TSA Will Accept Digital IDs From Several States; Work Visas Under Review

(UNITED STATES) The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began accepting digital IDs from more U.S. states at airport checkpoints as of August 14, 2025, marking a wider rollout of mobile driver’s licenses and other phone-based credentials that align with the fully enforced REAL ID Act. The shift affects travelers nationwide, with the TSA confirming deployment of digital ID readers at over 260 airports.

The change follows the agency’s full enforcement on May 7, 2025, which requires travelers aged 18 and older to present a REAL ID-compliant card or another TSA-approved ID to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities.

Which states and wallets are included

TSA acceptance now covers digital IDs from 16 states and territories:
– Arizona
– California
– Colorado
– Georgia
– Hawaii
– Iowa
– Louisiana
– Maryland
– New Mexico
– New York
– Ohio
– Puerto Rico
– Utah
– West Virginia
– Arkansas
– Arkansas’s neighboring states that were already in the program

These credentials are available through state apps or digital wallets, including Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet, depending on each state’s program. Availability still hinges on whether a checkpoint has the TSA’s digital ID reader installed, so officials continue to advise flyers to bring a physical ID as a backup.

Legal basis: REAL ID Act

The REAL ID Act—passed in 2005 to set federal standards for state-issued IDs—remains the legal backbone for this change. Under the law, cards used for federal purposes carry a star or special symbol indicating they meet federal security standards.

Digital IDs accepted by TSA are tied to a REAL ID-compliant physical card issued by the state. That connection is central to how the agency confirms identity.

Digital IDs in TSA use the REAL ID-compliant physical card as the authoritative link for identity verification.

How the TSA digital-ID checkpoint process works

TSA’s upgraded identity systems combine several technologies:
– Credential authentication reads the digital ID presented from a phone.
– Real-time facial recognition matches the traveler to the ID photo.
– The system checks whether the traveler is ticketed for that day, which can reduce the need to show a boarding pass to an officer.

For many travelers, this results in a quicker, more contactless process. However, the system is not yet universal; airports without the new equipment will not accept digital IDs, so a physical backup remains recommended.

Guidance for foreign nationals and non-REAL-ID holders

REAL IDs are limited to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain categories such as DACA and TPS recipients. Most visitors, students, and workers on temporary visas generally cannot obtain a REAL ID-compliant card or the linked digital ID.

As a result:
– Most foreign nationals should plan to carry a passport or another TSA-approved physical ID.
– TSA may move travelers without compliant IDs into additional screening, sometimes in separate areas, which can add time.

Policy changes and rollout timeline

Key regulatory and rollout milestones:
1. November 25, 2024 — TSA published a final rule allowing states to apply for waivers of certain REAL ID requirements for mobile driver’s licenses.
2. May 7, 2025 — TSA began acceptance of compliant digital IDs at participating locations.
3. August 14, 2025 — Expansion to include digital IDs from additional states and territories; readers installed at over 260 airports.

The rollout is incremental, with ongoing testing and deployment of readers. TSA says it aims to bring digital ID acceptance to all airports, but progress depends on equipment installation and state program readiness.

State programs and uptake

States continue to build and expand mobile ID offerings. Example:
– Arkansas launched its Mobile ID in 2025, offering a no-cost app and working on integration with Google and Samsung wallets, with Apple Wallet support expected.

This patchwork of state programs is gradually moving toward broader coverage, but variability remains across states and wallet platforms.

Official perspectives and analysis

Homeland Security leadership frames these steps as part of a larger security push. Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, said REAL ID enforcement improves security by cutting risks tied to identity fraud and terrorism.

TSA officials emphasize that digital IDs support a more secure process while staying within federal law. Analysis by VisaVerge.com characterizes the environment as a fast-growing but still uneven digital airport experience closely tied to the REAL ID framework.

For the latest TSA guidance — including current airport availability and technical requirements — see the TSA Digital ID program page: TSA Digital ID program. The agency notes that digital ID lane locations and functionality can change as equipment is installed or upgraded.

Practical advice for travelers

A few practical steps can reduce stress at the airport:

• Always carry a physical ID even if your state supports digital IDs.
• Confirm state and wallet support before you travel (some states use a state-run app only; others support Apple, Google, or Samsung Wallet).
• Plan for extra time if you are unsure whether your airport has the digital ID system installed.
• Foreign nationals on temporary visas: bring your passport and any other TSA-approved ID you hold; do not expect to use a digital ID unless your status and state program clearly allow it.

Important: If a traveler lacks a compliant ID at the checkpoint, TSA can direct them to extra screening, which may include verification questions and a separate lane.

Future outlook

TSA plans to:
– Release a more detailed rule to set nationwide standards for mobile driver’s licenses, improving consistency between states.
– Continue installing digital ID readers across more airports.
– Encourage additional states to join the program and expand wallet integrations.

Policy discussions have considered widening digital ID availability or REAL ID eligibility to include more foreign nationals, but no official changes had been announced as of mid‑August 2025.

Human impact — examples

• For a Maryland resident with a REAL ID-compliant license and Apple Wallet, a morning flight can feel simpler and faster.
• For an H-1B engineer in California, a passport remains the main travel document even for domestic trips.

These differences will likely persist until federal rules change or states broaden eligibility within the current legal framework.

Final takeaway

Digital IDs promise speed and convenience for many travelers, but coverage remains mixed through 2025. The safest approach for every flyer is:
1. Bring the right ID (physical REAL ID-compliant card or passport for non-eligible travelers).
2. Know your airport’s setup (check TSA guidance ahead of travel).
3. Allow extra time for screening if digital ID readers or integration are not in place.

VisaVerge.com reports that this mixed picture is likely to continue through 2025 as more airports come online and states refine their programs under the REAL ID Act.