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Guide to using digital ID for TSA checkpoints

Feb. 14, 2025
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5 min read
Touchless ID LGA
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The Transportation Security Administration continues to roll out facial recognition technology to modernize the airport security process.

In my experience, the most helpful advancement thus far has been its digital identification system, which allows you to show a digital ID at TSA security checkpoints.

Currently, 14 states accept digital IDs in lieu of physical IDs, and more are set to start.

Here's what you need to know about using a digital ID on your next trip.

What is a digital ID?

Digital ID stems from TSA's Credential Authentication Technology, which it uses to biometrically scan travelers. Digital IDs are also used in TSA PreCheck's Touchless Identity Solution to verify travelers when they check bags and pass through TSA PreCheck on United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines at participating airports.

Digital IDs are compatible with Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet and state-issued apps, depending on the state. Adding a digital ID to your phone should only take a few minutes.

If you have an iPhone, you can do this by opening the Wallet app and tapping the "+" button in the top right corner. From there, select "Driver's License or State ID" and then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup and verification process.

Once your state accepts your submission, a digital ID is created and stored on your iPhone. Apple Watch users can store digital IDs on their watches for iOS 16.5 or later.

How do digital IDs work?

screenshot of Apple Wallet
screenshot of Arizona digital ID
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CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
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For passengers who opt to use the CAT-2 reader, you'll simply scan your digital ID QR code or your mobile device on the reader at the TSA checkpoint.

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From there, a message on your phone will ask you to consent to sharing your information with the TSA. After you consent, the camera will take your picture and prompt you to proceed to the TSA officer.

While participation in the program is optional, TSA requires all passengers to bring their physical IDs when traveling in case a digital ID cannot be verified.

Who can use them?

screenshot of map where Digital IDs are accepted
TSA

As of February, travelers with digital IDs from 14 states (and Puerto Rico) can upload digital IDs to pass through TSA security. The below states are currently issuing digital IDs:

  • Arizona: available on Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet
  • California: available on the California DMV Wallet app, Apple Wallet and Google Wallet
  • Colorado: available on Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet
  • Georgia: available on Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet
  • Hawaii: available on Apple Wallet
  • Iowa: available on Apple Wallet, Samsung Wallet and Iowa Mobile ID app
  • Louisiana: available on LA Wallet
  • Maryland: available on Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet
  • New Mexico: available on Apple Wallet and Google Wallet
  • New York: available on the NY MiD app
  • Ohio: available on Apple Wallet
  • Puerto Rico: available on Apple Wallet and Google Wallet
  • Utah: available on Get Mobile app
  • Virginia: available on the Virginia Mobile ID app
  • West Virginia: available on the WV MiD app

Where are they accepted?

Travelers with a digital ID from one of the states mentioned above and Puerto Rico can use their IDs at airports with CAT-2 technology that biometrically scans travelers' faces to pass through TSA checkpoints.

Currently, digital IDs can be used at the following airports:

  • John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
  • LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
  • New York Stewart International Airport (SWF)
  • Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR)
  • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
  • Salisbury Regional Airport (SBY)
  • Richmond International Airport (RIC)
  • Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA)
  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
  • Dulles International Airport (IAD)
  • Huntington Tri-State Airport (HTS)
  • West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW)
  • Akron-Canton Airport (CAK)
  • Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
  • John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
  • Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)
  • Lake Charles Regional Airport (LCH)
  • Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
  • Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV)
  • Denver International Airport (DEN)
  • Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
  • Lea County Regional Airport (HOB)
  • Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
  • San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
  • Luis Muñoz Marín Airport (SJU)

Bottom line

If you are from one of the 14 states currently offering digital IDs to their residents, you can use a digital ID instead of showing your physical ID to pass through TSA checkpoints at more than 30 airports.

In addition to TSA PreCheck's Touchless Identity Solution for United, Delta and American flyers, select airports are deploying biometric technology to speed up the boarding process.

Related reading:

Featured image by CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
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  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.