Digital Identity and Facial Recognition Technology

No. Facial recognition technology is voluntary. Tell a TSA officer if you do not wish to participate. The officer will use the standard ID verification process.

Digital IDs such as mobile driver’s licenses are more secure than physical credentials, which can be counterfeit or fraudulent. Digital IDs are also more private because you only share the information TSA needs to verify your identity - nothing more.  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.

1. Open the Google Wallet app and select ‘Add to Wallet’
2. Select ‘ID’, then ID pass
3. Follow the instructions to verify your identity with your U.S. passport. 
4. Once your information has been successfully verified, you will receive a confirmation notification that your ID pass has successfully been created! You can access your ID pass in Google Wallet.

TSA posts signs at checkpoints using facial recognition technology. The traveler’s right to decline a photo is highlighted in the sign, on passenger-facing screens, in officer advisements, and on TSA.gov. Also, TSA publishes Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) to notify the public  about facial recognition technology and additional information on privacy protections. 

Facial recognition technology and digital IDs partially automate the ID and boarding pass verification process for more efficient and secure screening.

ID pass is available to all U.S. passport holders.

A digital ID is an electronic representation of personally identifying information (PII) that may be used to verify the identity of a person. 

A mobile driver's license is a type of digital ID issued by a state. It is a digital representation of the information contained on a state-issued physical driver’s license or ID card that is stored on a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone and read electronically through a secure transaction. Use of a mobile driver’s license requires 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.

When enforcement begins for REAL ID, TSA will accept digital IDs that are compliant with the 6 CFR Part 37: Minimum Standards for Driver’s Licenses and Identification Cards Acceptable by Federal Agencies for Official Purposes; Waiver for Mobile Driver’s Licenses.

No. TSA only receives a passenger’s digital identification information at TSA checkpoints with the passenger's consent. Passengers control access to and use of the digital ID kept in their mobile device. TSA does not copy or store the digital ID, unless it is done in a limited testing environment for evaluation of the accuracy of facial recognition technology. In that instance, TSA informs the passenger through signs, advisements, PIAs on tsa.gov and other means.