TSA enables residents and travelers in Puerto Rico to use mobile driver’s license for ID verification

Passenger with mobile ID places phone on CAT-2 reader

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San Juan, Puerto Rico - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in collaboration with the Government of Puerto Rico, deployed technology that allows airline passengers to use their state-issued mobile driver's license or mobile identification card in Apple Wallet and other complaint mDLs to verify their identity for airport security screening purposes.

Starting today at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), individuals with a Puerto Rico driver's license will be able to add a digital version of their license to their Apple Wallet and then use their iPhone or Apple Watch for TSA identity verification purposes.

"TSA is committed to leveraging technology to enhance airport security, reduce touchpoints, and provide greater privacy protections to individuals at TSA checkpoints," said TSA's Federal Security Director for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands Mariely Loperena Moure.

When passengers enter the TSA security checkpoint, they can hold their mobile device over newly installed credential authentication technology (CAT-2) readers to begin mDL presentment. Passengers' devices will then display what information is being requested, and only after authorizing is the requested information released from a device. The TSA officer will then verify the passenger's identity and flight status for a secure, convenient, and touchless identity verification experience. Users never show or hand over their device to a TSA officer.

TSA officers can perform additional passenger verification if needed. For travelers who do not have an mDL, their physical credential can be scanned by the CAT-2 unit for identity verification.

All passengers, including those traveling through SJU with a mobile ID, must continue to carry and have readily available their physical driver's license or identification card, or other acceptable ID listed on the TSA website. This physical ID may be required by the TSA officer to complete ID verification.

TSA recommends that eligible travelers complete the process of adding an mDL before arriving at the TSA checkpoint.

TSA introduced the concept of the mobile driver's license in April 2021 with a notice in the Federal Register and a press release announcing a request for information regarding mobile driver's licenses. TSA's interest in this technology is driven by potential security and privacy enhancements provided by mobile driver's licenses compared to physical cards. In addition, touchless identity verification will have health and safety benefits in response to the pandemic.

SJU is now one of 27 airports accepting digital ID's. As other states and device manufacturers adopt this capability, TSA will continue to deploy the technology at airport checkpoints.

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