Credential Authentication Technology Reader
ATLANTA – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in collaboration with the State of Georgia and Apple, deployed a new technology that allows airline passengers to use their Georgia-issued mobile driver’s license or ID card in Apple Wallet to safely and seamlessly present and verify their identity for airport security screening purposes at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Georgia joins Maryland, Arizona and Colorado as the fourth state to offer this capability.
Starting this week, individuals with driver’s licenses or state IDs issued by the State of Georgia will be able to add a digital version of their license or ID to Apple Wallet and present it at the ATL T-South airport security checkpoint for identity verification purposes if they are enrolled in TSA PreCheck® and are using a designated checkpoint lane.
“We’re excited to be able to enable IDs in Apple Wallet for Georgia residents at select security checkpoints,” said Robert Spinden, TSA Federal Security Director for the State of Georgia. “This new rollout allows passengers to safely and securely enter the security checkpoint area and offers a convenient travel experience for passengers — especially as their iPhones and Apple Watches can now act as both their IDs and boarding pass.”
To present their ID in Apple Wallet, passengers will simply hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near the TSA’s Credential Authentication Technology reader at the travel document checking podium. Passengers’ devices will then display what information is being requested, and only after authorizing with Face ID or Touch ID is the requested information released from a device. The TSA officer will then verify the passenger’s identity and flight status for a secure, convenient and touchless identity verification experience.
With IDs in Apple Wallet, identification data is encrypted and transmitted digitally, eliminating the need for passengers to show or hand over their device to a TSA officer. All passengers, including those traveling through ATL with a Georgia driver’s license or state ID, must continue to carry and have readily available their physical driver’s license or identification card, or other acceptable ID listed on the TSA website. A physical ID may be required by the TSA officer.
TSA recommends that eligible travelers complete the process of adding an ID to their Apple Wallet before arriving at the TSA checkpoint. Only passengers with TSA PreCheck® added to their boarding pass will currently be eligible at this time.
TSA introduced the concept of the mobile driver’s license in April 2021 with a notice in the Federal Register and a press release announcing a request for information regarding mobile driver’s licenses. This effort is one of the steps TSA is taking under President Biden’s Executive Order on Transforming Customer Experience. TSA’s interest in this technology is driven by potential security and privacy enhancements provided by mobile driver’s licenses compared to physical cards.
For more information on all digital identity solutions accepted at select TSA checkpoints, visit tsa.gov/digital-id.
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