TSA accepting new form of free ID at 250 US airports as part of tech major rollout.

 

TSA has started accepting ID stored in digital wallets at more than 250 airports across the US as the agency aims to reduce waiting times during the screening process

The Transport Security Administration (TSA) is now accepting a new form of ID at hundreds of airports in the US as part of its efforts to modernize and speed up the screening process with new technology.

A mobile driver’s licence or digital ID pass stored in your phone’s digital wallet or a third-party app can now be used to verify your identity at more than 250 airports across the country. The move is part of an ongoing plan to reduce waiting time for passengers at airports.

The new programme is being rolled out in conjunction with TSA’s biometric facial recognition and airports in 16 regions are participating. It comes as TSA issue a warning over common item used by 60% of Americans.

Where can mobile ID be used at airports?

According to the TSA, the participating states and issuing authorities for mobile ID include:

How to use mobile ID at US airports

To use a Digital ID at any of the more than 250 airports participating in the programme, you will need to add your acceptable state-issued eligible drivers license or identification card to your phone using a TSA-approved digital ID app or to your phone’s digital wallet.

You will then need to scan your Digital ID QR code or tap your mobile device on the digital ID reader at the airport.

Your picture will then be taken and facial recognition technology will use it to compare the image to your digital ID to verify your identify.

TSA’s facial recognition programme is voluntary. If you wish to opt out, you should notify a TSA officer before presenting your ID.

While mobile IDs are now valid at many airports, the TSA reminds passengers that they must still carry an acceptable compliant physical ID for verification.

Which types of digital ID are eligible?

Platforms including Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet or a state-issued app can be used to verify your identify at participating TSA checkpoints.

However, the type of ID eligible varies from state-to-state.

Here is the type of digital ID you can use in each state: