TSA Officially Green-lights Continued Use of mDLs Beyond REAL ID Implementation

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has published a final rule that will allow passengers to continue using mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) for identity verification at airport security checkpoints and federal buildings once REAL ID enforcement begins on May 7, 2025.

The rule will go into effect on November 25, 2024, providing states the opportunity to apply for temporary waivers of certain REAL ID requirements. This will ensure the continued use of mDLs for identity verification in compliance with REAL ID standards.

Mobile driver’s licenses are becoming an increasingly important tool for secure identity verification, and TSA Administrator David Pekoske emphasized in a statement that the TSA would work to advance secure, privacy-enhancing identity solutions in collaboration with state and industry partners. “At TSA, digital technology is an integral part of our identity verification framework and improves security efficiency while enhancing the passenger experience,” he said.

The rule enables TSA to continue accepting mDLs from states that apply for waivers, while the agency works on establishing permanent federal guidelines and comprehensive standards for mDLs.

As of now, TSA accepts mDLs from 11 states at 27 airports equipped with Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) readers. These readers use advanced technology to verify the authenticity of the mDL by scanning the smartphone or reading it via contactless tap, ensuring that the digital ID is valid and matches the holder’s identity. TSA has set a goal to expand this capability nationwide, with plans to eventually accept mDLs at all airports.

By implementing this rule, the TSA supports the evolution of digital identity verification in line with the enforcement of REAL ID, which is set to begin in 2025. The REAL ID Act mandates stricter standards for state-issued IDs to ensure their reliability. By May 7 of next year, U.S. travelers will need REAL ID-compliant identification, or a federal alternative, to board domestic flights or access federal facilities.

The TSA’s decision to allow mDLs continues to support this transition by integrating digital solutions into its security framework, ensuring that mDLs meet or exceed the verification standards set by the REAL ID Act. By enabling the continued use of mDLs, the TSA is working to bridge traditional ID enforcement with evolving digital technologies, paving the way for future standards while still complying with REAL ID’s security requirements.

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October 24, 2024 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team