Touchless ID lets you verify your identity without handing your passport or driver's license to a TSA officer

Touchless ID is a biometric system that scans your face at airport security instead of requiring you to show a physical ID document. You stand in front of a camera, it matches your face to your passport or driver's license on file, and the TSA officer sees the match on their screen. You never hand over your document. American Airlines passengers can use this at participating U.S. airports, though the system is run by TSA, not by the airline itself.

The process takes about the same time as traditional ID verification, but some travelers prefer it because it reduces contact and keeps your documents in your pocket. Not every airport has the equipment yet, and you cannot request it — if your checkpoint has it, you will see the camera setup when you arrive at security.

Key Takeaways

  • Touchless ID uses facial recognition to verify your identity, and you do not hand your ID to the officer.
  • The system is available at some U.S. airports but not all, and TSA decides where it is installed, not American Airlines.
  • You must have a valid U.S. passport or state-issued driver's license for the system to work.
  • If your airport has the equipment, you can use it; if not, you go through standard ID verification instead.
  • Opting in happens at the checkpoint itself — there is no advance registration or online form to complete.

Which airports have touchless ID right now

TSA has installed touchless ID cameras at security checkpoints in major U.S. airports, but the list changes as the program expands. As of early 2024, the system is live at airports including Atlanta (ATL), Denver (DEN), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), and several others, but coverage is not nationwide yet.

The best way to learn about your departure airport has it is to check the TSA website or call your airport's security office directly before you travel. American Airlines does not control which airports get the equipment, so calling the airline will not tell you whether your checkpoint has it.

What you need to use touchless ID

You must have a valid U.S. passport book or a state-issued driver's license. Passport cards, tribal IDs, and military IDs do not work with the system yet. Your ID must be current — expired documents will not match the facial recognition scan.

You also need to be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. Foreign nationals traveling on visas cannot use touchless ID and will go through standard verification instead.

How to use it at the checkpoint

When you reach security, look for the touchless ID camera setup — it is usually a kiosk or wall-mounted screen near the ID verification podium. A TSA officer will direct you to it if your checkpoint has one. You do not need to do anything in advance; the system is opt-in at the moment you arrive.

Stand in front of the camera, look at the screen, and keep your face visible. The camera scans your face and compares it to the photo on your passport or driver's license. If it matches, the TSA officer sees a confirmation on their screen and waves you through. If it does not match or the system cannot read your face clearly, the officer will ask you to show your ID the traditional way.

The whole process takes 10 to 20 seconds. You keep your ID in your pocket unless the facial scan fails.

What happens if the facial scan does not work

If the camera cannot match your face to your ID photo, you will be asked to remove your mask (if wearing one) and try again. If it still does not work, you straightforward show your physical ID to the officer and proceed through security normally. There is no penalty or delay — it just reverts to the standard process.

Reasons the scan might fail include poor lighting, a significant change in appearance since your ID photo, or a technical glitch. Wearing glasses, a hat, or a mask will usually require you to remove them for the scan to work.

Privacy and data handling

TSA does not store your facial scan or create a database of your biometric data. The camera reads your face in real time, compares it to the photo on your ID document, and discards the scan when ready after verification. Your ID information is not sent to American Airlines or any third party.

If you have concerns about facial recognition technology, you can decline to use touchless ID and ask the TSA officer to verify your identity the traditional way. There is no disadvantage to refusing — you will straightforward show your ID as you normally would.

Touchless ID versus standard ID verification

The main difference is contact and speed. With touchless ID, you do not hand your document to anyone. With standard verification, you show your ID to the officer, they examine it, and hand it back. Both take roughly the same amount of time at the checkpoint.

Touchless ID is not faster or slower — it is just a different method. It does not affect how long you wait in the security line or how thoroughly TSA screens you. Your bags and person still go through the same X-ray and metal detector screening regardless of which ID method you use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use touchless ID if my airport has it?

No. You can decline and show your ID the traditional way. The system is opt-in at the checkpoint, and there is no penalty for choosing standard verification instead.

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

Children under 18 do not need to show ID at domestic security checkpoints if they are traveling with an adult. If your child does have an ID and wants to use touchless ID, they can, but it is not required.

Will touchless ID work if I recently changed my appearance?

If your face has changed significantly since your ID photo was taken — due to surgery, weight loss, or other reasons — the facial recognition may not match. You can ask the officer to verify your ID manually instead. Updating your ID photo will help the system recognize you in the future.

Is touchless ID the same as TSA PreCheck?

No. TSA PreCheck is a paid program that lets you keep shoes and belts on and leave laptops in your bag. Touchless ID is a free biometric verification system available to anyone with a valid ID. You can use both at the same checkpoint, or use touchless ID without having PreCheck.

What if I am traveling internationally on American Airlines?

Touchless ID works only at U.S. domestic security checkpoints. For international flights, you will go through standard ID verification. The system does not explore to international departure areas.