Airport Security: Scanning Your Id For Safe Travel

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) uses Credential Authentication Technology and a Boarding Pass Scanning System (CAT/BPSS) to scan IDs at airport checkpoints. This system compares a passenger's ID to an extensive set of security features. Passengers can also use digital IDs, which are electronic representations of personally identifying information (PII), at select TSA checkpoints. Digital IDs are stored on mobile devices and can be accessed through digital identity solutions like mobile wallets. However, passengers must still carry a physical ID for verification. The TSA has stated that the CAT/BPSS system automatically and permanently deletes all information gathered from IDs and boarding passes, addressing concerns about personal privacy.

The TSA's Credential Authentication Technology and Boarding Pass Scanning System (CAT/BPSS)

Here's how it works: At the first TSA checkpoint, passengers hand over their ID to the TSA Travel Document Checker (TDC), who scans the ID, while the passenger simultaneously scans their boarding pass using a built-in scanner. The CAT/BPSS system then compares the passenger's ID to an extensive set of security features, including one- and two-dimensional bar codes, magnetic strips, embedded circuits, and machine-readable text. This allows the system to verify the authenticity of the ID by matching it to the known security features for that particular identity credential type.

The CAT/BPSS system is linked to the Secure Flight database, which confirms the traveler's flight details and pre-screening status. This means that passengers' identities and flight eligibility can be confirmed without the need for a boarding pass. However, passengers still need their boarding passes to show the airline representative at their gate before boarding their flight.

The TSA assures that the CAT/BPSS system automatically and permanently deletes all information gathered from the ID and boarding pass, and only TSA agents can view the picture on the passenger's ID. The use of digital IDs and facial recognition technology further enhances the security and efficiency of the identity verification process.

Digital IDs and facial recognition technology

Digital IDs offer several advantages over traditional physical IDs. Firstly, they provide enhanced security by reducing the risk of fraudulent documents. Facial recognition technology utilizes sophisticated algorithms and biometric data to accurately verify an individual's identity, making it more secure than physical credentials, which can be counterfeited or tampered with. Additionally, digital IDs allow passengers to share only the necessary information required for identity verification, protecting their privacy.

Another benefit of digital IDs and facial recognition technology is the efficiency and speed it brings to the identity verification process. Passengers can quickly and conveniently verify their identities without the need for complex passwords or physical IDs, reducing the time spent at checkpoints. This technology also reduces physical contact points, which is particularly beneficial in maintaining hygiene and safety standards.

While the use of digital IDs and facial recognition technology is voluntary, it is important to note that passengers must still carry a physical ID for verification as a backup. TSA officers obtain a passenger's digital identification information only with their consent, and the information is not stored or copied unless in a limited testing environment for evaluating the accuracy of facial recognition technology. Passengers control access to their digital IDs stored on their mobile devices, ensuring that their personal information remains secure.

Facial recognition technology has evolved significantly over the years, with advancements in machine learning and algorithm development refining the process of creating and comparing face templates. This technology has become increasingly accurate in identifying individuals, making it a valuable tool in various sectors beyond just airport security, including finance, retail, and entertainment.

Physical ID requirements

For air travel, adult passengers aged 18 and above must present valid physical identification at the airport checkpoint. This can be a driver's license or other state photo identity card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). From May 7, 2025, travelers flying within the U.S. must ensure their IDs are REAL ID-compliant. It is recommended to check with the state department of motor vehicles to confirm compliance. A U.S. passport, passport card, or DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) are also accepted.

Other valid forms of physical identification include:

• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• A photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

It is important to note that the unavailability of acceptable identification or non-cooperation with the identity verification process will result in denial of entry at the security checkpoint. TSA recommends that individuals without acceptable identification arrive at least three hours before their flight time.

While digital IDs and facial recognition technology are being adopted at select TSA checkpoints, physical IDs are still mandatory. Passengers can use their smartphones for identity verification with digital identity solutions like mobile driver's licenses or ID passes stored in digital wallets (Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet) or a state-issued app. TSA officers use biometric cameras for identity verification, but passengers maintain control over their digital IDs and can choose to decline a photo.

Biometric verification

Facial recognition technology is a key component of biometric verification at airports. This technology enables secure identity verification, allowing passengers to move through airport lines swiftly and securely. AI-powered facial recognition, for example, can be used for self-service baggage drop, eliminating the need for manual checks and reducing potential human errors.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States has been actively testing and implementing biometric solutions. TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID, for instance, compares biometric templates of passengers' live photos to a pre-staged gallery of existing passport or visa photos. This technology has been demonstrated at several major airports, including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). TSA is also exploring the use of digital IDs, such as mobile driver's licenses, which can be stored on smartphones and read electronically through secure transactions. These digital IDs require biometric verification, such as facial recognition or fingerprints, prior to each transaction.

While the use of biometric technology at airports is voluntary, it offers a faster, more secure, and seamless travel experience. Passengers can opt-in to provide their data for facial identification, which is then compared to a database of pre-enrolled reference photos. This technology automates the manual ID verification process, reducing the need for physical contact between staff and travellers.

Biometric self-boarding gates further revolutionize air travel by eliminating the need for manual boarding pass and ID checks, significantly reducing wait times and enhancing security.

Privacy concerns

In a letter to the TSA, five senators raised alarms about the increasing use of biometric surveillance by the government, stating that it "represents a risk to civil liberties and privacy rights." They demanded that the agency halt the program. This concern is shared by other elected officials and privacy advocates, who worry about the potential for bias in facial recognition technology and the implications for passengers' privacy and civil liberties.

The TSA has responded to these concerns by emphasizing that the camera only turns on when a person inserts their ID card, ensuring that images are not randomly gathered. They also assert that passengers have control over whether they use the system and that they only access a passenger's digital identification information with their consent. Additionally, the TSA publishes Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) to inform the public about facial recognition technology and privacy protections.

To address privacy concerns, the TSA does not copy or store digital IDs unless in a limited testing environment to evaluate the accuracy of facial recognition technology. Furthermore, digital IDs stored on mobile devices require biometric verification before each transaction, providing an additional layer of security. Passengers can also use digital identity solutions like mobile driver's licenses or ID passes stored in smartphone wallets, which allow for secure identity verification without the need to share physical documents with TSA officers.

Frequently asked questions