Sachin Walls
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is expanding the use of digital identification at airport security checkpoints, allowing travelers to present digital IDs from their smartphones or smartwatches. As of February 2025, travelers with digital IDs from 14 states and Puerto Rico can use them at over 30 airports equipped with biometric scanning technology. This technology enhances passenger security and experience by providing a faster, more secure, and seamless travel experience while reducing the risk of fraudulent documents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of airports that accept digital IDs | More than 250 |
| Number of states that accept digital IDs | 14 |
| Platforms that support digital IDs | Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, state-issued apps |
| Biometric technology used | Facial recognition |
| Backup physical ID required | Yes |
| Digital ID information shared with TSA | Only with the passenger's consent |
| Digital ID information stored by TSA | Only in a limited testing environment for evaluation of facial comparison technology |
| Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) available | Yes |
| Standard ID verification process | Available for passengers who opt out of facial comparison technology |
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What You'll Learn
Digital IDs are accepted at over 250 airports
Digital IDs are now accepted at over 250 airports, allowing travellers to pass through security checkpoints without presenting a physical ID. This is made possible by the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) use of Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2), which biometrically scans travellers' faces to verify their identity. This technology also allows for the use of paperless boarding passes, as the machines can verify that travellers are ticketed for air travel that day.
Digital IDs are more secure than physical credentials, which can be counterfeit or fraudulent, and they also offer increased privacy, as travellers can control whether their information is accessed and only share the information necessary for ID verification. They are compatible with major mobile wallet apps, including Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet, as well as state-issued apps, depending on the state.
To use a Digital ID at airport security checkpoints, travellers must first ensure that their state accepts digital IDs and that their flight is departing from an airport equipped with CAT-2 technology. They can then 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. It is important to follow the setup instructions provided by the device wallet or app before travelling to ensure that the Digital ID is ready to present at TSA checkpoints.
While the use of Digital IDs and facial comparison technology is voluntary, travellers must still carry an acceptable, compliant physical ID for verification in case the digital version cannot be verified or accepted. This is because not all airports and checkpoints are currently equipped to handle Digital IDs, and some document-checking staff may not be trained in the use of the required equipment.
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You must still carry a physical ID as backup
Digital IDs are becoming increasingly popular at airports, with many countries and states adopting the technology. Digital IDs are more secure than physical credentials, reducing the risk of fraud, and are more private, as only the necessary information is shared with the TSA.
However, despite the advantages and growing acceptance of digital IDs, it is important to remember that you must still carry a physical ID as a backup. This is because, in some cases, a digital ID may not be accepted or cannot be verified. For example, some airports may not be equipped with the necessary technology to process digital IDs, or there may be issues with the digital ID itself. In such cases, having a physical ID ensures that you can still verify your identity and proceed with your travel plans.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the acceptance of digital IDs varies by state and airport. While some states have adopted digital IDs, others may not have. Similarly, within a state, certain airports may have the technology to process digital IDs, while others may not. Therefore, it is essential to check the specific requirements and capabilities of your departure airport before assuming that a digital ID will be accepted.
Furthermore, it is important to ensure that your digital ID is set up correctly on your device before your trip. Different states and platforms may have different setup procedures, so it is crucial to follow the instructions provided by your state and mobile wallet platform. By setting up your digital ID correctly in advance, you can increase the likelihood of a smooth verification process at the airport.
In conclusion, while digital IDs offer enhanced security and convenience, it is crucial to carry a physical ID as a backup when travelling. By doing so, you can ensure that you are prepared for any situation and can successfully verify your identity, regardless of the airport's technology or any potential issues with your digital ID.
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Digital IDs are more secure and private
Digital IDs are now accepted at over 250 airports, allowing travellers to verify their identity at TSA checkpoints through platforms such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or a state-issued app.
Digital IDs are more secure than physical credentials, which can be counterfeited or fraudulently used. Digital IDs are also more private because travellers only share the information that is necessary for the TSA to verify their identity, and nothing more. This also helps to modernise checkpoint screening procedures and technologies, reducing points of contact for passengers and creating a more seamless travel experience.
However, there are concerns about the potential for tracking people's movements and activities, as digital IDs leave electronic trails. Companies could match IDs to consumer databases and gain a detailed view of consumers' behaviour, which could then be used for targeted advertising. Furthermore, there is a risk of excluding people who do not have access to a sufficiently advanced phone or are unable to operate one due to age or disability.
To address these concerns, concrete improvements, including legislative safeguards and technical protections, are necessary to prevent inappropriate over-asking, coercion, exclusion, and breaching of users' digital IDs. It is important to enable meaningful consent and proper accountability while maintaining analog approaches for those who are unable to use digital IDs.
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Digital IDs are compatible with mobile wallet apps
Digital IDs are now accepted at over 250 airports, allowing passengers to verify their identity at TSA checkpoints. This can be done through mobile wallet apps such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet, or through a state-issued app.
Mobile wallet apps offer a convenient and secure way to manage personal identification. With a mobile driver's license (mDL) or ID pass stored in a phone's digital wallet, passengers can quickly move through TSA checkpoints more securely and efficiently. Digital IDs are more secure than physical credentials, reducing the risk of counterfeiting and fraud. They also provide enhanced privacy, as individuals can control what information is shared and with whom, ensuring only the necessary data is disclosed.
To use a Digital ID at TSA checkpoints, individuals must first add their state-issued eligible driver's license or identification card to their phone's wallet app or a TSA-approved digital ID app. It is important to follow the setup instructions provided by the app or device wallet to ensure a smooth process at the airport. Additionally, passengers must still carry a physical and acceptable form of ID as a backup.
The use of digital IDs and mobile wallet apps offers several advantages, including enhanced security, privacy, and efficiency. Digital IDs stored in mobile wallets are protected by advanced security measures, such as encryption, to safeguard personal information. In the event of a lost or stolen phone, remote data erasure can be performed to prevent unauthorized access. Furthermore, digital IDs streamline the verification process, eliminating the need for manual and time-consuming methods of identity verification.
The growing demand for digital services and the increasing use of mobile devices have driven the popularity of mobile wallet apps for digital IDs. With rising concerns about identity theft and fraud, individuals seek more secure and efficient ways to manage and protect their personal information. Mobile wallet apps provide a convenient and decentralized solution, empowering individuals with greater control over their digital identities and data.
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Digital IDs are accepted at TSA checkpoints in 14 states
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is now accepting digital IDs at TSA checkpoints, but only for residents of participating states. As of February 2025, digital IDs are accepted at TSA checkpoints in 14 states and Puerto Rico. The number of states accepting digital IDs has increased since the initial roll-out, which saw Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Georgia, Utah, Iowa, and California as the first states to adopt the technology. Louisiana was the eighth state to implement the use of digital IDs at TSA checkpoints.
Digital IDs are stored on smartphones or smartwatches and can be accessed through mobile wallet apps such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet, or through state-issued apps. To use a digital ID at a TSA checkpoint, individuals must first ensure their flight is departing from an airport equipped with the necessary technology, such as Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) readers. These readers scan and validate mobile IDs, as well as compare real-time pictures of individuals with their digital IDs using facial recognition technology.
It is important to note that while digital IDs offer a more secure and private verification process, they are not mandatory. Passengers can still choose to present physical identification documents, and it is recommended that individuals carry a physical ID as a backup in case the digital version cannot be verified or accepted. The use of digital IDs is expected to expand to more states and airports, modernizing checkpoint screening procedures and enhancing the travel experience for passengers.
The TSA has implemented strict privacy measures for the digital ID process. Passengers control access to their digital IDs, and the TSA does not copy or store the digital ID unless in limited testing environments for evaluating the accuracy of facial comparison technology. Additionally, passengers can opt out of facial comparison technology and request the standard ID verification process.
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Frequently asked questions
A digital ID is a mobile driver's license or ID pass stored in your phone's digital wallet or a third-party app. It allows you to verify your identity at TSA checkpoints through platforms such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet or a state-issued app.
The use of digital IDs is currently limited to specific airports with biometric technology, such as facial recognition or Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) readers. As of February 2025, residents from 14 states and Puerto Rico can use digital IDs at over 30 airports.
To set up a digital ID, you need to add your eligible, state-issued driver's license or identification card to your phone using a TSA-approved digital ID app or your phone's digital wallet. Follow the setup instructions provided by your device wallet or app.
Yes, it is recommended that you always carry a physical and acceptable form of ID as a backup. This is because not all airports and checkpoints are equipped to handle digital IDs, and there may be issues with verifying your digital ID.
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