What Touchless ID means and why TSA uses it

Touchless ID is a biometric system that reads your face and fingerprints without you touching a scanner. TSA began rolling it out at airport security lines in 2021 to speed up the identity verification step — the moment when an officer checks your ID against your face. Instead of handing over your passport or driver's license, you stand in front of a camera, and the system matches your features to your document on file.

You do not need Touchless ID to fly. It is optional. But if you have TSA PreCheck, using Touchless ID at the checkpoint can shave another 30 seconds off your wait because you skip the manual ID check entirely. The system works only at airports that have installed the hardware, which as of now includes major hubs like Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Los Angeles, and others, with more being added.

To use Touchless ID, you must already have TSA PreCheck. The biometric enrollment happens during your PreCheck appointment, not separately. If you do not have PreCheck yet, you will need to enroll in that program first.

Key Takeaways

  • Touchless ID requires an active TSA PreCheck membership; you cannot use it without PreCheck.
  • Your biometric data (face and fingerprints) is collected during your in-person PreCheck appointment at an enrollment center.
  • The system is available at select airports only, so check whether your home airport supports it before enrolling.
  • Touchless ID is voluntary — you can still use PreCheck the traditional way with your physical ID at any PreCheck airport.

Step 1: Enroll in TSA PreCheck first

Before you can use Touchless ID, you need an active TSA PreCheck membership. If you already have PreCheck, skip to Step 2. If not, go to the official TSA PreCheck website and create an account. You will provide your name, date of birth, contact information, and answer security questions. The account creation is free and takes about 10 minutes.

After you create your account, you will schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 depending on the center, and membership lasts five years. You can find enrollment centers near you on the TSA website by entering your zip code. Most major airports have centers, as do some post offices, pharmacies, and dedicated enrollment locations.

Step 2: Schedule your in-person appointment

Log into your TSA PreCheck account and select a date and time at an enrollment center near you. Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance, especially at airport locations, so book early if you have a specific date in mind. The appointment itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Bring a valid government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID) and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. Proof of citizenship can be a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or citizenship card. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card or I-94 with a green card stamp.

Step 3: Provide your biometric data at the appointment

At your appointment, an enrollment officer will take your fingerprints using a digital scanner — no ink, no mess. The officer will also take a digital photograph of your face. Both pieces of data are encrypted and stored in the TSA system. You will not see the images or fingerprints again; they exist only for matching purposes at airport checkpoints.

The officer will also verify your identity documents and ask basic questions about your background. If you have any criminal history or immigration issues, disclose them now; TSA will investigate and notify you if PreCheck is denied. Most people are approved on the spot or within a few days.

Step 4: Confirm Touchless ID is active in your account

Once your PreCheck is approved, log back into your TSA PreCheck account online. Your biometric data should be flagged as enrolled. Some enrollment centers automatically enroll you in Touchless ID; others require you to opt in through your account settings. Check your account dashboard — if you see a section labeled "Touchless ID" or "Biometric Enrollment," you are enrolled.

If your account does not show Touchless ID enrollment, contact the enrollment center where you had your appointment. They can confirm whether your biometrics were captured and submitted correctly. Do not assume you are enrolled if you do not see confirmation in your account.

Step 5: Use Touchless ID at the airport checkpoint

When you arrive at an airport that supports Touchless ID, look for the biometric kiosks in the PreCheck lane. They are usually marked with signage and look like a tall camera on a stand. Walk up to the kiosk, remove your glasses or sunglasses, and look directly at the camera. The system will scan your face and compare it to your enrolled photo.

If the match is successful, the kiosk will display a green checkmark and you will move forward without showing your ID to an officer. If the system cannot match your face — because of poor lighting, a hat, a mask, or a change in appearance — it will prompt you to show your ID manually to an officer, just as you would in a regular PreCheck line. This is not a failure; it straightforward means the biometric step did not work that day.

Airports with Touchless ID right now

Touchless ID is not available everywhere yet. As of early 2024, the system is live at airports including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Denver International, Dallas/Fort Worth International, Los Angeles International, Orlando International, Phoenix Sky Harbor International, and a growing list of others. TSA continues to install the hardware at more airports, but the rollout is gradual.

Before your trip, check the TSA website or call your airport's TSA PreCheck office to confirm whether Touchless ID kiosks are available in the PreCheck lane. If they are not, you will use PreCheck the traditional way — showing your ID to an officer. Your PreCheck membership works at all PreCheck airports regardless of whether they have Touchless ID.

What to do if Touchless ID does not recognize you

If the biometric kiosk cannot match your face, do not panic. The system is designed to fall back to manual ID verification. An officer will be nearby, and you will show your ID just as you normally would in PreCheck. You will still move through the line faster than standard security because you are in the PreCheck lane.

If this happens repeatedly, the problem is usually lighting, facial hair, glasses, or a significant change in appearance since your enrollment photo. You can request a new enrollment photo at any TSA PreCheck enrollment center for a small fee, or you can straightforward use your physical ID at the kiosk instead of waiting for the biometric scan. There is no penalty for opting out of the biometric step on any given day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use Touchless ID if I have TSA PreCheck?

No. Touchless ID is optional. You can always show your physical ID to an officer in the PreCheck lane instead. The biometric system is there to speed things up if you want to use it, but PreCheck works fine without it.

Is my biometric data safe?

Your fingerprints and face scan are encrypted and stored only in TSA systems. They are not shared with other agencies unless you consent, and they are not used for purposes beyond airport security. TSA has strict data protection rules, though you can review the full privacy policy on the TSA website if you want details.

What if I wear glasses or have a beard now but did not when I enrolled?

The system is designed to recognize faces even with glasses, facial hair, and minor changes in appearance. If it fails to match you, you can show your ID to an officer. If you change your appearance significantly — new glasses, major weight loss, or surgery — you can request a new enrollment photo at an enrollment center.

Can I use Touchless ID if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have TSA PreCheck. Permanent residents and some visa holders are may be able to access for PreCheck. Touchless ID works the same way for all PreCheck members regardless of citizenship status.

What happens if the kiosk is broken or not working?

If the biometric kiosk is down, you will straightforward show your ID to an officer in the PreCheck lane, just as you would at an airport without Touchless ID. You will still get the PreCheck benefit of a shorter line and fewer screening steps.