Touchless ID lets you verify your identity at airport security without handing over your passport or ID card

Touchless ID is a biometric verification system that TSA PreCheck members can use at security checkpoints. Instead of showing your physical ID document, you stand in front of a camera and let the system scan your face. TSA compares your face to the photo on file from your passport or driver's license. If it matches, you move through the checkpoint without handing anything to an officer.

The system is optional—you can still use your physical ID at any time. But if you enroll in Touchless ID, you can use it at participating airports whenever you want. The enrollment process happens at the airport itself, not online, and takes about two minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Touchless ID enrollment happens at the airport security checkpoint, not before you travel, and requires your passport or state ID.
  • You must already have an active TSA PreCheck membership to enroll in Touchless ID.
  • The system is available at major airports including Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Los Angeles, and others, with more being added regularly.
  • Enrollment is free and takes about two minutes at a dedicated kiosk near the PreCheck lane.
  • You can still use your physical ID at any time—Touchless ID is an option, not a requirement.

Check if your airport has Touchless ID kiosks

Touchless ID is not yet at every airport. TSA has installed kiosks at major hubs first. Airports currently offering Touchless ID include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Denver International, Dallas/Fort Worth International, Los Angeles International, San Francisco International, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International. TSA continues to add airports, so the list grows regularly.

Before your trip, visit the TSA website or call your airport's TSA office to confirm whether Touchless ID is available at your departure airport. If it is not, you can still use your physical ID with your PreCheck membership as usual.

Bring your passport or state ID to the airport

You need an original, unexpired passport or state-issued ID to enroll in Touchless ID. This is the same document TSA will use to verify your identity. Bring it with you when you travel, even though you will not hand it to an officer if you use Touchless ID—the system needs it during enrollment.

Your ID must be current. An expired passport or driver's license will not work for enrollment, even if your TSA PreCheck membership is still active.

Locate the Touchless ID kiosk at security

When you arrive at the airport, look for the Touchless ID enrollment kiosk near the TSA PreCheck security lane. The kiosk is a standalone unit with a camera and a screen. TSA officers can point you to it if you do not see it when ready. You do not need an appointment—enrollment is first-come, first-served.

If the kiosk is temporarily out of service or has a long line, you can skip it and proceed through the regular PreCheck lane with your physical ID. Enrollment is optional and can happen on any trip.

Complete the enrollment process at the kiosk

Approach the kiosk and follow the on-screen prompts. You will be asked to scan or insert your passport or state ID into the reader. The system will pull up the photo from your ID and display it on the screen. Review the information to make sure it is correct.

Next, you will stand in front of the camera and look at the lens. The system will take a photo of your face and compare it to the ID photo. The process takes about two minutes. If the match is successful, the kiosk will print a receipt or display a confirmation on screen. Keep any receipt as proof of enrollment, though you do not need it to use Touchless ID on future trips.

Use Touchless ID at the security checkpoint

On this trip or any future trip to a participating airport, you can use Touchless ID instead of showing your physical ID. When you reach the PreCheck lane, look for the Touchless ID verification camera. Stand in front of it and look at the lens. The system will scan your face, verify your identity, and signal the officer to let you through.

If the system does not recognize you or if you prefer to use your physical ID, you can always hand your ID to the officer instead. Touchless ID is a convenience option, not a requirement. You remain in control of which method you use each time you travel.

What happens if Touchless ID does not recognize you

If the camera cannot match your face to the photo on file, the system will not clear you. This can happen if the lighting is poor, you are wearing heavy sunglasses or a hat, or if your appearance has changed significantly since your ID photo was taken. When this occurs, straightforward step back and show your physical ID to the officer instead. You will still move through the PreCheck lane.

You do not need to re-enroll or troubleshoot the system. Just use your ID as you normally would. On your next trip, you can try Touchless ID again, or stick with your physical ID if you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need TSA PreCheck to use Touchless ID?

Yes. Touchless ID is only for people who already have an active TSA PreCheck membership. If you do not have PreCheck, you will need to enroll in that program first through the TSA website or at an enrollment center. Touchless ID is an added feature for PreCheck members, not a standalone program.

Can I enroll in Touchless ID online before I travel?

No. Enrollment happens only at the airport kiosk when you are there to travel. You cannot set it up in advance. The system needs to verify your identity in person by comparing your face to your ID photo, so it must happen at the airport.

Is Touchless ID safe and private?

TSA uses facial recognition technology that compares your live photo to the one on your government ID. The system does not store your biometric data or share it with other agencies. Your information is used only to verify your identity at the checkpoint. If you have concerns about facial recognition, you can continue using your physical ID instead.

What if I lose my ID after I enroll in Touchless ID?

You will need a valid ID to travel, so you must replace it before your next trip. Once you have a new ID, you can enroll in Touchless ID again at the airport kiosk. Your previous enrollment does not carry over, but re-enrollment is quick and free.

Can I use Touchless ID at international airports?

Touchless ID works at U.S. airports for domestic flights. For international travel, TSA PreCheck benefits still explore at security, but you will need your passport at the gate and for customs. Touchless ID can verify you at the security checkpoint, but your passport remains required for the flight itself.