Digital forms of identity enable the passenger to seamlessly and
securely transmit identity information using facial recognition at
select TSA checkpoints.
As TSA continues to integrate new technologies for a faster, easier travel experience, we've collaborated on several innovative digital identity initiatives, which work in place of a physical ID* or boarding pass. Be sure to follow the steps to set up and activate your selected digital identity solution before your trip so it's ready to present at select TSA checkpoints. Look for your preferred airline or device maker below to find out more!
Participation in TSA facial recognition technology is optional. All images and personal data are deleted after each transaction.* Images are not used for law enforcement, surveillance and not shared with other entities. Advise the officer if you do not want your photo taken. You will not lose your place in line.
*Retention: Photos and biometrics are deleted upon completion of the identity verification transaction. During periodic testing and development, TSA and DHS Office of Science and Technology (S&T) may retain passenger data for up to 24 months. When testing with S&T, signage at the checkpoint will notify passengers of the extended retention period and will allow passengers to opt-out of the live photo.
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 using facial recognition technology. Your photo and biographic information will be deleted from these devices after your transaction.
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.
If you decide to opt out of facial matching, notify the officer.*
TSA, in partnership with Delta and United Airlines, continues to expand TSA PreCheck Touchless ID at select airports for Bag Drop and Checkpoint Security.
ID in Apple Wallet Hawaii
Present your Hawaii ID in Apple Wallet at select TSA checkpoints
Facial Recognition
TSA uses facial recognition technology to verify the identity of travelers on a voluntary basis.
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Digital IDs allow passengers to securely and seamlessly share their identity information through facial recognition at select TSA checkpoints.
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 mobile app.
By opting in, you can use a dedicated TSA PreCheck Touchless ID line, and your identity can be verified without presenting an ID at bag drop, the security checkpoint, and/or at the boarding gate. All you need is your face. The TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program is exclusive to TSA PreCheck members. Enroll today!
No. Participation in the testing of biometric technology is voluntary. Passengers may notify a TSA officer if they do not wish to participate and instead go through the standard ID verification process.
Yes. Currently, all passengers must continue to have their physical IDs on hand. If a digital ID cannot be verified at the TSA security checkpoint, a passenger must use an acceptable physical identity document (e.g., driver’s license, passport) to proceed through the identity verification process.
TSA is committed to protecting passenger privacy and secures all personal data collected as part of our biometric efforts. TSA will continue to comply with DHS policies with respect to safeguarding PII throughout each phase of biometric solution development – from initial design to implementation – to protect passenger information. In addition to cybersecurity measures that ensure all data is protected while in transit and while at rest, biometric technology transforms passenger photos to templates that cannot be reverse-engineered to recreate the original image. Additionally, all capabilities TSA tests adhere to DHS and TSA cybersecurity requirements.
Consistent with the DHS Fair Information Practice Principles (FIPPs), TSA retains PII only for as long as is necessary to fulfill the specified purpose(s) of biometric technology pilots. DHS FIPPs and TSA’s PIAs provide guidance on matters such as transparency, specific use limitations, data minimization, and purpose specification for our biometric identity verification pilots. Additional information on data protection procedures for each test is available in TSA’s PIAs.
TSA exploration of biometric solutions is based on rigorous scientific study and analysis. We are aware of a variety of public concerns related to the accuracy of biometric technologies and take this issue seriously. Along with our federal partners, we are carefully studying biometric solutions in both laboratories and operational environments to proactively identify and mitigate performance issues up front. Accuracy and equity in biometric system performance is a key issue for TSA, and one we are carefully studying to ensure we understand the full benefits of this technology and make informed decisions to mitigate risks.
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. This effort is one of the steps TSA is taking under President Biden’s Executive Order on Transforming Customer Experience.
TSA publishes Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) to notify the public about tests and additional information on privacy protections. TSA also notifies passengers using signage at the airport near dedicated test lanes. These signs notify the public that participation is voluntary.
The use of biometrics has the potential to automate the ID and boarding pass verification process for more efficient and secure screening.
Biometric recognition capabilities will improve the performance and security of TSA operations by increasing the accuracy and reliability of passenger identity verification by TSA. Biometrics can enable TSA to automate part of the current manual procedures and allow professional screening personnel to leverage their training and experience to focus more on alarms and error resolution.
No. TSA is testing biometric technology at the airport to improve and perhaps automate the identity verification portion of the process for passengers, not for law enforcement or immigration enforcement purposes. Additionally, TSA does not tolerate racial profiling. Profiling is not an effective way to perform security screening, and TSA personnel are trained to treat every passenger with dignity and respect.
A digital ID is an electronic representation of personally identifying information that may be used to verify the identity of a person. A mobile driver's license is a type of digital ID. It is a digital representation of the information contained on a state-issued physical driver’s license, stored on a mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone, and read electronically. A mobile driver’s license is similar to a credit card holder having a physical credit card and multiple card records in digital wallets that require 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.
If TSA is unable to obtain a match through biometric technology as part of a test, the TSA officer will use standard passenger identity verification procedures.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the commercial aviation sector and on TSA’s aviation security mission. TSA must prioritize the health and safety of our officers and the traveling public. To promote social distancing and reduce contact between officers and passengers, we are exploring a self-service version of Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) that enables passengers to scan their own photo IDs for authentication and uses biometrics to verify passenger identity, eliminating a point of contact between officers and passengers. This updated version of CAT (known as CAT-2) biometrically verifies a passenger’s identity by taking a picture and comparing the passenger’s live image to the photo on their authenticated photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport). TSA first demonstrated this technology in August 2020 at DCA. TSA also conducted additional pilots to further test this technology, starting in March 2021 at DCA, PHX, IND, and MIA. TSA has since upgraded the CAT-2 units to feature a digital ID reader, updated user interface, and other enhancements including a new podium and space for additional processing power. Starting in March 2022, TSA began conducting field tests to assess these upgraded CAT-2 units.
TSA began testing the acceptance of digital IDs, including mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) from participating states, at select TSA PreCheck® checkpoints in early 2022. Checkpoints that are testing the acceptance of digital IDs will have signage posted. TSA is actively engaged with other organizations to continue developing capabilities, standardizing the digital ID ecosystem to ensure interoperability with TSA systems, and piloting digital ID technology at various airport checkpoints around the country.
Participating Field Assessment Pilot Airports
Below is the current list of eligible digital IDs from state or private issuing authorities that may be accepted by TSA at the checkpoint for testing and evaluation purposes.
Participating State/Issuing Authority
Eligible Digital ID
