San Diego International Airport (SAN) has implemented acceptance of California mobile driver’s licenses at its TSA security checkpoints, marking another milestone in the nationwide expansion of digital identity verification for air travel.
The Transportation Security Administration at SAN now accepts California-issued mobile driver’s licenses, which travelers can store in digital wallets like Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. The implementation follows similar successful deployments in states including New Mexico, Virginia, and West Virginia. The verification process uses the latest generation of Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2), equipped with digital readers and cameras that capture real-time photos of travelers.
During the verification process, CAT-2 units employ facial matching technology to compare the traveler’s mobile driver’s license photo against the real-time photograph. The system connects securely to verify the traveler’s ticketing status and screening eligibility, eliminating the need for separate boarding pass presentation. The technology meets the requirements of the ISO 18013-5 standard for mobile driving licenses, ensuring interoperability and security across different jurisdictions.
“The identity verification process is the cornerstone of transportation security,” said TSA Federal Security Director at SAN, Kathleen Connon. “Allowing travelers to use the mobile driver’s license is another way we are embracing technology to enhance security and increase the efficiency of our operation.”
The system incorporates privacy protections, as photos captured by CAT-2 units are used solely for immediate identity verification and are not stored. Travelers maintain the option to opt out of facial matching in favor of alternative identity verification methods conducted by TSA officers. The approach follows the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators’ Digital Trust Service guidelines for mobile driver’s license implementations.
Digital IDs offer enhanced security compared to physical credentials, which can be subject to counterfeiting. The mobile driver’s license system also provides improved privacy by sharing only the specific information required for TSA identity verification. The selective disclosure capability represents a significant advancement over traditional physical IDs, where all information is visible regardless of what’s needed for a specific transaction.
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