Digital identities are taking a step forward, at least in Arizona, as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is now allowing residents to use mobile driver’s licenses or state-issued mobile identification card in the wallet app of Apple [AAPL] iPhones or watches to verify their identity at the security screening checkpoint at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
The use of the digital identities at the security checkpoint began last week and demonstrates that the technology is becoming secure to the point that it can be used in relatively sensitive applications. It also marks the start of what TSA expects to eventually be an expanded rollout.
“Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone in TSA’s efforts to improve airport security screening,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement on March 22. “As mobile device technologies continue to advance and become more secure, TSA is committed to leveraging those technologies wherever possible to enhance airport security, reduce touchpoints, provide greater privacy protections to individuals, and facilitate greater accuracy in identify verification capabilities at TSA checkpoints. We expect PHX to be the first of many airports this year to feature this innovation as TSA continues to enable a more efficient checkpoint experience for passengers.”
At Phoenix Sky Harbor, the use of the digital ID will be limited to PreCheck passengers who will open the wallet app on their Apple device and then tap the device to the TSA credential authentication technology (CAT) reader. Apple said that users will be shown which information is requested by the agency, and can consent to provide it by using either Face ID or Touch ID without having to unlock their phone or present the ID.
TSA will also capture a photo of the passenger for verification purposes.
IDEMIA supplies the CAT systems, which are small desktop devices found at the TSA’s Travel Document Checker stations. The CAT 2 systems feature the camera for live photo verification against a travel credential.
During the process, the TSA officer verifies the traveler’s identity and flight status.
Apple said that Arizona is the first state to offer a mobile driver’s license and state ID in its Wallet app. Additional states will also soon have driver’s licenses and state IDs available for Apple Wallet, including Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Utah and the territory of Puerto Rico, Apple said.
The adoption of electronic mobile IDs as a valid identity credential at TSA checkpoints is in line with the agency’s new Identity Management Roadmap, which includes the expansion of digital identity solutions for use in air travel applications.