What Touchless ID is and how to use it at security
Touchless ID is a facial recognition system that TSA PreCheck members can use instead of showing a physical ID at airport security. When you approach the checkpoint, you look at a camera, the system matches your face to your passport or driver's license photo, and you move through without handing anything to an officer. The whole process takes a few seconds.
You do not have to opt in to use Touchless ID — it is available to all TSA PreCheck members at participating airports. If you walk up to a checkpoint with a Touchless ID camera, you can straightforward look at it. If you prefer to show your ID the traditional way, you can do that instead. There is no separate enrollment, no app to read, and no additional fee beyond your existing TSA PreCheck membership.
As of now, Touchless ID is live at major airports including Atlanta (ATL), Denver (DEN), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix (PHX), and San Francisco (SFO), with more airports adding the technology regularly. Check the TSA website or ask at your airport's PreCheck lane to see if Touchless ID is available where you are traveling.
Key Takeaways
- Touchless ID uses facial recognition to verify your identity at TSA PreCheck checkpoints without requiring you to show a physical ID.
- You do not need to enroll separately or pay extra — the system is available to all current TSA PreCheck members at participating airports.
- The technology is optional; you can choose to use it or show your ID the traditional way each time you travel.
- Touchless ID is currently available at major U.S. airports including Atlanta, Denver, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco.
How the facial recognition process works
When you reach a Touchless ID camera at security, you will see a screen with instructions. Stand about 12 to 18 inches from the camera, look directly at it, and keep your face visible — remove sunglasses and hats if you are wearing them. The camera captures your image and compares it to the photo on file from your passport or state-issued driver's license that you provided when you enrolled in TSA PreCheck.
The match happens in real time. If the system recognizes you, a green checkmark appears on the screen and you proceed through the checkpoint. If the system cannot match your face — because the angle is wrong, the lighting is poor, or your appearance has changed significantly — it will prompt you to try again or direct you to show your ID to an officer instead. This fallback option means you will never be stuck at the checkpoint.
The facial images are not stored or kept by TSA. The system only uses the photo already on file from your PreCheck enrollment to make the match, then deletes the live image when ready after the comparison.
What to do if Touchless ID does not recognize you
If the camera cannot match your face on the first try, the screen will usually offer you a second attempt. Adjust your position slightly, make sure your face is fully visible and well-lit, and try again. Most people succeed on the second attempt.
If the system still cannot match you, you will be directed to show your ID to a TSA officer at the checkpoint, just as you would at a traditional PreCheck lane. This is not a problem — you will still move through PreCheck screening, which is faster than standard security. You lose no time or benefit by falling back to ID verification.
If you find that Touchless ID consistently fails to recognize you, you can request that your PreCheck photo be updated. Contact TSA or visit a PreCheck enrollment center to have a new photo taken. Changes in appearance — new glasses, significant weight loss or gain, facial hair, or aging — can sometimes affect facial recognition accuracy, and an updated photo usually solves the issue.
Which airports have Touchless ID right now
Touchless ID is rolling out in phases. As of the most recent updates, the system is operational at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), Denver International (DEN), Dallas-Fort Worth International (DFW), Los Angeles International (LAX), Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), and San Francisco International (SFO). TSA has announced plans to expand to additional airports, but the timeline varies.
Before you travel, check the TSA website or call your airport's information line to confirm whether Touchless ID is available at your departure airport. Even if it is not yet installed, your TSA PreCheck membership works normally — you will straightforward use the traditional ID verification process at the PreCheck lane.
Privacy and data security with Touchless ID
Touchless ID uses the same facial recognition technology that many government agencies and private companies already use for identity verification. The system compares your live image only to the photo already on file from your PreCheck enrollment — it does not scan a database of millions of faces or create a new facial database.
Your facial image is not retained after the security checkpoint. TSA deletes the live photo when ready after the match is made or rejected. The only permanent record is your PreCheck enrollment photo, which you authorized when you signed up for the program.
If you have concerns about facial recognition or prefer not to use it, you can always show your ID instead. Opting out of Touchless ID does not affect your PreCheck membership or your access to PreCheck lanes — you straightforward use traditional verification at the checkpoint.
Preparing for your first Touchless ID experience
You do not need to do anything in advance. When you arrive at a PreCheck checkpoint with a Touchless ID camera, straightforward follow the on-screen instructions. Make sure your face is visible — remove sunglasses, hats, and masks before you approach the camera. If you are traveling with a child under 18, note that Touchless ID is currently available only for adults; children will need to show ID or be verified by an officer.
Bring your passport or driver's license with you anyway, even though you may not need to show it. If the Touchless ID system is unavailable or cannot match your face, you will need to present a physical ID to proceed through security.
If you have not yet enrolled in TSA PreCheck, you will need to do that first before you can use Touchless ID. PreCheck enrollment takes about 10 minutes online and requires an in-person appointment at an enrollment center, which typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. Once your membership is active, Touchless ID is available to you at any participating airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use Touchless ID if it is available at my airport?
No. Touchless ID is optional. You can choose to use it or show your ID the traditional way each time you travel. There is no penalty for choosing either option, and your PreCheck benefits remain the same either way.
What if I have changed my appearance since my PreCheck photo was taken?
Significant changes — new glasses, facial hair, weight loss, or aging — can sometimes affect facial recognition accuracy. If Touchless ID consistently fails to recognize you, you can request a new PreCheck photo at an enrollment center. A fresh photo usually solves the problem.
Can I use Touchless ID if I am traveling with children?
Touchless ID is currently available only for adults 18 and older. Children traveling with you will need to show ID or be verified by a TSA officer at the checkpoint. You can use Touchless ID while your children go through the traditional verification process.
What happens if the Touchless ID camera is broken or not working?
If the camera is offline, TSA officers will direct you to use traditional ID verification at the PreCheck lane. You will still receive PreCheck screening benefits — the system straightforward falls back to the standard method.
Is my facial image stored or shared with other agencies?
No. Your live facial image is deleted when ready after the checkpoint match is made or rejected. The only permanent record is your PreCheck enrollment photo, which you authorized when you joined the program. TSA does not share facial images with other agencies for this system.