Lois Larson
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now accepts digital IDs for identity verification at over 250 airports in the U.S. through platforms like Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or a state-issued app. This allows travelers to use their mobile driver's licenses or ID passes stored on their phones to verify their identity at TSA checkpoints, providing a faster, more secure, and seamless travel experience. While the use of facial recognition technology is voluntary, it enhances security by reducing the risk of fraudulent documents and protecting passenger privacy. TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, offered in partnership with select airlines, further expedites the security screening process for eligible members, allowing them to breeze through dedicated lines without presenting a traditional photo ID.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of airports accepting Digital ID | 250+ |
| Platforms | Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, State-issued app |
| States issuing Digital IDs | Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Georgia, Utah, Iowa, California, Louisiana |
| Benefits | Faster, more secure, reduced risk of fraud, more private |
| Requirements | Must carry a physical, compliant ID |
| Opt-out option | Yes |
| Delta Air Lines | Offers TSA PreCheck Touchless ID at select airports |
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What You'll Learn
Digital IDs accepted at over 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 at one of the participating airports, travellers 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. They should then follow the set-up instructions from their device wallet or app before their trip to ensure it is ready to present at TSA checkpoints.
Facial recognition technology is voluntary, and travellers can inform a TSA officer if they do not wish to participate. The officer will then use the standard ID verification process. Digital IDs are more secure than physical credentials, which can be counterfeit or fraudulent, and they are also more private because travellers only share the information TSA needs to verify their identity.
Louisiana's digital ID app, for example, has a location to 'Share mDL with TSA'. Once at the airport, travellers can scan their Digital ID QR code or tap their mobile device on the digital ID reader.
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Digital IDs and facial recognition technology
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is increasingly accepting digital IDs for identity verification at airports across the United States. Digital IDs can be used through platforms such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or a state-issued app. This process is currently accepted at over 250 airports and 27 TSA checkpoints across the country, including one in Puerto Rico. Louisiana, Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Georgia, Utah, Iowa, and California are among the states that issue digital IDs that are interoperable with TSA technology.
To use a Digital ID, individuals 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. This enhances passenger security and experience, as digital IDs are more secure and private than physical credentials, which can be counterfeited or fraudulently obtained. Digital IDs also reduce points of contact for passengers and streamline the screening process.
Facial recognition technology is used in conjunction with digital IDs to partially automate the ID and boarding pass verification process, further enhancing security and efficiency. This technology compares an individual's real-time picture with their digital ID and verifies their ticketed flight information. However, participation in facial recognition technology is voluntary, and travellers can decline to have their photo taken.
Additionally, Delta Air Lines has partnered with the TSA to offer TSA PreCheck Touchless ID at select airports, including Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, D.C. This program allows eligible SkyMiles members to use dedicated bag drop and security lines without presenting a traditional photo ID, further streamlining the airport experience.
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Mobile IDs and physical IDs
Mobile IDs, also known as mobile driver's licenses (mDL), are a type of digital ID issued by a state. They are a digital representation of the information contained on a physical driver's license or ID card issued by the state and stored on a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone. Mobile IDs are more secure than physical IDs, as they reduce the risk of counterfeiting and fraud. They are also more private, as only the information required to verify the user's identity is shared with the TSA.
To use a Mobile ID at over 250 airports in the US and Puerto Rico, travelers 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. Platforms such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet are accepted. It is important to follow the setup instructions provided by the chosen platform before your trip to ensure a smooth process at TSA checkpoints.
While Mobile IDs offer enhanced security and privacy, travelers must still carry a physical and acceptable form of ID as a backup. This is because not all states issue Mobile IDs that are interoperable with TSA technology. As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers without a REAL ID-compliant ID may be subject to additional screening measures and possible travel delays.
Facial recognition technology, which is used in conjunction with Mobile IDs, is voluntary. If a traveler does not wish to participate, they can notify a TSA officer, who will then use the standard ID verification process. This technology enhances security and efficiency by snapping a real-time picture of the traveler and comparing it with their digital ID. It also verifies that the traveler is ticketed for air travel that day, eliminating the need to present a physical boarding pass.
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Digital IDs and privacy
Digital IDs are now accepted at over 250 airports, allowing passengers to verify their identity at TSA checkpoints using platforms such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or a state-issued app. This process is intended to provide a faster, more secure travel experience while reducing the risk of fraudulent documents.
Despite the convenience and enhanced security that Digital IDs offer, concerns about privacy have been raised. Digital IDs require users to share personal information, which may include biometric data, such as facial recognition technology. While this technology is currently voluntary at TSA checkpoints, with passengers being informed of their right to decline, it still raises questions about privacy and the potential misuse of personal data.
To address these concerns, regulations and safeguards have been implemented to protect user privacy. For example, in the United States, the TSA ensures that only the necessary information is accessed to verify identities, and passengers' pictures are compared only to their physical or digital IDs. Additionally, the Digital ID Act in Australia mandates that accredited Digital ID providers must protect user information and maintain its privacy. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) are responsible for ensuring that organizations comply with high standards for security and privacy.
Furthermore, Digital ID service providers employ encryption technology to secure user information and prevent unauthorized access. Users are given control over their information, and it cannot be shared without their consent. These measures aim to strike a balance between the convenience and security offered by Digital IDs and the need to protect individuals' privacy and personal data.
While the use of Digital IDs at airports is still relatively new, it is expected to modernize checkpoint screening procedures and enhance the overall travel experience. With the implementation of regulations and security measures, concerns about privacy can be addressed, ensuring that passengers' personal information remains secure and protected.
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Digital IDs and the travel experience
The use of digital IDs at airports is an increasingly popular option for travellers, with the potential to streamline the security screening process and enhance privacy and security. Digital IDs are now accepted at over 250 airports through platforms such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or state-issued apps. This allows travellers to verify their identity at TSA checkpoints without the need for a physical ID or boarding pass, reducing the risk of fraudulent documents and providing a faster and more secure travel experience.
To use a Digital ID, travellers must first ensure that their state-issued driver's license or identification card is added to their phone using a TSA-approved digital ID app or their phone's digital wallet. It is important to follow the set-up instructions provided by the device wallet or app before travelling to ensure a smooth process at TSA checkpoints. While digital IDs offer a convenient alternative to physical IDs, it is recommended that travellers still carry an acceptable compliant physical ID as a backup option.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been working towards accepting digital IDs at more airports and improving the technology involved. Facial recognition technology is currently voluntary, and travellers can choose to opt out and use the standard ID verification process. However, if travellers consent to facial recognition, their picture will be taken and compared to their physical or digital ID, providing an additional layer of security. This technology also allows for the verification of flight information, eliminating the need to show a boarding pass to the TSA officer.
Airlines such as Delta Air Lines have also introduced programs like TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, which allows eligible SkyMiles members to use dedicated bag drop and security lines without presenting a traditional photo ID. This further enhances the convenience and speed of the travel experience. Overall, the use of digital IDs at airports offers travellers a more efficient, secure, and seamless journey, reducing points of contact and modernizing the checkpoint screening process.
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Frequently asked questions
A digital ID is a mobile driver's license or ID pass stored on your phone, through platforms such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or a state-issued app.
You can use your digital ID at over 250 TSA checkpoints across the US, including in Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York City, Salt Lake City, and Washington, D.C. However, do note that only eight states currently issue IDs that are interoperable with TSA technology. These states are Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Georgia, Utah, Iowa, and California.
First, check that your state-issued driver's license or ID card is eligible. Then, add it to your phone using a TSA-approved digital ID app or your phone's digital wallet, following the setup instructions provided.
