4th State Accepts Apple Wallet For TSA Screening

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced the deployment of a new technology that enables airline passengers to use their Georgia-issued mobile driver’s license or ID card in Apple Wallet to verify their identity for airport security screening purposes at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

Starting this week, individuals with driver’s licenses or state IDs issued by the State of Georgia will be able to add a digital version of their license or ID to Apple Wallet and present it at the ATL T-South airport security checkpoint for identity verification purposes if they are enrolled in TSA PreCheck® and are using a designated checkpoint lane.

Georgia joins Maryland, Arizona, and Colorado as the fourth state to offer this capability.

Robert Spinden, TSA Federal Security Director for the State of Georgia, stated in a press release on May 18, 2023, “This new rollout allows passengers to safely and securely enter the security checkpoint area and offers a convenient travel experience for passengers — especially as their iPhones and Apple Watches can now act as both their IDs and boarding pass.”

With IDs in Apple Wallet, identification data is encrypted and transmitted digitally, eliminating the need for passengers to show or hand over their device to a TSA officer.

All passengers, including those traveling through ATL with a Georgia driver’s license or state ID, must continue to carry and have readily available their physical driver’s license or identification card or other acceptable ID listed on the TSA website.

However, a TSA officer may require a physical ID.

TSA recommends that eligible travelers complete the process of adding an ID to their Apple Wallet before arriving at the TSA checkpoint.

TSA introduced the concept of the mobile driver’s license in April 2021. TSA’s interest in this technology is driven by potential security and privacy enhancements provided by mobile driver’s licenses compared to physical cards.

For more information on all digital identity solutions accepted at select TSA checkpoints, visit tsa.gov/digital-id.