Apple’s Digital ID Approved for TSA Use, Streamlining Airport Security
Atlanta, GA – November 12, 2024 – Travelers flying from select airports will soon experience a faster, more secure security screening process thanks to Apple’s Digital ID, now approved for use by the Transportation Security Management (TSA). The rollout begins today, November 12, 2024, at Hartsfield-jackson Atlanta International Airport, with plans for expansion to other participating airports in 2025.
This marks a meaningful step toward modernizing travel security and enhancing passenger convenience. The Digital ID feature,available on iPhones and Apple Watches,allows users to securely store their driver’s license or state ID in the Wallet app. By simply tapping their device at a dedicated TSA checkpoint lane,passengers can verify their identity without presenting a physical document. The TSA anticipates this technology will reduce touchpoints, improve efficiency, and bolster security measures against identity fraud.
The TSA has been piloting the program with Apple and state departments of motor vehicles as February 2024. Currently, 18 states – Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia – participate in the Digital ID program. Passengers must enroll in the program through their respective state’s DMV and have a compatible Apple device to utilize the feature.
“This is a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance the travel experience while maintaining the highest levels of security,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske in a statement released today. “Apple’s Digital ID offers a secure and convenient way for passengers to verify their identity, and we are excited to expand its availability to more airports across the country.”
The implementation of Digital ID is part of a broader TSA initiative to adopt biometric and digital identity technologies. The agency continues to explore and evaluate other innovative solutions to streamline the security screening process and improve the overall travel experience for millions of passengers annually.
