Virginia Joins California, New York, Texas, Florida, Ohio, Georgia, and Arizona as One of Fourteen States in TSA’s Digital ID Program – Now Accepted at Over Two Hundred US Airports

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Virginia travelers now have a more convenient and secure way to verify their identity at airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has expanded its Digital ID Program, allowing Virginia-issued mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) to be used at over 200 airports nationwide equipped with credential authentication technology (CAT-2) readers.

With this addition, Virginia joins California, New York, Texas, Florida, Ohio, Georgia, and Arizona, along with six other states, in offering travelers a contactless and streamlined airport screening process. Passengers can present their digital IDs through Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet, reducing the need for physical identification.

While this marks a major step in modernizing TSA checkpoints, travelers are still advised to carry a physical ID as a backup.

A New Way to Verify Your Identity at TSA Checkpoints

Instead of fumbling for a physical driver’s license, travelers can now use a Virginia mobile driver’s license (mDL) to verify their identity at select TSA checkpoints. This digital ID is stored on a smartphone and can be accessed through the Virginia Mobile ID app.

To get a digital ID, you’ll need a valid Virginia driver’s license or state ID card. Once enrolled, you can use the mobile ID at security checkpoints that have credential authentication technology (CAT-2) readers, which are designed to scan digital credentials quickly and securely.

How the Digital ID System Works

Passengers using a digital driver’s license at a TSA checkpoint will place their phone near the CAT-2 reader, which will scan their digital ID. The system then takes a live photo of the traveler and uses facial recognition technology to compare it with the image stored in their digital ID.

This streamlined process is designed to make security checks more efficient, secure, and contactless, reducing the need for handing over physical IDs to TSA officers.

Which Airports Accept Digital IDs?

TSA has been rolling out digital ID technology at airports nationwide, and Virginia residents can now take advantage of it at over 230 locations. However, travelers must be flying from an airport with CAT-2 readers to use a digital ID.

The TSA-approved digital IDs are available through official state apps and popular platforms like Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet.

Airports Accepting Digital IDs

Virginia travelers can now use TSA-approved digital IDs at security checkpoints in over 200 airports nationwide. Some of the major participating airports include:

• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Albuquerque International Sunport Airport (ABQ)
• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
• Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

These airports are equipped with credential authentication technology (CAT-2) readers, allowing passengers to verify their identity using mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) stored in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet. This initiative aims to enhance security while making the airport screening process faster and more convenient. However, TSA still advises travelers to carry a physical ID as a backup.

Who Else Can Use TSA-Approved Digital IDs?

Virginia joins 13 other states and Puerto Rico in offering TSA-compliant mobile driver’s licenses. The full list includes:

• Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Puerto Rico.

If you live in one of these states, you can also use a digital ID for TSA security checks, provided your airport has the necessary CAT-2 reader technology in place.

TSA Still Recommends Carrying a Physical ID

While digital IDs offer a convenient and modern way to verify your identity, TSA still advises travelers to carry a physical driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification as a backup. Not all checkpoints are equipped with CAT-2 readers yet, and it’s always a good idea to have a hard copy in case of technical issues.

A Step Toward the Future of Air Travel

With more airports embracing digital verification technology, travelers can look forward to faster and more seamless security screenings. TSA’s push for secure digital IDs is part of its ongoing efforts to modernize air travel while maintaining strict security protocols.

Next time you fly, you might not need to dig through your wallet for an ID—just a quick scan of your smartphone, and you’re good to go!

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