Will TSA accept a picture of your ID on your phone?
Asked by: Valentine Rau | Last update: July 13, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (8 votes)
Can you show TSA your ID on your phone?
TSA scanners accept both mobile IDs and REAL ID-compliant physical driver's licenses. This is not to be confused with TSA PreCheck, a separate paid, expedited screening program available at roughly 200 airports across the country where travelers are pre-screened for their security risk.
How does TSA verify identity without ID?
In the event you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification (whether lost, stolen, or otherwise), you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity.
Does TSA accept mobile driver's license?
TSA currently accepts mDLs issued by 11 states at 27 participating airports and has a goal of accepting mDLs in all airports, by expanding the technology nationwide. These states include Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, New York, Ohio and Utah.
Can I use my ID on my phone?
Whether it's your passport, driver's license, or state ID, you can add your ID information into Google Wallet – so you'll have the right information at your fingertips whenever and wherever you need it.
How to Present Your ID to TSA with iPhone
Can you fly with a picture of your ID on your phone?
The TSA began accepting mobile IDs from Utah in March 2023, Iowa in October 2023 and California in December 2023.
Can I show my photo ID on my phone?
Mobile Driver's License and Digital Identification
To use a digital ID, add your state-issued eligible driver's license or identification card, or ID pass to your phone using a TSA-approved digital ID app or to your digital wallet (Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet).
What forms of ID are acceptable to TSA?
identification card, U.S. passports, DHS Trusted Traveler cards and military identification will also be accepted at the TSA checkpoint. For a complete list of IDs that fly, visit www.tsa.gov/real-id.
What is a digital ID example?
Digital identity often relies on storing and verifying personal information — for example, their email address, a record of their face (as in facial recognition), or facts about their life (answers to security questions).
Will TSA let you through with a paper ID?
You cannot get through TSA and fly if you only have paper identification with you. However, you may still be able to board, provided that TSA can check your identity through other means. First, TSA will do some additional screening to confirm your ID before you can board the plane and be on your way.
What happens if I forget my ID at TSA?
By providing additional information, TSA has other ways to confirm your identity so you can reach your flight. If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.
What's not allowed in carry-on bags?
With the exception of balls, many pieces of sporting equipment, such as baseball bats, golf clubs, ski poles, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, martial arts weapons, hiking poles, and tent spikes/poles, are prohibited from carry-on luggage and must be transported in checked baggage.
Does TSA scan your ID or just look at it?
When a CAT unit is in use, a TSA officer will ask travelers to provide their photo IDs. The officer will insert each photo ID into the CAT unit where the ID is scanned and analyzed.
How to get through TSA without photo ID?
The website states, “The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.
Can TSA see whats on your phone?
In other words, the TSA might ask you to unlock your phone and show them it works, but they shouldn't be scrolling through your selfies and texts.
Do any states have a digital driver's license?
Mobile drivers license & digital ID FAQ. Which states offer mobile drivers licenses? As of August 2024, the following states have active mDLs: Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Ohio and Utah, as well as Puerto Rico.
What is a digital photo ID?
A digital identity (or ID) verifies your identity online in a way that can be reused across websites. You may be familiar with Digital ID if you've ever filed your taxes online with the IRS, applied for federal student aid, or checked your social security balance.
What does a digital identity look like?
Digital identities are composed of the full range of data produced by a person's activities on the internet, which may include usernames and passwords, search histories, dates of birth, social security numbers, and records of online purchases.
What are the downsides of digital ID?
Cybersecurity and other vulnerabilities: Government databases containing digital ID information may become targets for hackers seeking to exploit valuable data. This can result in financial loss, reputational damage, and emotional distress for victims.
Can I go through TSA with a picture of my ID?
Currently, all passengers must continue to have their physical IDs on hand. If a digital ID cannot be verified at the TSA security checkpoint, a passenger must use an acceptable physical identity document (e.g., driver's license, passport) to proceed through the identity verification process.
Does TSA allow digital ID?
Other than Hawaii, U.S. states issuing digital IDs acceptable to TSA—where checkpoints have the proper CAT-2 equipment—include Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, New York, Ohio and Utah.
Can you fly with a mobile ID?
Select airports in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Puerto Rico are fitted with the equipment to accept digital IDs.
Can I take an ID photo on my phone?
Most smartphones have a camera with a resolution of at least 5 megapixels, sufficient for quality passport photos. However, you should follow the guidelines for background, lighting, facial features, and attire. Selfies are not allowed, so you can use a tripod or have someone help you take the photo.
Can you use a picture of your ID as an ID?
U.S. driver's licenses and state IDs are government-issued photo IDs you can use when verifying your identity. During the verification process, you'll take a photo of your license or state ID using your smartphone or upload images from your device.
Can I prove my ID on my phone?
You can upload a photo of your ID by phone or by computer. In some cases, you can verify by mail instead. Some services need you to take a photo of yourself with a phone to verify your identity online. If you don't have a phone with a camera, you can verify your identity in person.