What a TSA Digital ID Is and How It Works

A TSA Digital ID is a mobile credential you store on your phone that proves your identity at airport security checkpoints. Instead of handing a physical ID to a TSA officer, you unlock your phone, open the app, and show your digital identity on screen. The officer scans it the same way they would scan a driver's license barcode.

Right now, TSA Digital ID is available in a handful of airports across the United States. You create the credential through the official TSA app or through a partner app like Clear, and the process involves taking a photo of yourself and your ID, then verifying your identity through a video call with a TSA representative. Once approved, your digital ID lives on your phone and works at participating security lanes.

This is different from TSA PreCheck, which is a background-checked trusted traveler program that lets you keep shoes and belts on during screening. A digital ID does not replace PreCheck—it is straightforward another way to show who you are at the checkpoint.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA Digital ID is available at a limited number of airports, so check the TSA website to see if your airport participates before you start the process.
  • You create a digital ID through the TSA app or through Clear, and the process includes a photo of yourself, a photo of your ID, and a video verification call.
  • The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, though approval can take a few days as TSA reviews your information.
  • A digital ID works only at airports that have installed the technology, so you will still need your physical ID for travel to airports that do not yet support it.

Which Airports Accept TSA Digital ID Right Now

TSA Digital ID is rolling out gradually, and the list of participating airports changes as the program expands. As of early 2024, the program is live at a small number of major airports, including Denver International, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, and a few others on the East Coast and in other regions.

The best way to find out whether your airport participates is to visit the official TSA website and look for the Digital ID section, or open the TSA app itself—it will tell you when ready whether your airport is included. If your airport is not yet on the list, you can still create a digital ID, but you will not be able to use it until your airport joins the program.

TSA has stated that the program will expand to more airports over time, so even if your airport is not participating now, it may be in the future.

How to Create a TSA Digital ID Through the TSA App

Start by downloading the official TSA app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open it and look for the Digital ID option. Tap it and follow the prompts to begin enrollment.

You will need to take a clear photo of your face and a photo of the front and back of a valid government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Make sure the lighting is good and your face is clearly visible. The app will guide you through this step and tell you if the photo quality is not good enough.

After you submit your photos, the app will schedule a video call with a TSA representative. During this call, the officer will ask you to verify information from your ID and may ask a few basic questions to confirm your identity. The call usually takes just a few minutes. Once the call is complete, TSA will review your information and send you a notification when your digital ID is ready to use.

Creating a Digital ID Through Clear

If you already have a Clear membership, you can create a TSA Digital ID through the Clear app instead of the TSA app. Clear is a private company that offers expedited airport screening, and it has partnered with TSA to offer digital ID enrollment.

The process is similar: you upload photos of your face and ID, complete a video verification, and wait for approval. The main difference is that Clear handles the enrollment process on their platform. If you do not have Clear, you can still create a digital ID through the TSA app alone—you do not need a Clear membership.

What Happens After You Submit Your Information

After your video call with TSA, the agency reviews your photos and the information you provided. This review typically takes a few days, though it can sometimes take longer depending on how busy TSA is. You will receive a notification through the app when your digital ID is approved and ready to use.

Once approved, your digital ID appears in the app as a card you can tap and display on your phone screen. At the airport, when you reach a security lane that accepts digital ID, you straightforward unlock your phone, open the app, and hold it up for the TSA officer to scan. The officer will scan the barcode on your digital ID just as they would scan a physical ID.

If your digital ID is not approved, the app will tell you why and may give you the option to resubmit photos or information. If you have questions about a denial, you can contact TSA through the app.

What You Need Before You Start

You will need a smartphone with the TSA app or Clear app installed. You will also need a valid government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, passport card, or state ID card. Make sure your ID is not expired, because TSA will not accept an expired credential.

You will need a quiet space with good lighting to take your photos and to be available for a video call with a TSA representative. The video call is scheduled through the app, so you can choose a time that works for you. Make sure you have a stable internet connection for both the photo upload and the video call.

Using Your Digital ID at the Airport

When you arrive at the airport, head to a security lane that displays signage for digital ID or mobile credentials. Not all lanes at participating airports accept digital ID yet, so look for the sign or ask a TSA officer which lane to use.

At the lane, unlock your phone, open the TSA app, and tap your digital ID. A barcode will appear on your screen. Hold your phone steady so the officer can scan it. The officer will verify the scan and may ask you a security question, just as they would with a physical ID. Then you proceed through screening as normal.

You will still need to follow all standard TSA screening rules—removing liquids, electronics, and shoes unless you have TSA PreCheck. A digital ID does not change those rules; it only changes how you show your identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need TSA PreCheck to use a digital ID?

No. A digital ID and TSA PreCheck are separate programs. You can have one, the other, or both. A digital ID just shows your identity on your phone instead of a physical card. PreCheck gives you expedited screening benefits like keeping shoes on. You can use a digital ID at standard security lanes.

What if my airport does not have digital ID yet?

You can still create a digital ID through the app, but you will not be able to use it until your airport installs the technology. Keep your physical ID with you for travel. Check the TSA website or app periodically to see when your airport joins the program.

Can I use my digital ID for international flights?

TSA Digital ID works only for domestic flights at participating U.S. airports. For international travel, you will need your physical passport or passport card. The digital ID may eventually expand to international travel, but that has not happened yet.

What if the TSA officer cannot scan my digital ID?

If there is a technical problem, straightforward show your physical ID instead. You can proceed through screening normally. This is why you should always carry your physical ID with you, even if you have a digital ID.

Is my personal information safe in the TSA app?

TSA Digital ID uses encryption to protect your data, and your information is stored securely. The app does not store your photos after enrollment is complete. If you have concerns about data security, you can review TSA's privacy policy in the app or on the TSA website.