These Are the Airports Where You Can Currently Use Your iPhone to Get Through TSA Security

11.09.2024 - 15:14 / afar.com

When you’re heading through airport security, it’s always a bit stressful when you can’t quickly find your ID to present to the TSA agent. Luckily, those days may soon be behind you—if you’re an iPhone user.

Apple’s newish technology allows fliers to add their driver’s license or state ID to their Apple Wallet app and use their device to get through security. That means travelers can simply swipe their iPhone or Apple Watch instead of showing a physical copy of their ID to security agents. The hope is to make airport security a little more efficient and secure.

The newer tech went live on March 23, 2022, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Arizona. Since then, the capabilities have rolled out in Maryland (as of May 25, 2022), Colorado (as of November 9, 2022), Georgia (as of May 18, 2023), and Ohio (as of July 31, 2024). Here’s what you need to know about flying with Apple’s Wallet ID.

The TSA security checkpoints at six airports currently accept Apple’s Digital ID, including:

According to Apple, the Wallet ID capabilities will roll out soon in:

As of yet, the tech company hasn’t shared which airports in those states will use the new technology. Additional states have plans to join the program down the line.

Setting up the new technology is fairly simple. Eligible fliers can scan their driver’s license or state ID into the Apple Wallet app (there are on-screen instructions to follow), then take and upload a selfie. “As an additional fraud prevention step, users will also be prompted to complete a series of facial and head movements during the setup process,” Apple states. The selfie and scanned license are then sent to the issuing state for verification and approval.

Once approved, which often happens in minutes, users can present their Apple Wallet identification at airport security checkpoints by tapping their device at the Credential Authentication Technology reader (provided they are signed into their device with Apple ID). Fliers will then be shown which information is requested by the TSA, which typically includes legal name, date of birth, sex, Real ID status, and the issue and expiration date of the ID. Travelers can then consent to provide that information through Face ID or Touch ID by double-tapping a side button for Face ID or Apple Watch or holding their finger to the home button for Touch ID. In other words, you don’t even have to unlock your phone.

The information is transmitted digitally to the TSA and encrypted by the Apple Wallet app. The technology is available on iPhone models 8 or later that run iOS 15.4, and Apple Watch Series 4 or later running watchOS 8.4 or later. You’ll know it worked if a checkmark and the word “Done” appears on your device.

Depending on where