Loading Page...

Can I show my ID on my phone to fly?

Add your state-issued eligible driver's license or identification card to your phone's digital wallet. Present your ID at select TSA PreCheck® checkpoints by tapping your phone or linked device. Your photo will be take by the TSA reader at security to proceed to screening.



As of 2026, you can show a digital ID on your phone to fly at over 250 airports across the United States, but there are major caveats. The TSA currently accepts Mobile Driver’s Licenses (mDLs) stored in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet, as well as state-issued digital ID apps from participating states like Arizona, Maryland, Georgia, and California. To use it, you simply tap your phone or scan a QR code at the TSA PreCheck or standard security checkpoint. However, the TSA strongly advises all travelers to still carry their physical, plastic ID card as a backup. This is because not all airports have the necessary digital readers yet, and if your phone battery dies or the app glitches, you will be unable to verify your identity. Furthermore, if you are flying internationally, a digital ID is never a substitute for a physical passport, which is still required for all border crossings.

People Also Ask

Digital Identification Download a TSA approved digital ID app to your mobile device. Scan in your state-issued driver's license or state ID. At select TSA PreCheck® checkpoints, scan the app issued QR code. Your photo will be taken by the TSA reader at security to proceed to screening.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Here are some alternative documents to try if you lost your driver's license:
  • 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.
  • Border crossing card.


MORE DETAILS

If you don't have any of the accepted IDs, you'll be asked to show two alternative forms of ID. One of them must show your name and identifying information, such as a photo, address, phone number or Social Security number, according to TSA.

MORE DETAILS

You do not require a passport to travel within the UK, but you will need to carry one type of photographic ID when travelling with us.

MORE DETAILS

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)

MORE DETAILS

If you only have an expired passport, you can still bring it along for domestic travel within the United States, but you must convince TSA officers that you are who you say you are. However, if you're traveling internationally, you must have a valid passport.

MORE DETAILS

Absolutely not. A passport must be physically presented. It's originality is checked at the immigration of destination countries as also the VISA stamps.

MORE DETAILS

You must select one from the list below:
  • current passport (any nationality)
  • Biometric Residence Permit (UK)
  • current driving licence photocard (full or provisional) (UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands or Ireland)
  • birth certificate issued within 12 months of birth (UK, Isle of Man or Channel Islands)


MORE DETAILS

Standard driver license, permit or non-driver ID card
a Federal REAL ID driver license, permit or non-driver ID card. Remember, you will need a Passport to fly to other countries.

MORE DETAILS

Your identity document (for example your passport or identity card) will be checked when you arrive at a UK port or airport to make sure you're allowed to come into the country. It should be valid for the whole of your stay. You may also need a visa to come into or travel through the UK, depending on your nationality.

MORE DETAILS

In place of a passport, you can use WHTI-compliant documents like passport cards, trusted traveler's cards, and NEXUS cards. While these allow you to travel to these regions by sea and road, they are not acceptable for international flights.

MORE DETAILS

Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

MORE DETAILS

  1. Check-in for your flight.
  2. Hand over any luggage that would need to go into the aircraft hold, if you are travelling with luggage.
  3. Pass through the airport security gates to the departures hall.
  4. Find your boarding gate.
  5. Board the plane and fly to your destination.


MORE DETAILS