TSA Enables Mobile ID Verification at PHX

AZ- The TSA has collaborated with the State of Arizona and Apple Pay to launch a new technology that will allow Arizona residents to utilize their state-issued mobile driver’s license or mobile identification card for airport security screening. Airline passengers that are Arizona state residents will be able to display their mobile identification using Apple Wallet on their iPhone or Apple Watch. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is currently the only airport offering mobile identification capability, but the TSA expects to extend the offering at other airports pending adoption by additional states and device manufacturers.

Passengers that are able to use the new identification technology will be able to tap their phone or watch at the TSA’s Credential Authentication Technology reader for touch-less identity verification. The passenger’s data will then be encrypted and transmitted digitally. Passengers, however, will still be required to carry a physical identification source in case it is required to complete ID verification. The new capability is also only available to passengers with TSA PreCheck but is expected to become available to additional passengers in the future. The idea for the new mobile identification process was introduced by the TSA last year in an effort to improve customer experience, security, health, and safety measures.