New York joined the list of states with digital IDs accepted by the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA). With this, New York becomes the ninth state whose digital identification can be read by readers of Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) from the agency.
Robert Duffy, Director of Federal Airport Security The guardhe expressed in a press release cited by Forbes: “We are pleased to be able to add this next-generation digital ID to the list of acceptable IDs at our security checkpoints.”
New Yorkers who wish to take advantage of this new capability can download the New York Mobile ID app from the App Store either Google Play for free, as long as they have a valid licensepermit or non-driving identification card issued by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
To use a digital driver’s license At TSA checkpoints, travelers only need to scan their mobile id with a reader CAT-2which validates identity by using facial recognition technology and a secure internet connection to the system TSA Secure Flight. Duffy stated: “After the transaction, his photo and biographical information will be removed from these devices.”
The ability to fly with a digital ID is now available for approximately 70 million Americansas long as your flight departs from one of the More than two dozen U.S. airports equipped with CAT-2 readers.
According to him New York DMV Commissioner Mark JF Schroeder, “digital credentials are the future of identity verification.” He added that this innovation is an exciting way to prove who you are without having to search for your physical document.
The TSA began testing the acceptance of digital IDs at select checkpoints early in 2022. In March of that year, Arizona was the first state to allow the use of Mobile driver’s licenses stored in Apple Wallet for identity verification at airport security checks. Since then, Colorado, Maryland and Georgia have joined Arizona in this innovation. These four states also allow storage in Google Wallet.
In March of 2023, Utah joined the list, followed by Iowa in October 2023 and California in December of the same year. In May 2024, Louisiana became the eighth state whose mDL is accepted at TSA checkpoints nationwide.
Residents of Louisiana you can download the LA Wallet app on their smartphones for use in identity verification during the screening process at airports equipped with readers CAT-2.
It is important to note that not all digital driving licenses are accepted; they must be issued by one of the nine states that comply with the technology of the TSA. This means that travelers cannot simply store a photo of their physical driver’s license in it Apple Wallet either Google Wallet and go to the airport.
Furthermore, the program should not be confused mDL with TSA PreCheckan expedited review program available in approximately 200 airports in the United Stateswhich verifies the identity of passengers through biometrics during the registration process. These are two separate initiatives, although both seek to improve efficiency and security at airports, the agency clarified. TSA in the statement.
