The TSA Is Testing Samsung Mobile ID Verification in Arizona

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is now accepting mobile Arizona-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards on Samsung devices for testing purposes. 

At 27 Arizona airports, passengers can present their identification on their Samsung Wallet by turning on Bluetooth and scanning their Samsung Galaxy smartphone or Galaxy Watch, as opposed to showing their physical license or ID card.  

This is the first time the TSA is testing mobile IDs in the Samsung Wallet. The agency began introducing new technologies to its screening process in April 2021, including accepting mobile IDs on other apps and devices. It accepts them only for certain state IDs at certain airports. 

“With the addition of Samsung, TSA now accepts, from participating states, mobile driver’s licenses and ID cards in multiple digital wallets on devices from multiple manufacturers,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “Our Samsung partnership spotlights our commitment to expanding options for eligible passengers to use mobile driver’s licenses.  

“TSA is committed to implementing new technologies that improve security effectiveness and collaborating on international, open standards that provide enhanced privacy protections, while also offering airline passengers a more convenient and efficient travel experience,” he added. 

The TSA uses second-generation Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) reader devices to read the mobile ID’s information. Passengers may opt out and show a physical ID if they wish, without losing their place in line.