DENVER — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) unveiled new technology at the Denver International Airport (DIA) Friday aimed at making the travel experience a little less chaotic this holiday season.
You've most likely experienced the stress that comes with wrestling your physical ID and boarding pass out of your bag while navigating through security lines. Now, passengers will be able to use the electronic copy of their driver's license or state-issued ID thanks to new technology called CAT-2 (Credential Authentication Technology).
At the moment, only a select number of states provide certified electronic versions of IDs — Arizona, Colorado and Maryland.
To use, travelers will walk up to a kiosk and double-click their phone to bring up their electronic ID. The CAT-2 machine will capture the information and photo from their ID, along with their boarding pass information. It will also take a real-time photo of the traveler to compare to the photo on the ID.
Once the CAT-2 confirms the real-time photo matches the ID photo, a TSA agent will verify the information, and the traveler can continue their way through the security process.
“Your mobile driver’s license ID will go against our database, and we will be able to tell the status of your travel for that day,” said Larry Nau, TSA federal security director for Colorado. “So, the boarding pass, everything’s captured on this mobile ID.”
In a press release, TSA said the real-time photos are "never stored or used for any other purpose than immediate identity verification."
The new machines are located at TSA PreCheck in the north security line at DIA.
While some travelers are embracing the change, others are a bit more skeptical.
“I would be sold on that,” said Melana Baca. “Yeah, try to not fumble with my extra bags and all the different things. Whatever makes anything more streamlined, I’m a fan.”
“I feel like you could be mistaken,” said Laura Woodard, who is more skeptical of the technology. “I’m a little old school, more old-fashioned. I feel like there’s room for error. We all want to throw our computers out the window every now and then. Computers make mistakes. I don’t like it, makes me nervous. What if you lose your phone? Could someone pass through as you?”
Passengers are still encouraged to bring their physical ID with them when traveling.
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FAQs
Does Denver International Airport accept digital ID? ›
As an added convenience, the CAT-2 units at DEN are equipped with readers that allow travelers to use state-issued digital driver licenses or digital identification cards for TSA identity verification purposes.
Will TSA accept Colorado digital ID? ›Things to Know. Continue to carry your physical driver license or state-issued ID card for interactions with law enforcement, state government agencies and businesses who aren't yet accepting Digital ID, as well as for use at airport TSA checkpoints. Colorado Digital ID is currently only authorized for in-state use.
Can I get through TSA with a digital ID? ›The TSA officer may require this physical ID in addition to the digital ID. TSA recommends eligible travelers complete the process of adding their digital ID to their mobile device before arriving at the TSA checkpoint to get the most efficient passenger experience.
Can I use my ID on my phone to fly? ›You can easily and securely add your driver's license or state ID to the Wallet app , then use your iPhone or Apple Watch to present your license or ID at select Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints and share in apps that require identity verification.
Who accepts Colorado digital ID? ›Colorado Digital ID may be accepted as a legal form of personal identification for use in Colorado. All executive branch agencies may accept Colorado Digital ID as a method to prove a person's identity where a physical driver license or other state identification is currently required.
What is the new airport screening technology? ›A New Slant on Airport Security
CT X-ray technology is derived from the medical space and used to find threats to aviation. CT systems take a series of X-ray images of a traveler's bag, and electronically “stitches” them together into a high-resolution, three-dimensional rendering.
- Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) ...
- U.S. passport.
- U.S. passport card.
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.
- Permanent resident card.
The Airside Digital Identity App allows users to create a secure and encrypted digitalized version of government-issued identification (driver's license or passport) which airline passengers can then store their ID on their smartphone and present it at the required checkpoints.
Is original ID required at airport? ›Passengers must be in possession of a Valid Ticket issued in his / her name along with any of the following Valid Photo Identity Documents in original* for entry into the Airport and travel.
How does TSA verify your identity? ›The officer will insert each photo ID into the CAT unit where the ID is scanned and analyzed. CAT is linked electronically to the Secure Flight database, which confirms travelers' flight details, ensuring they are ticketed for travel that day.
What states are doing digital ID? ›
State-sponsored Apps
Arizona, Delaware, Mississippi, and Oklahoma — Idemia, a French security company, has launched the Mobile ID app in several U.S. states, including Arizona, Delaware, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.
Coloradans can use their Digital ID on a smartphone for proof of identity, age, and residency within the state, and Colorado businesses and government agencies are authorized to accept it, per Governor Polis' Executive Order and press release.
How do I get a digital ID card? ›On the Tools menu, click Trust Center, and then click E-mail Security. Under Digital IDs (Certificates), click Get a Digital ID. Click Get an S/MIME certificate from an external Certification Authority, and then click OK.
What will digital ID do? ›In a resolution issued today, federal, provincial and territorial privacy regulators note that the digital identity ecosystem emerging in Canada and around the world will allow individuals, businesses and governments to confirm identities and carry out transactions online with a high degree of efficiency and confidence ...
What is a Colorado digital license plate? ›Under the bill, digital license plates may be used instead of metal plates if the registration number and expiration date are visible from 100 feet away in the sunlight. The digital plate would be at the vehicle's rear; the metal plate would still be required for the front.
What is the new technology in airports? ›VR, AR, and beacon technology
In the airport, it can be used to guide and inform passengers with app-based visualisations. This can improve the passenger experience, with accurate information on location, flight data, and surrounding services.
Alaska Airlines is investing in biometric technology like facial recognition to improve the customer experience.
What are 3 new technologies that will change aviation? ›- Smart Airports via Digitization.
- IoT and Cloud Technology.
- AI and Machine Learning.
- Social Distancing Technology.
- Blockchain.
- Sustainability.
- In-Flight Connectivity.
- Advanced Self-Service and Biometrics.
You can also carry soft copies for identification. According to a circular published by BCA, the aviation security agency Mobile Aadhaar, or an Aadhaar card in digital form via the mobile app mAadhaar, may now be used as identification at airports.
What else can I use instead of my passport? ›- Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card.
- In-state, fully-valid driver's license or enhanced driver's license with photo.
- Certificate of Naturalization.
- Certificate of Citizenship.
- Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
- U.S. military or military dependent ID.
What documents do I need for TSA Precheck? ›
Valid Photo ID
Unexpired photo ID card issued by the federal government or by a State or outlying possession of the U.S. This must include a federal agency, State or State agency seal or logo (such as a State university ID). Permits are not considered valid identity documents (such as gun permits).
Yes. Using NSW Digital ID is completely optional. It won't replace the paper versions of your credentials and cards, but it will give you a more convenient option to help prove your identity online and in-person.
What photo ID is acceptable for domestic flights? ›Valid photographic driving licence, provisional or full. Valid armed forces identity card. Valid police warrant card/badge.
What do you need to fly on a plane 2022? ›You must present an acceptable ID, such as a valid passport, state-issued enhanced driver's license or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S. You will not be allowed to fly if your identity cannot be verified. Review the complete list of acceptable identification.
What documents are required in airport? ›Passport, Travel Visa and National ID Card
Proper identification is the foundation of international travel. As a result, you should ensure to always have an official identification document with you. You can even consider having multiple documents such as your passport, national ID card or driver's licence.
In the event you arrive at the airport without proper ID, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. By providing additional information, TSA has other ways to confirm your identity, like using publicly available databases, so you can reach your flight.
Can you fly with a digital license? ›Using your digital ID at TSA checkpoints
Once your state ID is stored in your iPhone, you'll be able to present it at supported TSA checkpoints nationwide. The process starts when you get to the front of the security line.
The gate checks for passengers follow the establishment of an employee security program in 2007, which included random screenings. The checks aim to prevent weapons or other contraband being passed from an employee to a passenger before boarding, among other risks.
Does Colorado allow digital driver's license? ›Device & System Requirements. iPhone device with iOS version 11 or higher. Android device with OS version 8.1 or higher.
Do you need REAL ID for Denver airport? ›Beginning May 3, 2023, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card.
Does Denver airport require REAL ID? ›
Starting Oct. 1, 2020, air travelers will need a REAL ID driver license or ID card or another acceptable form of identification to board a flight at all U.S. airports. Colorado has been issuing REAL IDs since 2012. Colorado REAL ID licenses and ID cards have a star located in the upper right-hand corner of the card.
What states are getting digital ID? ›Only three states across the nation currently offer and accept digital IDs: Arizona, Colorado and Maryland. In 2021, Apple announced that Georgia, Connecticut, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma and Utah were all in talks with the company to establish digital IDs in the tech giant's Apple Wallets.
Do I need a REAL ID to fly to Colorado in 2022? ›You can fly with your regular ID until May 7, 2025. Following that date, you will either need a REAL ID or another TSA-approved form of ID (that we have listed above in the article).
What does a REAL ID look like in Colorado? ›Real ID-compliant cards have a star in a black circle or a yellow star in the top right corner. Even if you have an older Colorado ID, you're still set. Licenses from compliant states — regardless of if the ID is the new or old version — will be accepted after Jan. 22.
Why get a REAL ID if I have a passport? ›Q: Do I need a passport if I have a REAL ID? If you are traveling internationally you will still need your passport. If you are traveling domestically, you will only need one valid form of identification – either your REAL ID or another acceptable alternative such as a passport, not both.
Can I still fly in the US without a REAL ID? ›Beginning May 7, 2025, every traveler must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued enhanced driver's license, or other acceptable forms of identification, such as a valid passport or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S. Review the complete list of acceptable identification.
Why does Denver not accept vertical IDS? ›But Most Businesses Follow it For Good Reason. Balliet believes the main reason for not accepting legal vertical I.D.s is because businesses don't want to risk losing liquor licenses.
What is the deadline for the REAL ID in Colorado? ›In December 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its intent to extend the REAL ID full enforcement date by 24 months, from May 3, 2023 to May 7, 2025.