TSA Accepts Maryland-Issued Mobile IDs in Google Wallet at Select Airports

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport among the initial 25 participants

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) pushes the envelope on travel convenience and security. Collaborating with Google and the State of Maryland, TSA now accepts Maryland-issued mobile driver's licenses and ID cards in Google Wallet on Android mobile phones at select TSA airport security checkpoints.

Mobile IDs for Expedited Security Checks

TSA PreCheck® passengers will now have the option to use this new feature for identity verification at 25 participating airports. These include Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

"TSA's partnership with Google and Maryland spotlights our commitment to implementing new technologies and expanding the use of mobile driver's licenses," said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. "This launch represents the first mobile driver's license in Google Wallet."

Enhanced Security and Privacy

The digital identity information from the mobile driver's license is encrypted and transmitted digitally, providing enhanced security and privacy protections. Once the passenger's real-time camera photograph matches the encrypted mobile identity information from Google Wallet and their reservation data, a TSA officer will verify the match, and the passenger can proceed to security screening - all without exchanging a boarding pass.

To facilitate this, passengers must turn on Bluetooth and hold their Android smartphone or watch on the second-generation Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) reader device. TSA assures passengers that the real-time live camera photograph and mobile identification information are not retained or used beyond immediate identity verification.

Despite the convenience, passengers using a Maryland mobile driver's license or state ID will still need to carry and have their physical driver's license or identification card readily available, as it may be required for identity verification.

Next Steps for Travelers

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

This initiative falls under President Biden's Executive Order on Transforming Customer Experience. TSA first introduced the concept of the mobile driver's license in April 2021. This move showcases the organization's interest in enhancing security and privacy through mobile driver's licenses.

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