuring the accuracy of facial recognition systems across all demographic groups.
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Digital IDs are stored on mobile wallets
Digital IDs are becoming increasingly popular as more people seek greater control over their identities and data online. They offer a convenient, secure, and inclusive way to manage personal identification and credential documents. Digital IDs are also more private because you only share the information needed to verify your identity, and nothing more.
A digital ID is an electronic representation of personally identifying information (PII) that can be used to verify someone's identity. Digital IDs are often stored in mobile wallets, which are virtual wallets that allow users to store, manage, and share their personal identity and credential information online. This includes information such as names, dates of birth, driver's licenses, and other data. Mobile wallets offer a secure and decentralized way to manage digital identities without relying on centralized authorities or intermediaries. They utilize advanced multi-layered security techniques and sophisticated encryption to protect sensitive information.
To use a digital ID at an airport, passengers must ensure their state-issued eligible driver's license or identification card is added to their phone using a TSA-approved digital ID app or their phone's digital wallet. They can then scan their Digital ID QR code or tap their mobile device on the digital ID reader. As of May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's licenses and IDs are accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. It's important to note that not all digital driver's licenses are compatible with TSA technology, and the availability of digital ID readers varies across airports.
Digital IDs stored on mobile wallets offer several benefits, including enhanced security, convenience, efficiency, privacy, accessibility, and cost savings. They eliminate the need to carry multiple physical documents and provide instant verification, replacing manual and time-consuming verification processes. Additionally, in the event of a lost or stolen phone, users can still access their digital IDs using a seed phrase or backup options provided by certain mobile wallet apps.
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Digital IDs are issued by state or non-governmental entities
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts digital IDs at over 250 airports. To use a digital ID at TSA checkpoints, passengers must 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. Passengers can then scan their Digital ID QR code or tap their mobile device on the digital ID reader.
Some states, such as Iowa, Colorado, and Utah, have partnered with businesses and government agencies to accept their mobile IDs and provide maps or directories to inform citizens where they can use their mobile IDs. Arizona was the first state to deploy a new technology that allows passengers to use their state-issued mobile driver's licenses or mobile identification cards in Apple Wallet for airport security screening. Colorado, Maryland, Georgia, Utah, Iowa, and California have since followed suit.
Digital IDs issued by non-governmental entities are based on information derived from governmental or non-governmental sources. An example of a non-governmental entity issuing digital IDs is Missouri's Show-Me ID app, which can verify the authenticity of any physical copy of state-issued IDs to prevent alcohol sales to minors.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can show a digital ID on your phone at TSA checkpoints. You must add your eligible state-issued driver's license or ID card to your phone using a TSA-approved digital ID app or your phone's digital wallet. However, it must be compliant with TSA technology, and not all states offer IDs that meet this requirement.
Digital IDs are more secure and private than physical IDs, as they are less susceptible to counterfeiting and fraud, and you only share the information needed to verify your identity. They can also speed up the security screening process.
You can still present a physical ID at TSA checkpoints. However, make sure to check that your ID is REAL ID-compliant, as state-issued IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as of May 7, 2025.
TSA also accepts U.S. passports. They may also use facial recognition technology to verify your identity, but this is voluntary, and you can decline to participate.
