Virginia Digital IDs Now Accepted at TSA Checkpoints in US

Thursday, January 30, 2025

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced this week that it is now accepting Virginia-issued mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) at airport security checkpoints across the United States. This move allows Virginia residents to use their smartphones to verify their identity, streamlining the travel process and reducing reliance on physical identification cards.

To utilize this new feature, travelers must first download the Virginia Mobile ID app and create an account. After adding their valid Virginia driver’s license or identification card to the app, passengers can present their digital ID at any of the over 230 airports equipped with TSA credential authentication technology units. These units are designed to read and verify the digital ID, capturing a real-time photo of the traveler to match against the ID and confirm their flight information.

“This is a significant step forward in enhancing both convenience and security for air travelers,” said a TSA spokesperson. “Digital IDs are much more difficult to forge or tamper with, and the process is quicker than traditional ID checks, which helps keep lines moving.”

The use of mDLs at TSA checkpoints offers several advantages. In addition to increased security and efficiency, it provides a contactless identification method, which can be beneficial in minimizing the spread of germs. Furthermore, the technology eliminates the need for travelers to present a physical boarding pass, as the credential authentication technology units can confirm flight details directly from the digital ID.

While the convenience of digital IDs is undeniable, the TSA still advises travelers to carry their physical identification cards as a backup.

Virginia joins a growing number of states where digital IDs are accepted by the TSA. Currently, 14 states have TSA-approved mobile ID programs, with more expected to join in the coming months. This nationwide rollout reflects a broader trend towards digital identification solutions, offering increased accessibility and security in various contexts.

The TSA’s adoption of digital IDs marks a significant milestone in modernizing identity verification processes and improving the overall travel experience. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that digital identification will become increasingly prevalent in various aspects of our lives.

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