SAN DIEGO, California - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at San Diego International Airport (SAN) is now accepting California mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) for identity verification purposes. Travelers with a California-issued photo identification can add their mDL or state ID to their digital wallet on their mobile device and use it at any of the airport’s TSA security checkpoints.
TSA at SAN and other California airports is now using the latest generation of Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) during the travel document checking process. CAT-2 units are equipped with digital readers and a camera that takes a real-time photo of the traveler. Using facial matching technology, CAT-2 is able to compare the traveler’s photo from the mDL against the in-person, real-time photo.
Through a secure Internet connection, CAT-2 is also able to verify that the traveler is ticketed for travel that day. It also indicates the type of screening status (such as TSA PreCheck®) that the traveler is eligible for, negating the need for the traveler to present a boarding pass.
“The identity verification process is the cornerstone of transportation security. Allowing travelers to utilize the mobile driver’s license is another way we are embracing technology to enhance security and increase the efficiency of our operation,” said TSA Federal Security Director at SAN Kathleen Connon. “TSA officers have been trained on the use and acceptance of mDLs. We are pleased to offer this option for travelers departing SAN.”
TSA will continue to accept a traveler’s physical credential if they do not have or do not want to use the mDL. TSA also advises that it is a good idea for all travelers to carry their physical credential as a backup option.
Photos captured by a CAT-2 unit are never stored or used for any other purpose than immediate identity verification. Travelers who do not want to participate in the facial matching process can opt out in favor of an alternative identity verification process conducted by the TSA officer.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles has made the mDL available to state residents at no cost. The CA mDL is secure and available on the DMV Wallet, Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. More information, including how to enroll in the mDL pilot and get the mDL, is available at dmv.ca.gov/mdl. The pilot is currently limited to 1.5 million participants.
California is one of 15 states that offer mDLs that work with CAT-2 units. The other states offering mDLs are Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia. Any traveler with an mDL from these states can use it at TSA SAN security checkpoints.
Digital IDs such as mDLs 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 continues to integrate new technologies into its identity verification process. Read more about these programs at www.tsa.gov/digital-id.