TSA Expands Digital ID Acceptance Nationwide, Including Virginia

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has begun accepting Virginia-issued mobile driver licenses at security checkpoints equipped with digital ID readers, a move aimed at enhancing the identity verification process for travelers. This digital ID, available through the Virginia Mobile ID app, serves as a convenient alternative to physical IDs, allowing users to bypass the traditional manual verification system. Virginia becomes the fourteenth state to implement this technology, which utilizes facial recognition to compare a live photo of the traveler against their digital ID. The TSA has ensured that the system does not retain any personally identifiable information after identity verification. Travelers are still advised to carry a physical ID or passport as a backup, particularly for boarding their flights. This initiative reflects TSA's ongoing integration of new technologies to streamline airport security procedures.