Use your smartphone for identity verification with digital identity solutions like mobile driver’s licenses or ID passes, now accepted at select TSA checkpoints through platforms such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet or a state-issued app. TSA sees only the necessary information to verify your identity, providing a faster, more secure travel experience while reducing the risk of fraudulent documents. However, all passengers must still carry a physical ID for verification.
Be sure to follow the setup instructions from your device wallet, app, or airline before your next trip to ensure it’s ready to present at TSA checkpoints.
Privacy and Facial Recognition Technology
TSA officers now use biometric cameras to assist them with identity verification. The photo is optional. Your photo and personal data are deleted after your identity is verified**. Images are not used for law enforcement, surveillance and not shared with other entities. Tell the officer if you do not want your photo taken. You will not lose your place in line.
TSA and DHS Privacy Impact Assessments
Mobile Driver's License and Digital Identification
Participation is Optional
At a CAT2, you have four options for presenting your identification: tap or scan your digital ID, or show your driver's license, state-issued ID, or passport.
If you choose to participate in TSA’s use of these technologies, your picture will be taken and compared with your physical ID or digital ID.
To use a digital ID, add your state-issued eligible driver’s license or identification card to your phone using a TSA-approved digital ID app or to your digital wallet.
Use Your Eligible Digital ID at TSA Checkpoint
- Scan your Digital ID QR code or tap your mobile device on the digital ID reader .
- A message on your mobile device will ask you to consent to share your digital ID information with TSA.
- Once you consent, the camera will take your picture.
- Follow the officer's instructions
If you decide to decline the optional photo, notify the officer before presenting your ID.**
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TSA Digital ID is Here
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How to Use TSA Digital ID
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Digital IDs allow passengers to securely and seamlessly share their identity information through facial recognition at select TSA checkpoints.
Find An Airport Near You
TSA Begins REAL ID Full Enforcement on May 7
Travelers with a non-compliant ID will face additional screening measures, possible travel delays.
Facial Recognition
TSA uses facial recognition technology to verify the identity of travelers on a voluntary basis.
TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID for TSA PreCheck Members
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID enhances the security screening process with facial recognition technology for faster, more efficient identity verification. Interested in participating in TSA PreCheck Touchless ID?
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I required to be processed by the biometric technology tested at an airport checkpoint?
No. Facial recognition technology is voluntary. Tell a TSA officer if you do not wish to participate. The officer will use the standard ID verification process.
How do digital IDs enhance passenger security and experience?
Digital IDs such as mobile driver’s licenses are more secure than physical credentials, which can be counterfeit or fraudulent. Digital IDs are also more private because you only share the information TSA needs to verify your identity - nothing more. The acceptance of digital IDs has the potential to modernize checkpoint screening procedures and technologies to better serve the aviation security ecosystem, reduce points of contact for passengers, and pave the way for a more seamless travel experience.
How do I set up ID pass in Google Wallet for TSA checkpoints?
- Open the Google Wallet app and select ‘Add to Wallet’
- Select ‘ID’, then ID pass
- Follow the instructions to verify your identity with your U.S. passport.
- Once your information has been successfully verified, you will receive a confirmation notification that your ID pass has successfully been created! You can access your ID pass in Google Wallet.
How do passengers know they are not required to participate?
TSA posts signs at checkpoints using facial recognition technology. The traveler’s right to decline a photo is highlighted in the sign, on passenger-facing screens, in officer advisements, and on TSA.gov. Also, TSA publishes Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) to notify the public about facial recognition technology and additional information on privacy protections.
How will this improve the passenger experience?
Facial recognition technology and digital IDs partially automate the ID and boarding pass verification process for more efficient and secure screening.
Is an ID pass in Google Wallet available in all states?
ID pass is available to all U.S. passport holders.
What are digital IDs and mobile driver’s licenses?
A digital ID is an electronic representation of personally identifying information (PII) that may be used to verify the identity of a person.
A mobile driver's license is a type of digital ID issued by a state. It is a digital representation of the information contained on a state-issued physical driver’s license or ID card that is stored on a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone and read electronically through a secure transaction. Use of a mobile driver’s license requires biometric verification prior to each transaction.
A digital ID may also be issued by a non-governmental entity based on information derived from governmental or non-governmental sources.
Will digital forms of identification be REAL ID compliant?
When enforcement begins for REAL ID, TSA will accept digital IDs that are compliant with the 6 CFR Part 37: Minimum Standards for Driver’s Licenses and Identification Cards Acceptable by Federal Agencies for Official Purposes; Waiver for Mobile Driver’s Licenses.
Will the eventual implementation of digital identification allow TSA to build a national database of identification information?
No. TSA only receives a passenger’s digital identification information at TSA checkpoints with the passenger's consent. Passengers control access to and use of the digital ID kept in their mobile device. TSA does not copy or store the digital ID, unless it is done in a limited testing environment for evaluation of the accuracy of facial recognition technology. In that instance, TSA informs the passenger through signs, advisements, PIAs on tsa.gov and other means.