TSA Digital ID lets eligible travelers verify their identity at supported airport security checkpoints by presenting an approved digital credential from a phone or compatible device. TSA currently supports digital identity presentation through options that include Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, participating state-issued mobile ID apps, and several U.S.-passport-backed digital IDs.1
Acceptance is credential-specific. Having a driver’s license stored on a phone does not automatically make it acceptable to TSA. The issuing authority, digital credential, presentation method, and checkpoint must all be supported.
TSA accepts two main types of Digital ID: eligible state-issued mobile driver’s licenses or state IDs from participating issuers, and certain passport-backed digital IDs that TSA explicitly lists as eligible. As of October 22, 2026, TSA’s current lists include Apple Digital ID, Google ID pass, Samsung ID with CLEAR, CLEAR ID, and qualifying state-issued credentials delivered through approved wallets or state apps.2
What TSA Digital ID means at the checkpoint
TSA Digital ID is an electronic identity-verification option used at checkpoints equipped to read eligible credentials. A state credential may be a A state-issued digital driver's license designed to be electronically verified rather than judged only by its visual appearance. or mobile state ID. TSA also recognizes certain digital identities created from a U.S. passport.
The credential is presented electronically to TSA rather than merely displayed as an image on the phone. TSA says travelers may scan a Digital ID QR code or tap a mobile device on the checkpoint’s Digital ID reader, depending on the credential and presentation method.3
TSA states that Digital ID capability is now available at more than 250 airports. That does not mean every credential works at every airport or every security lane. Support can depend on the issuing authority, credential, airport equipment, and checkpoint.4
Digital ID is not the same as TSA PreCheck Touchless ID. A traveler may present an eligible Digital ID at a supported TSA checkpoint without that transaction being the separate TSA PreCheck Touchless ID experience.
Which digital IDs does TSA accept?
TSA maintains an official list of participating issuing authorities and eligible Digital IDs. The list changes as additional credentials are approved, so the wallet brand alone is not enough to establish TSA eligibility.5
| Digital credential | Identity source | Where it may be stored | TSA acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible mobile driver’s license or state ID | Participating state or issuing authority | Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or an approved state app, depending on issuer | Only eligible credentials listed by TSA and presented at supported checkpoints |
| Apple Digital ID | U.S. passport | Apple Wallet | Eligible for domestic TSA identity verification at supported checkpoints |
| Google ID pass | U.S. passport | Google Wallet | Eligible for domestic TSA identity verification at supported checkpoints |
| Samsung ID with CLEAR | U.S. passport | Samsung Wallet | Listed by TSA for domestic travel |
| CLEAR ID | U.S. passport | CLEAR | Listed by TSA for domestic travel |
TSA’s general acceptable-identification page separately identifies Apple Digital ID, CLEAR ID, and Google ID pass among digital forms of identification being accepted as part of TSA’s digital identity efforts.6
A wallet is not an approval by itself. For example, Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet can hold different types of credentials. TSA eligibility depends on the particular ID and issuer shown on TSA’s current eligible-Digital-ID list.
For state-issued mDLs, TSA says approved credentials must be based on a state-issued REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, or on an Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced Identification Card.7
How TSA Digital ID verification works
- Use a checkpoint that supports Digital ID. Digital identity readers are not necessarily available in every lane.
- Open or present the eligible credential. The exact action depends on the wallet or issuing app.
- Scan or tap when prompted. TSA instructs travelers to scan the Digital ID QR code or tap the mobile device on the Digital ID reader.
- Complete the identity check. TSA equipment validates the credential and may use a live facial comparison to help confirm that the traveler presenting it is the person associated with the ID.
- Continue through security screening. Digital ID changes the identity-verification step; it does not eliminate the normal screening process.
The phone interaction can differ among Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, CLEAR, and state-issued applications. Travelers should follow the request displayed by their own credential rather than expecting every Digital ID to use an identical screen sequence.
The checkpoint photo is optional
TSA uses biometric cameras at many Digital ID checkpoints to assist with identity verification. TSA states that the live photo is optional. A traveler who does not want the optional photo should tell the TSA officer before presenting the ID.8
This choice concerns the checkpoint facial-comparison step. It does not change whether the underlying digital credential itself is eligible for TSA use.
Why a Digital ID may still be rejected
A Digital ID that works elsewhere is not automatically usable at a particular TSA checkpoint. Verification can fail because the credential is not on TSA’s eligible list, the issuer is not supported, the checkpoint does not have compatible Digital ID capability, or the electronic credential cannot be verified during the transaction.
Carry an acceptable physical ID. TSA states that passengers using Digital ID must still carry an acceptable physical identification document. TSA’s FAQ also says that if a Digital ID cannot be verified at the security checkpoint, the passenger must use an acceptable physical identity document.9
What to check before leaving for the airport
- Confirm that the specific Digital ID, not merely the wallet app, appears on TSA’s current eligible list.
- Confirm that Digital ID presentation is available at the checkpoint you plan to use.
- Make sure the digital credential remains active and accessible before entering the security line.
- Keep the phone or device charged and ready for presentation.
- Bring an acceptable physical ID in case electronic verification is unavailable or unsuccessful.
- For a passport-backed Digital ID, remember that TSA eligibility for domestic identity verification does not turn the phone credential into a physical passport for international travel or border crossing.
TSA’s participating-credential list is the controlling reference for current Digital ID eligibility. A new wallet feature, state announcement, or digital credential launch should not be treated as TSA acceptance until the credential is supported for TSA identity verification.