Atlanta Airport And Digital Ids: What You Need To Know

As of May 2023, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport accepts digital IDs from Georgia residents who are enrolled in TSA PreCheck. This allows passengers to use their iPhones to present a digital version of their driver's license for identification at the airport's security screening. To use a digital ID, travellers must upload their Georgia driver's license to their Apple Wallet and use an iPhone 8 or later with the latest version of iOS. While the digital ID provides a quick, safe, and efficient process, passengers are still encouraged to carry their physical IDs as a backup.

Digital ID requirements at Atlanta Airport

As of May 2023, Georgia residents can use a digital ID to get through TSA at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. This is thanks to a partnership between Georgia and Apple, allowing residents to add their driver's license to their Apple Wallet for airport verification.

However, this option is only available to those enrolled in TSA PreCheck, a trusted traveler program. They must also have an iPhone 8 or later, with the latest version of iOS.

To use a digital ID, travelers go to a separate digital verification line at the South security checkpoint. They then hold their Apple device in front of a reader at the podium and authorize the documentation with Touch or Face ID. The identification is then presented to the TSA officer.

It is important to note that passengers are still encouraged to carry their physical ID as a backup, in case the digital ID cannot be verified.

In addition to the state-wide initiative, Delta Air Lines has launched its own Delta Digital ID program at Atlanta Airport, as well as in Detroit, New York, and Los Angeles. This program offers expedited security lines for Delta customers who qualify. To use this service, travelers must have a TSA PreCheck membership, a SkyMiles membership, and add passport information and a Known Traveler Number to their Delta profile. They must also opt in through the Fly Delta app.

Delta Digital ID line

Delta Digital ID is a service that allows customers to check bags and move through security without showing a paper boarding pass or physical government ID. This offers a more efficient, hands-free way to navigate the airport.

To be eligible for Delta Digital ID, a customer must be a TSA PreCheck® member, have passport information and a Known Traveler Number stored in their Delta profile, be a SkyMiles member, and have the Fly Delta app.

When checking in via the Fly Delta app, eligible customers will receive an invitation to opt in to Digital ID if flying from a Digital ID-enabled airport. Once opted in, customers can navigate to a bag drop station and/or security line designated with the green “Digital ID” icon. The customer will look into the camera at bag drop and/or the security checkpoint to use their digital identity in place of a physical ID.

Delta Digital ID is available at Delta’s ATL, DTW, LAX, LGA, and JFK hubs.

To opt in to TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, customers must store their passport information and TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number in their SkyMiles profile, and then opt into Delta Digital ID within their SkyMiles profile on delta.com. At select airports, customers can look for the green “Delta Digital ID” badge on signs at dedicated bag drop stations and “TSA PreCheck Touchless ID” at security lines.

Opting in to Delta Digital ID provides access to the Delta Digital ID dedicated bag drop and TSA PreCheck Touchless ID at security.

TSA PreCheck Touchless ID

The TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program allows passengers to use their face for identity verification or checking a bag. Participation is optional, but to be eligible, you must opt in during check-in with participating airlines and airports. You also need to have TSA PreCheck, a valid passport, and an airline profile.

Once enrolled, you can use a dedicated TSA PreCheck Touchless ID line by presenting your boarding pass with the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID indicator. Your identity will be verified without needing to present an ID at bag drop, the security checkpoint, or the boarding gate—just by using facial recognition.

• Delta Airlines: ATL, DCA, DTW, JFK, LAX, LGA, SLC
• United Airlines: ATL, DCA, EWR, LAS, LAX, LGA, ORD, SLC

It's important to note that passengers are still encouraged to carry their physical IDs as backup, in case the digital ID cannot be verified.

Digital ID technology

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta now accepts digital IDs for TSA PreCheck members. This technology allows passengers to use a digital version of their driver's license on their iPhones for identification. This is done through the Apple Wallet app and requires an iPhone 8 or later, with the latest version of iOS. Passengers must also be enrolled in the TSA PreCheck trusted traveler program.

The process involves holding up the Apple device in front of a reader at the podium. The passenger then authorizes the documentation with Touch or Face ID, and the identification is presented to the TSA officer. This provides a quick, safe, and efficient process for travelers. It is important to note that passengers are still encouraged to carry their physical IDs as a backup.

The use of digital ID technology offers several benefits. It provides a more seamless and secure travel experience, reducing the risk of fraudulent documents. Additionally, it reduces points of contact for passengers, which is particularly beneficial in the context of social distancing and health safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While digital ID technology enhances security and convenience, there are also privacy and security concerns to consider. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has highlighted that while a digital ID system can improve privacy and control, it could also become an infrastructure for invading privacy if it becomes more convenient and easier to ask for ID, leading to more frequent demands for identification.

The implementation of digital ID technology at Atlanta's airport is a step towards modernizing checkpoint screening procedures and enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers.

Privacy concerns

The use of digital IDs at airport security raises several privacy concerns. While digital IDs can improve privacy in some ways, they can also pose significant risks if not properly secured and protected.

One concern is the potential for centralised tracking of individuals' movements and activities. Digital IDs could make it easier for authorities to track every place a person presents their ID, both online and offline. This information could be misused or sold to data brokers and bad actors without robust privacy protections in place.

Another issue is the potential for digital IDs to increase inequities, as not everyone has access to smartphones or other digital devices. If digital IDs become mandatory, or if stores, government agencies, and other entities begin to favour or require them, those without digital devices could be left behind or excluded from accessing certain services.

Additionally, there are concerns about the security of digital IDs and the potential for data breaches. While platforms like Apple Wallet and Google Wallet have implemented security measures, digital IDs stored on these platforms could still be vulnerable to hacking or unauthorised access.

Furthermore, digital IDs could lead to an increase in the amount of data collected and stored about individuals. Companies and government agencies could use digital IDs to collect and store health records, tax data, and other sensitive information, which could be misused or abused.

Lastly, there are worries about the potential for digital IDs to become mandatory rather than optional, especially as more entities begin to accept them. This could limit individuals' choices and freedoms and lead to further privacy invasions.

To address these privacy concerns, it is crucial to have strong technological and policy measures in place to protect individuals' data and ensure that digital IDs remain voluntary and properly secured.

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