Mobile license or state ID can be utilized at Atlanta airport

TSA checkpoint at Atlanta airport

Share this content

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Passengers with a Georgia-issued mobile driver’s license or ID card in Apple Wallet will now be able to use those credentials to confirm their identity at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced.

ID format

The TSA, in collaboration with the State of Georgia and Apple, has said that Georgia residents can 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.

“We’re excited to be able to enable IDs in Apple Wallet for Georgia residents at select security checkpoints,” said Robert Spinden, TSA Federal Security Director for the State of Georgia. “This new roll-out 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.”  

To present their ID in Apple Wallet, the TSA says that passengers at the airport can simply hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near the TSA’s Credential Authentication Technology reader at the travel document checking podium. Passengers’ devices will then display what information is being requested and only after authorizing with Face ID or Touch ID is the requested information released from a device.

The TSA officer will then verify the airport passenger’s identity and flight status for a secure, convenient and touchless identity verification experience.

Eligible travelers

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. The TSA says that 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. A physical ID may still be required by an officer.

The TSA recommends that eligible travelers complete the process of adding an ID to their Apple Wallet before arriving at the airport TSA checkpoint. Only passengers with TSA PreCheck added to their boarding pass will currently be eligible at this time.

SJA insight

The rise of new verification technologies has increased their application within environments such as airports. For passengers at Atlanta airport that have either a mobile driver’s license or state ID from Georgia, being able to expedite their check in will make for an easier and more streamlined journey.

Additionally, as the data will be encrypted, the extra layer of security will ensure that passengers at the airport will feel more protected. Other states to have already implemented this process are Maryland, Arizona and Colorado.

Newsletter
Receive the latest breaking news straight to your inbox