Hawaii Becomes 11th State to Allow Digital IDs at TSA Checkpoints

Travelers with a Hawaii drivers’ license or identification card can now present a digital ID to the TSA at Honolulu’s international airport, the largest in Hawaii. 

Specifically, Hawaii residents can now show IDs on their mobile device at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)’s Makai security checkpoint in Terminal 1. This makes Hawaii the eleventh state to allow digital IDs at certain TSA checkpoints that have new Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2). 

“We are pleased to have partnered with the Hawaii Department of Transportation to make the digital ID a reality in the Aloha State. This is another way of integrating technology into the aviation security process at no additional cost to the passenger,” said Nanea Vasta, TSA Federal Security Director for Hawaii. “We have taken great care to ensure that use of the digital ID can be done so securely and privately when traveling.”   

How it works

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now accepts mobile IDs issued by 11 different states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, New York, Maryland, New York, Ohio, and Utah – but only at select airports and checkpoints that have CAT-2. The map of those checkpoints can be found on the TSA website. 

Each state has a different process for adding an identification card to your mobile phone. In some states, it’s available for Apple Wallet, some Google Wallet, and others both. Also, a REAL ID may be required to add to your device, though TSA is not requiring them until May 7, 2025. 

For example, Hawaii IDs are available digitally by adding them to Apple Wallet on an iPhone or Apple Watch device. The state’s Department of Transportation website offers a tutorial for making this happen.  

Other states, such as New York, provide this information on the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website. Louisiana even has its own app for adding the ID. Depending on the state, it will either be referred to as a mobile drivers’ license (mDL) or mobile ID (MiD). 

What is CAT-2?

CAT-2 – Credential Authentication Technology – is a facial recognition scanner that assists TSA officers in the screening process. The units also have a mobile ID scanner. They are now used at 84 airports nationwide and will be rolled out to 400 more in the coming years, including at other Hawaii airports by mid-September. 

CAT-2 takes a real-time photo of travelers to confirm their identity and scheduled flight. The TSA has indicated that photos are immediately deleted after identification, and that travelers’ privacy is protected. 

According to the TSA, having your photo taken at these checkpoints is optional. Using a mobile ID is free of charge to passengers, but also completely optional.