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Digital forms of identity enable the passenger to seamlessly and
securely transmit identity information using facial recognition at
select TSA checkpoints.
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.
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
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, or ID pass to your phone using a TSA-approved digital ID app or to your digital wallet (Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet).
If you decide to decline the optional photo, notify the officer before presenting your ID.**
Digital IDs allow passengers to securely and seamlessly share their identity information through facial recognition at select TSA checkpoints.
Participation is optional: Must opt-in to participate in the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program during check-in with participating airlines and airports. Store your participation preference, TSA PreCheck KTN and Passport Number in the airline’s profile.
By opting in, 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. All you need is your face. This TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program is exclusive to current TSA PreCheck travelers. Not a TSA PreCheck member? Enroll today!
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID participating airlines and locations:
Delta Airlines (ATL, DCA, DTW, JFK, LAX, LGA, SLC)
United Airlines (ATL, DCA, EWR, LAS, LAX, LGA, ORD, SLC)
Alaska Airlines (DCA)
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.
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.
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.
Facial recognition technology and digital IDs partially automate the ID and boarding pass verification process for more efficient and secure screening.
ID pass is available to all U.S. passport holders.
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.
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.
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.
