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What TSA Digital ID Is and How Airport Screening Works

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operates airport security screening for all commercial flights in the United States. Every passenger must pass through security before boarding. TSA Digital ID is a technology option that allows travelers to present identification through a mobile device instead of a physical ID card at certain airport security checkpoints.

As of 2024, TSA Digital ID works at select airports across the country. The system uses your smartphone to display a digital version of your government-issued ID. When you reach the security checkpoint, you show your phone to the TSA officer instead of handing over a physical driver's license or passport. The officer scans a code on your phone's screen, and the system verifies your identity information.

The technology behind TSA Digital ID uses encryption and security features similar to those used by banks and other financial institutions. Your personal information remains on your phone and is not stored on TSA servers. The system was developed in partnership between TSA and private technology companies. Currently, the following states and territories have digital ID programs that work with TSA screening: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, and Puerto Rico.

The screening process itself has not changed. You still need to remove shoes, belts, and liquids from your carry-on bag. You still pass through metal detectors or advanced imaging technology. Digital ID simply replaces the step where you physically hand your ID to a TSA officer. The entire checkpoint process takes roughly the same amount of time whether you use digital ID or a physical card.

Practical takeaway: TSA Digital ID is an identity verification option at certain airports that lets you show your state-issued digital ID on your phone instead of a physical card. This does not change the rest of airport security screening procedures.

Which States and Airports Currently Offer Digital ID Options

Not all airports or states have TSA Digital ID available yet. The program is rolling out gradually across the country. Before you try to use digital ID at an airport, check whether your state and your specific airport terminal participate in the program. Using digital ID where it is not available may cause delays at security checkpoints.

As of early 2024, the following states have mobile driver's license or ID card programs that work with TSA: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, and Puerto Rico. Within these states, digital ID is available at certain major airports but not necessarily at all terminals or all security lanes.

Major airports where TSA Digital ID is currently in use include Denver International, Phoenix Sky Harbor, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Miami International, and Los Angeles International, among others. The TSA website maintains an updated list of participating airports and lanes. More airports are expected to add digital ID lanes throughout 2024 and 2025.

Even if your state has a digital ID program, you may still choose to use a physical ID at security checkpoints. TSA accepts standard driver's licenses, passport books, military IDs, and other government-issued identification at every airport. Having a digital ID does not replace your physical ID—it is simply an additional option.

If you travel frequently to different airports, you may find that some airports have digital ID lanes while others do not. Travelers often benefit from learning about both digital and physical ID options so they can choose whichever method is available at their particular checkpoint.

Practical takeaway: Check the TSA website to learn whether your state offers a digital ID program and whether your airport has digital ID security lanes available. Digital ID is not yet available nationwide, but coverage is expanding.

How to Set Up a Mobile Digital ID Through Your State

Creating a digital ID starts with your state's official issuing authority. Each state that offers mobile digital ID has its own process and requirements. You cannot create a digital ID through TSA or any third-party website—you must use an official state program.

The typical process involves these steps. First, locate your state's official digital ID program through your state's DMV or ID agency website. Second, install the official state mobile app on your smartphone. Not all states use the same app or technology platform, so make sure you are downloading the correct app for your state. Third, open the app and follow the instructions to provide your identity information. You will likely need to upload a photo of your driver's license or ID card, take a selfie, and verify your personal details.

State digital ID programs use different verification methods. Some states may ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions or providing additional documents. Others may require you to visit a DMV office or a partner location to complete the process in person. A few states allow you to complete the entire process on your phone. Check with your specific state to understand what verification method they use.

Once you have created your digital ID, you can store it on your phone. Most state digital ID apps allow you to update your ID information if you move or need to renew your physical card. Your digital ID typically remains on your phone and is not shared with other apps or services unless you choose to give permission.

The security features in digital ID apps include face recognition, fingerprint authentication, or PIN codes. These features help prevent unauthorized people from using your digital ID if they access your phone. You can also typically delete your digital ID from the app at any time.

Practical takeaway: To get a digital ID, visit your state's official DMV or ID agency website, install the state's official app, and follow the identity verification process. Each state's process differs, so check your state's requirements before starting.

Using Digital ID at TSA Security Checkpoints

Using digital ID at a TSA checkpoint is straightforward once the feature is set up on your phone. When you arrive at security, look for signs indicating that digital ID is accepted at that checkpoint or lane. Some airports have specific lanes marked for digital ID users, while others accept it at any checkpoint.

When you reach the TSA officer, unlock your phone and open your state's digital ID app. The app will display your ID information and a scannable code. Hold your phone up so the TSA officer can scan the code or view your ID details. The officer will verify that the information matches your travel documents, such as your airline ticket or boarding pass. This verification process takes only a few seconds.

The TSA officer does not download anything from your phone or access other apps or personal information. The scanning process is designed to verify only your identity information that is displayed in the digital ID app. Your personal data remains on your phone.

After the TSA officer verifies your identity, you proceed through security screening as normal. You still remove shoes, empty pockets, and place bags on the conveyor belt. You still go through metal detectors or imaging technology. Digital ID only replaces the identification verification step.

If you experience any problems using digital ID at a checkpoint—such as technical issues or scanner problems—you can show your physical ID instead. The TSA accepts physical IDs at every checkpoint, so having a backup form of identification is always recommended. Many travelers choose to carry their physical ID even when they have digital ID available, just in case.

Practical takeaway: At security, show your phone with the digital ID app open to the TSA officer. They will scan or view your ID information in seconds. You then continue through standard security screening procedures.

What Information a Digital ID Contains and How Your Data Is Protected

A digital ID typically contains the same information as a physical driver's license or state ID card: your full name, date of birth, address, ID number, and a photo. Some digital ID apps may also display your signature or other identifying information that appears on your physical card.

The security and privacy of your digital ID depends on how your state manages the program. State digital ID apps are designed to meet high security standards because they are official government technology. The information stored in the app is encrypted, meaning it is coded in a way that makes it difficult for unauthorized people to read or access.

When you use digital ID at a TSA checkpoint, the TSA officer scans the code displayed on your phone. The scanning process verifies that your ID information is authentic and has not been altered. The officer sees only the information that appears on a physical ID card—nothing more. Your phone's other data, such as emails, photos, or messages, remains private and is not accessed during the scanning process.

Your state controls how your digital ID information is stored and