What Touchless ID Is and How It Works at Security Checkpoints

Touchless ID is a TSA system that lets you show your driver's license or passport to a camera instead of handing it to an officer. You stand in front of a kiosk, the camera scans your ID, and the system verifies it matches your face. No physical contact with the document or the officer happens. The whole process takes about 10 seconds.

The technology uses facial recognition to confirm you are the person on the ID. The kiosk displays your name and photo on a screen so the officer can see it matches you. If everything checks out, you move forward through security. If the scan fails, you hand over your ID the traditional way — there is no penalty for the camera not working.

Touchless ID is optional. You can always choose to hand your ID to the officer instead. The system is designed to speed up the line and reduce contact during busy travel times, but it is not required to fly.

Key Takeaways

  • Touchless ID kiosks are available at select airports and security checkpoints, and you can use one by straightforward walking up and following the on-screen prompts — no advance registration is needed.
  • You must have a valid Real ID-compliant driver's license, passport, passport card, or trusted traveler card to use the system.
  • The kiosk scans your ID and compares it to your face; if the match fails, you proceed through security the normal way with no delay.
  • Touchless ID is completely voluntary, and you can decline to use it and hand your ID to the officer instead at any time.

Which Airports and Checkpoints Have Touchless ID

Touchless ID kiosks are not at every airport or every security lane. The TSA has installed them at major hubs and is expanding the program, but availability changes. As of now, kiosks are in use at airports including Atlanta (ATL), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York JFK, San Francisco (SFO), and others, but the list grows regularly.

Within an airport, touchless kiosks are usually placed at the front of security lanes during peak travel times. Not every lane has one. If you do not see a kiosk when you arrive at your checkpoint, ask a TSA officer where the nearest touchless option is, or straightforward proceed through a traditional lane.

The TSA website and airport websites sometimes list which checkpoints have touchless technology, but the fastest way to know is to look for the kiosk when you arrive. If one is available, you will see it clearly marked.

What ID Documents Work With Touchless ID

You need a valid, government-issued photo ID that is Real ID-compliant or a trusted traveler credential. Acceptable documents include a Real ID driver's license, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a trusted traveler card (Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, NEXUS, SENTRI, or CANPASS).

Your ID must not be expired. If your license or passport is expired, you cannot use the touchless kiosk, but you can still go through security the traditional way by handing your ID to an officer — though an expired ID may cause other delays depending on your situation.

The ID must be in good condition so the camera can read it clearly. Heavily damaged, faded, or worn IDs may not scan properly, in which case you straightforward use the traditional lane instead.

How to Use a Touchless ID Kiosk Step by Step

When you reach the security checkpoint and see a touchless kiosk, walk up to it and follow the on-screen instructions. The screen will tell you where to stand and how to position your ID document in front of the camera. Hold your ID flat and steady — usually about 6 to 12 inches from the camera — and keep your face visible to the camera as well.

The kiosk will scan your ID and take a photo of your face. This usually takes 5 to 10 seconds. The screen will then display your name and photo from your ID so you and the TSA officer can confirm it matches you. If the match is successful, the kiosk will direct you to proceed to the next step of security screening.

If the scan fails — because the camera could not read the ID, the lighting was poor, or the facial match did not work — the kiosk will tell you to see the officer. You then hand your ID to the officer at the checkpoint and proceed normally. There is no penalty or extra screening for a failed scan.

What Happens to Your Information When You Use Touchless ID

The facial image captured by the kiosk is compared only to the photo on your ID document. The TSA does not store the image or add it to a database for future use. Once the comparison is complete and you move through security, the image is deleted. The system is designed to verify your identity in that moment only.

Your ID information — name, date of birth, ID number — is checked against TSA and law enforcement databases the same way it would be if you handed your ID to an officer. The touchless process does not change what information is checked, only how your ID is presented.

If you have concerns about facial recognition or data privacy, you can decline to use the kiosk and hand your ID to the officer instead. Choosing the traditional lane does not flag you or cause any additional screening.

Troubleshooting When the Touchless Kiosk Does Not Work

If the kiosk cannot read your ID, the most common reasons are poor lighting, a damaged or worn ID, or the document being held at the wrong angle. The screen will usually tell you to try again. Adjust your position, make sure your ID is flat and clearly visible, and try once more.

If the facial recognition does not match, it could be because you are wearing sunglasses, a hat, or a mask, or because the lighting is casting a shadow on your face. Remove any items covering your face if possible and try again. If it still does not work, straightforward tell the officer and hand over your ID — this is normal and happens to many travelers.

If the kiosk is broken or not responding, an officer will direct you to a different lane. There is no wait penalty or extra screening. The system is meant to speed things up, so if it is not working, the TSA moves you through the traditional process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to register in advance to use touchless ID?

No. Touchless ID requires no pre-registration or sign-up. You straightforward walk up to the kiosk when you see one at the checkpoint and follow the on-screen prompts. It is available to any traveler with a valid, Real ID-compliant ID or trusted traveler card.

Can I use touchless ID if I am traveling with children?

Children must still present their own valid ID to the officer. Touchless kiosks are designed for individual travelers. If your child has a passport or Real ID, they can use a kiosk if one is available, but the process is the same as for adults.

What if my ID is expired but I am still within the grace period?

An expired ID, even within a grace period, will not work with the touchless kiosk. You will need to use the traditional lane and hand your ID to the officer. TSA rules on expired IDs vary, so check the TSA website or ask an officer about your specific situation.

Does using touchless ID affect my TSA PreCheck or trusted traveler benefits?

No. Touchless ID is separate from trusted traveler programs. If you have TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or another trusted traveler card, you can use that card with the touchless kiosk, but the kiosk itself does not change your PreCheck benefits or screening process.

What if the facial recognition system does not recognize me?

If the match fails, you straightforward proceed to the officer and hand over your ID as you normally would. There is no penalty, no extra screening, and no delay beyond what you would experience in a regular security line. Facial recognition failures happen and are handled routinely.