San Diego International Airport (SAN) has begun accepting California mobile driver’s licenses at its security checkpoints, marking another milestone in the nationwide expansion of digital identification at U.S. airports.
The new system allows travelers to present their California mobile driver’s licenses stored in Apple or Google Wallet for identity verification. The implementation follows California’s partnership with AuthenticID to enhance mobile driver’s license security and joins a growing list of states embracing digital identification technology. The process uses CAT-2 cameras equipped with facial matching technology to verify passengers’ identities, eliminating the need for travelers to physically hand over devices or show separate boarding passes.
TSA officials have confirmed that photos captured by the verification cameras are used solely for immediate identity confirmation and are not stored or used for any other purposes. Travelers maintain the option to decline digital ID verification in favor of traditional physical identification documents. The program is part of the TSA’s broader rollout of CAT-2 terminals across major U.S. airports, which has already seen successful deployments in states like Virginia and West Virginia.
The new verification system arrives ahead of the REAL ID enforcement deadline of May 7, 2025, when all air travelers 18 and older will be required to present REAL ID-compliant identification for domestic flights. California has been issuing REAL ID-compliant credentials since 2018, identifiable by a gold or black star in the upper right corner of the license. The TSA has recently approved the extended use of mobile driver’s licenses alongside REAL ID requirements, providing travelers with additional flexibility.
“Travelers should take an inventory of their accepted photo identification forms before REAL ID enforcement begins,” said Kathleen Connon, TSA Federal Security Director at San Diego International Airport. The TSA is conducting comprehensive public awareness campaigns through airport signage, online resources, and educational materials to prepare travelers for the upcoming requirements.
The adoption of digital IDs represents an evolution in identity verification technology, with proponents highlighting enhanced security features and fraud prevention capabilities. The system is designed to limit the sharing of personal information while maintaining robust verification standards. The rollout is part of a larger trend that has seen ten states already implementing Apple Wallet integration for digital driver’s licenses, with eight more in development.
Sources: Axios, Mobile ID World, Transportation Security Administration
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