What TSA Touchless ID Does and How It Works

TSA Touchless ID is a biometric system that lets you move through airport security without handing over your passport or ID card. Instead, you look at a camera, and the system scans your face to confirm your identity. You still go through the standard security screening — metal detectors, bag checks, and all — but you skip the step where an officer manually checks your document against your face.

The system works at select airports where TSA has installed the hardware. You approach a kiosk, position your face in front of the camera, and the system compares your live image to the photo on file from your passport or driver's license. The whole process takes a few seconds. If the match is confirmed, you move forward; if not, you proceed through standard ID verification with an officer.

Touchless ID is part of the broader TSA PreCheck program, which also includes expedited screening lanes and the ability to keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on during screening. You do not need to enroll separately for touchless ID — if you have TSA PreCheck and you are at an airport with the technology, you can use it.

Key Takeaways

  • Touchless ID uses facial recognition at airport security kiosks and is available only at certain airports, so check TSA's website to see if your airport has it before your trip.
  • You must already have TSA PreCheck to use touchless ID; the system reads your face against your passport or state ID photo on file.
  • Enrolling in TSA PreCheck requires an in-person appointment at an enrollment center, a valid passport or state ID, and a fee that varies by state but is typically around $78 to $85 for five years.
  • The facial recognition scan is optional — if you prefer, you can always show your ID to an officer instead, even at airports with touchless kiosks.
  • TSA PreCheck enrollment takes about 10 to 15 minutes in person, and approval usually comes within two to three weeks.

Getting TSA PreCheck Before You Can Use Touchless ID

Touchless ID is only available to people who already hold TSA PreCheck status. If you do not have TSA PreCheck, you will need to enroll first. The process starts at the TSA PreCheck website, where you can find enrollment centers near you — these are usually located at airports, but some are at other locations like passport acceptance facilities or private enrollment providers.

At your appointment, bring a valid passport or state-issued ID, a second form of identification (such as a birth certificate or Social Security card), and proof of your address (a recent utility bill or lease works). You will also need to pay the enrollment fee. The fee varies slightly by state and enrollment provider, but it is typically $78 to $85 for a five-year membership. Some states and employers offer discounts or cover the fee entirely, so check before you pay.

The in-person appointment itself is brief — usually 10 to 15 minutes. An officer will verify your documents, take your fingerprints, and photograph you. After your appointment, TSA processes your background check, which typically takes two to three weeks. You will receive an email with your Known Traveler Number (KTN) once you are approved. Add that number to your airline reservations, and you will see TSA PreCheck on your boarding pass.

Finding Airports Where Touchless ID Is Available

Touchless ID kiosks are not at every airport yet. TSA has rolled them out at major hubs first, but the list is growing. Before your trip, check the TSA website's list of airports with touchless ID technology to see if your departure airport has it. The list is updated regularly as new kiosks are installed.

Even if your airport has touchless ID, the kiosks may not be in every security lane. When you arrive at security, look for signage directing you to touchless ID lanes. If you do not see any, or if you prefer not to use facial recognition, you can proceed through a standard lane and show your ID to an officer as usual.

How to Use the Touchless ID Kiosk at Security

When you reach a touchless ID kiosk, follow the on-screen instructions. The system will ask you to position your face in front of the camera. Look straight ahead, keep your face clear of sunglasses or hats, and stay still for a moment while the camera captures your image. The scan usually takes just a few seconds.

If the system confirms your identity, a green light or on-screen message will tell you to proceed. If the match is unclear — perhaps because of poor lighting, a significant change in appearance, or an angle issue — the system may ask you to try again or direct you to an officer for manual verification. This is not a problem; you straightforward move to standard ID verification and continue through security normally.

The entire touchless process, from approaching the kiosk to receiving clearance, typically takes less than a minute. You still go through all the standard security steps: removing liquids, placing bags on the conveyor, and walking through the metal detector or body scanner.

What Happens If the System Does Not Recognize You

If the facial recognition system cannot match your face to your ID photo, you will not be held up or questioned. The kiosk will straightforward direct you to speak with a TSA officer, who will verify your identity the traditional way — by looking at your ID and comparing it to your face. This happens occasionally and is completely normal. It does not affect your TSA PreCheck status or your ability to travel.

Common reasons the system may not match include wearing glasses or sunglasses at the kiosk, a significant change in appearance since your ID photo was taken, poor lighting, or an angle that does not align with the camera. If you know your ID photo is quite old or you have changed your appearance significantly, you can skip the kiosk and go straight to an officer.

Privacy and Data Handling With Touchless ID

TSA states that facial images captured at touchless ID kiosks are compared only to your existing passport or state ID photo and are not stored or used for any other purpose. The scan is deleted after the comparison is complete. TSA does not build a separate facial recognition database from these scans.

If you are uncomfortable with facial recognition technology, you do not have to use it. Even at airports with touchless kiosks, you can always choose to show your ID to an officer instead. Using touchless ID is optional, and choosing not to use it does not affect your TSA PreCheck benefits or your ability to move through security.

Renewing TSA PreCheck and Keeping Touchless ID Access

TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years. About six months before your membership expires, TSA will send you a renewal notice. You can renew online through the TSA PreCheck website without visiting an enrollment center — you will not need to provide fingerprints again or pay the full fee. The renewal process is faster and cheaper than initial enrollment.

When you renew, your new KTN will be issued, and you should update your airline reservations with the new number. Your touchless ID access continues as long as your TSA PreCheck status is active, so there is no separate renewal step for the facial recognition feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Using touchless ID is completely optional. Even at airports with the kiosks, you can choose to go through a standard security lane and show your ID to an officer. There is no penalty for choosing not to use facial recognition.

Can I use touchless ID without TSA PreCheck?

No. Touchless ID is only available to people who hold active TSA PreCheck membership. You must enroll in TSA PreCheck first, which requires an in-person appointment and a fee.

What if I wear glasses or contacts — will the system still recognize me?

Regular glasses are usually fine, but remove sunglasses or dark-tinted glasses before the scan. Contacts do not affect facial recognition. If you wear regular glasses in your ID photo, wear them at the kiosk too. If your appearance has changed significantly since your photo was taken, the system may ask you to try again or direct you to an officer.

How long does the facial scan take?

The scan itself takes just a few seconds. The entire process from approaching the kiosk to receiving clearance is usually less than a minute, compared to a few minutes for standard ID verification.

Is my facial image stored or used for anything else?

TSA states that facial images are compared only to your existing ID photo and are deleted after the comparison. The images are not stored in a separate database or used for any other purpose beyond that single security screening.